Honest Opinion lift install.

I ordered the Toytec Boss 2.0 lift to install with my son. Neither of us are car guys per say but I am mechanically inclined.
How hard are these really to install? I’ve watched so many videos, half of which I think I can do this the other half with the torquing and ball joint removal make me think no way.
I’d hate to get in the middle of it and find out I’m in way over my head and have my ride all torn apart.
My bad didn’t catch the spellcheck on torque and not torch. Sucks getting old with fat thumbs

 

Many of us have done our own work. Some are more mechanically inclined than others. You shouldn't need a torch on a 2018. Keep watching videos. Make sure you have all of the parts before starting. Having another person to help is huge. If you're mechanically inclined, you should be fine.

 

Are you also installing UCA's?

You don't need to remove the ball joint when just replacing shocks/coils. I know some videos show that you do, but there are others that show you how to do it without messing with the ball joints.

 

I think the hardest part is getting the spring safely on the coilover for the front. If it doesn't come assembled.

But you should be able to get a shop to slap it together for you. I've always stayed away from those spring compressors.

 

Yes I’m doing UCA’s. Maybe I’ll give it a shot.

 

If you have the tools it’s not that hard. I had my Tacoma down to less than hour to swap out coil overs for the front with hand tools and a good floor jack. Granted all the setups I had were pre assembled but changing out the coils isn’t bad. When I did my first ome on the Tacoma I didn’t have spring compressors. I used my jack and leverage on the lca to compress the springs and re attach the top hat. Basically you bolt the top into position with the three top bolts. Put the spring and shock assembly in where it goes bolt the lower shock assembly in so it doesn’t kick out then jack up the lca until the spring is through the top hat enough to bolt it down. It’s certainly not the best way but it can be done.

 

Do you have KDSS? I've heard that can make it more difficult, but don't have first hand experience there.

I did it solo on my rig. It wasn't hard work, but my fronts did come preassembled, so that helped save some time. I did wish I had a helper or maybe a third arm when I was getting the coilover assembly back in.

 

With UCA's, you'll obviously be working with ball joints then. Still no big deal.

The worst part of a suspension install like this is the anticipation of not knowing exactly what to expect beforehand.

Once you get in there, you'll realize that it's all pretty easy and straightforward. Mostly just loosening bolts, replacing parts, and tightening bolts back up again.

You got it.

 

No KDSS. Toytec come preassembled

 

I think you’re right on here. I got all worked up about doing the exhaust. It turned out to be a piece of cake.

 

I have never done any real work on cars. A couple months back my 6112/5160 started leaking in the rear driver side. I decided to replace it myself with Dobinson setup. The shocks were preassembled and I didn't do UCAs initially and I was able to replace the front and rear suspension over a weekend. I had to also deal with KDSS.

I think you will be fine. Only thing I would say that is that if you have an impact gun, it will help breaking free bolts. After I finished, I went out and added an electric impact gun for future work.

 

http://www.bkstrucks.com/ in Springfield installed my Eibach Pro Truck Lift for $500 (including wheel alignment).
Not having a spring compressor and watching the videos on how to install it w/o I realized, I would be better off having a Pro do it. He has the tools and knowledge.

 

I went to auto zone a rented the tools. I’m gonna give it a shot today. Time and patience are gonna be key today.

 

Good luck!

Let us know how it turns out.

 

Let me say never again. Maybe for a younger guy with a buddy who knows what they are doing. I got the front done but it took me all day. Passenger side was a pain and I made a lot of mistakes. Drivers side went a lot easier because I learned from those mistakes.
I do have sense of satisfaction after completing the front end. I’m probably gonna call my local guy and have him finish the back and double check my work on the front and get a front end alignment.

 

What issues did you have? Sorry to hear it was difficult! I will admit that I had a lot of help. I figured you'd be alright with the kid helping out.

I seem to recall the rear being easier, if you're on the fence about doing it. But, you will need an alignment regardless.

 

Honestly the main thing was being 51 my son just was there mainly for support. YouTube just makes things look so easy.
First I jacked from the crossmember and both sides went to extreme extension. So I had to figure out how to get it sort of back to neutral to get the UCA off. That was a pain and I was constantly worrying about brake lines Etc.
Second I was trying to do it with out taking of the sway bar and all the brake line brackets which I should have just done right off the bat. That’s what made the second side so much easier. The sway bar was gone I removed all the brackets. The drive side though I had to pull my battery because the UCA bolt was hitting on a bracket under the tray. I managed out of sheer luck to have the jack situation perfect that the shock and UCA came out easier the second time.
The other main pain was that third back nut on the shocks. I didn’t have a ratchet wrench and with the rust I was only able to get about a 1/4 turn each go around. So that took forever. I know the back is supposed to be a lot easier I’m just not sure I want to tackle it. This was a humbling experience for me.

 

It sounds like you're going to be feeling it in the morning! it's definitely a good amount of work. Hopefully you get a good deal on the remaining work. And, I get what you're saying about being 51. I'm just about to hit 42, and I definitely don't enjoy working on cars as much as I used to!

 

Sorry to hear you had trouble

 

My son and I learned a lot. We were in way over our head with no experience but I didn’t give up and got the front done. Lesson learned for him just because it’s hard doesn’t mean you should give up.

 

Invest into a good torque wrench and take your time. There is a YouTube video for just about anything nowadays - and you have all of us here to assist