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Need some advice from the Lunge mechanics...
General Boards - The Lounge
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Replies: 17
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Need some advice from the Lunge mechanics...

4

Jan 2, 2024, 10:59 AM
Reply

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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Need advice working on automobile?

4

Jan 2, 2024, 11:08 AM
Reply



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I'm not overly familiar with the front suspension of a 4runner

2

Jan 2, 2024, 11:11 AM
Reply

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.

2024 white level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpgringofhonor-lakebum1-110.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

I was thinking the same.

1

Jan 2, 2024, 11:16 AM
Reply

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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Coils springs scare the crap out of me.

3

Jan 2, 2024, 11:18 AM [ in reply to I'm not overly familiar with the front suspension of a 4runner ]
Reply

There's a lot of potential energy in there to break a thumb, or an eye socket.

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Why are you taking the tie rods off?

1

Jan 2, 2024, 11:14 AM
Reply

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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I think that's my next move. I was trying to follow the instructions

2

Jan 2, 2024, 11:17 AM
Reply

that came with the kit, but they seem like they have a few extra steps that may not be needed.

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Hit them with PB Blaster every day this week...

1

Jan 2, 2024, 11:52 AM
Reply

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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I wouldn't heat the tie rod, unless you plan on replacing it.

3

Jan 2, 2024, 11:16 AM
Reply

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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I hammered the hell out of it before I went and got the separator.

1

Jan 2, 2024, 11:19 AM
Reply

So it is stuck in there good.

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So you need a bigger one

2

Jan 2, 2024, 11:20 AM
Reply

It shouldn't stick in there.

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Disconnect and then reconnect the battery

4

Jan 2, 2024, 11:21 AM
Reply

Normally works for puters

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Cat on a tin roof, dogs in a pile,
Nothin' left to do but smile, smile, smile!!!!


Just look around the rear axle. You will see a small handle.

3

Jan 2, 2024, 11:45 AM
Reply

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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Re: Need some advice from the Lunge mechanics...

2

Jan 2, 2024, 11:49 AM
Reply


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Sell the car then buy a lifted one***

3

Jan 2, 2024, 11:53 AM
Reply



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That would be a dumb move.

2

Jan 2, 2024, 12:59 PM
Reply

When he could trade the 4Runner for a minivan, I mean.

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Re: Sell the car then buy a lifted one***

1

Jan 2, 2024, 7:28 PM [ in reply to Sell the car then buy a lifted one*** ]
Reply

Finally a practical solution

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I choose not to participate in anything involving screwing with a factory...


Jan 2, 2024, 6:41 PM
Reply

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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