Time estimate for install

Time to upgrade my suspension for my 2011 Tacoma. For those who have done it, I’m trying to get an idea of the time it will take to install the following:

Rear Suspension: leaf springs and shocks.

Front Suspension: coils and struts - they are already assembled.

I had planned on installing them this coming weekend but the forecast is for lots of rain and I’ll be doing all the work outside. I’m wondering if I can work a few hours after work to knock out the back and then the front before the rain comes.

 

If this is your first time doing it, my advice is to double the time you estimate that it will take you. I would also advise not to put yourself under the gun with a short install time window. You’ll make into being like work and be stressed to get things done. Give yourself enough time to be able to take in and enjoy the process.
I’m sure there will be guys saying you can get it all wrapped front and back in no time. I’d give yourself a weekend and if you get it done in a few hours, way to go and enjoy that new suspension! If it takes the whole weekend, way to go and enjoy that new suspension.

 

Ok thanks! Just trying to get an idea of hours. I would not like to do it all in the rain! But I’ll enjoy the process no matter what! I’m pumped to get it installed.

 

You’ll have to post some pics of your completed work. What are you replacing with? And are you going to replace the needle bearing with the ecgs bushing while you’re at it?

 

I didn’t plan on replacing the ECGS bushing at this time.

I’m putting on Bilstein 5100 all the way around with OME 885 coils and fixing the Tacoma lean and Icon RXT leaf springs.

 

Give yourself the day. Take your time. You’ll be fine. If your doing it on the ground the rear can be a pain you’ll be surprised how high you need to get the truck to get the leaf springs in. All in all it’s not bad.

 

Use a tarp to set up a lean too over the wheel your working on.

Plan the entire weekend.

 

Thanks Everyone. I'm going to break it up into two evenings. I just converted the RXT leaf pack to Option 2 last night. Didn't take more than 45 min.

 

I had never installed a suspension upgrade before and it took me about 20 hours over a weekend to install king RR coil overs and rear shocks, SPC UCAs, Dakar leafs, and a carrier bearing drop. I did the majority of the work alone at my buddy’s house, but he gave me a hand here and there. Nothing is super complicated, but much of it is a PITA. In particular, getting the UCA bolts out took me forever. Oh and the rear remote reservoir mount location is not so easy to thread a screw into. I also made the mistake of trying to reattach the sway bar while one wheel was jacked up. It took a while to figure out wtf I did wrong.

 

oh dang. That is some work. Mine is going in today. Going to tackle the back after work and see how it goes.

 

However long you think it will take, multiply that by 2 or 3.

 

Realistic time for first go on the rears will probably be 5-8hr. Fronts 4 if you’re not doing UCAs.

That’s with some mechanical knowledge, doing it on the ground with jacks, and hand tools. You might want to have a torque spec guide handy as well.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-torque-spec-guide.318116/


Follow the aftermarket suggested install guidelines but here’s a torque spec info page. Your year may vary so check that as well.

 

Took me a solid day with a 2 post lift, not rushing.

 

Thanks for the info everyone. Call me crazy but starting it at 5:30pm might be ambitious

 

Took me a good 2 days but I'm a noob at this stuff. I took my time because I didn't want to screw anything up.

 

Did the back end tonight. Took me just under 4 hours to install the leaf packs and shocks. The job wasn’t too bad and I got lucky and didn’t have to wrestle with any bolts. The ride is already night and day better. I’ll be putting the fronts on this weekend.

 

Well done man. Torque to spec!

 

Congrats! Looks all nice and shiny. Too shiny...

 

thanks man. Yep all torqued to spec. It wasn’t that bad at all. Everything went real smooth.