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Ring of Honor [21475]
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Need some advice from the Lunge mechanics...
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Jan 2, 2024, 10:59 AM
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I'm pretty good with being able to do the minor jobs on cars/trucks. Bought my son a lift kit for his 4Runner that he wanted for Christmas. Pretty simple kit, just spacers that go on top of the front shocks and then springs and struts for the back.
Went to install it two days ago, could not get the tie rod separated on the first side we tried. Tried for two hours. Bought a tie rod separator (the one that looks like a big tuning fork) and because of the way the bracket for the knuckle is shaped it wouldn't wedge in enough to separate it.
BIL recommended a ball joint separator after using a torch to heat it.
Any ideas? I can do this if I can get the dang tie rods separated and I don't want to go pay someone else to do it.
Anyone ever had one that was being a biatch and got it off with a non-traditional method? TIAIA
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All-Time Great [94888]
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Need advice working on automobile?
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:08 AM
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Heisman Winner [80653]
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I'm not overly familiar with the front suspension of a 4runner
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:11 AM
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but on Jeeps you just need to compress the coil spring and install the spacer over the bump stop. Even if it has coil overs seems like you could just disconnect the top of the shock, compress the spring, and install the spacer without removing the tie rod. Autozone used to rent coil spring compressors for like $20.
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Ring of Honor [21475]
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I was thinking the same.
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:16 AM
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Instructions call for separating the tie rods, loosening the sway bar links, and then breaking the control arm loose. Seems like a lot to get the shock out and then back in with the spacer that is only about 1.5" thick on top of the shocks doesn't it?
I thought about just breaking the control arm loose and that may give me the room I need without worrying about the tie rods.
I may try that.
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Heisman Winner [85690]
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Valley Legend [12126]
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Why are you taking the tie rods off?
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:14 AM
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I've done an OME lift on a 3rd gen, and space lift on a 4th gen.
You should be able to do it with only undoing the UCA ball joint. Were you able to get that free?
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Ring of Honor [21475]
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I think that's my next move. I was trying to follow the instructions
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:17 AM
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that came with the kit, but they seem like they have a few extra steps that may not be needed.
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Valley Legend [12126]
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Hit them with PB Blaster every day this week...
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:52 AM
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Then try again this weekend. It's not the best method, but put the castle nut back on it just far enough so the threads aren't sticking out. Hammer on that. Also make sure you're hammering the crap out of the knuckle where the tie-rod goes in.
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Heisman Winner [85690]
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I wouldn't heat the tie rod, unless you plan on replacing it.
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:16 AM
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Which depending on the miles it has on it, may not be a bad idea. You'll cook the rubber boot that protects the tie rod ball and shaft (that's fun to type).
If you can't get it with the tie rod remover (and I've never seen that NOT work), hammer the side the of the tie rod end. That will shock the side of taper hole of the tie rod end shaft.
You can also screw a nut on the threads until it is level with the tie rod ball shaft (beavisnadbuttheadlaugh.gif) and hammer that. That's a last resort though because even with a nut on the threads, you can ruin the threads of the tie rod end, and then you're replacing it anyway.
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Ring of Honor [21475]
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I hammered the hell out of it before I went and got the separator.
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:19 AM
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So it is stuck in there good.
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Heisman Winner [85690]
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So you need a bigger one
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:20 AM
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It shouldn't stick in there.
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Heisman Winner [80243]
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Disconnect and then reconnect the battery
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:21 AM
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Normally works for puters
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Ultimate Clemson Legend [102217]
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Just look around the rear axle. You will see a small handle.
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:45 AM
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Pull that handle (downward towards the ground). You will see a lint trap. It is likely clogged with at least a good fist-full of lint. Clean out all of the lint, reinsert the handle and lint trap (lint side towards the engine block), and try again.
Should work like a charm.
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Campus Hero [13303]
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Re: Need some advice from the Lunge mechanics...
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:49 AM
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Tiger Titan [47969]
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Sell the car then buy a lifted one***
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Jan 2, 2024, 11:53 AM
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TigerNet Legend [141088]
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That would be a dumb move.
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Jan 2, 2024, 12:59 PM
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When he could trade the 4Runner for a minivan, I mean.
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Ultimate Tiger [35776]
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All-Time Great [97310]
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I choose not to participate in anything involving screwing with a factory...
Jan 2, 2024, 6:41 PM
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suspension. I might go with better shocks for offroad stuff but a lift kit is a vandalism I'd have no part in.
However, don't put a torch on any steering part you plan to reuse. It's just bad form.
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Replies: 17
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