FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Unique way to change Struts

I apologize for all the posts in advance :-P...

This looked like a unique way to get the job done...anybody have any experience going this route:

http://www.toyota120.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3358

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on September 18, 2010 at 2:50pm

So I ended going with the method in the blue room where you remove the entire strut in one piece. You end up having to unscrew the two lower ball joints on the lower control arm to get the spring in and out so it somewhat ends up being a wash. The whole process was more or less strait forward but with one person it takes a long time.

I ended up taking the struts to pep-boys, they swapped the springs in 30 minutes for 20 bucks per, I tried fooling with the spring compressor and man that crap is scary! I did have to compress them to re-align the strut so it would fit in...was kind of bitter pep-boys didn't do that but for 20 bucks i guess it wasn't too bad.

All that for a 1/2 inch higher then my 885s :-D. Still worth it for me, i didn't like the way it was sitting. Thanks for the tips and the PDFs, helping when i had to re-torque everything. Now to sell my 885s/Toytec springs.

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Permalink Reply by Sonof40 on September 18, 2010 at 6:42pm

I used two sets of compressors and it was still scary. Congrats on the work.

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Permalink Reply by Bz on September 19, 2010 at 12:45am

those look scarier that most... yikes!

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Permalink Reply by 5AND5TORM on September 19, 2010 at 1:06am

good ol' Harbor Freight disposable spring compressor. Threads are only good for a couple of uses.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on September 19, 2010 at 8:54am

Yup those where the ones i used. I love how the bolts would bend......I was just waiting for a POP!

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Permalink Reply by cypilk on September 18, 2010 at 8:04pm

Congrats on your lift!

I know it can be a pain in the ass to put on a lift, but personally, I enjoy doing it! I've done it 9 times on several different FJs and have gotten very familiar with the process. Heck, i've even gone as far as buying the perfect tool to loosen each bolt. Newest tool -- Matco 1/2" electric impact wrench. Score!!