I’ve been a little intimidated doing spring compression and shock fitting on the install but you make it look easy with the ratchet strap and compression kit. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you for the very helpful vid. On removing the rear shocks, I found it easier for the vice grips to go 7cm below the top, under the grommets/bushes.
Wow. You made it look so easy. The KDSS sway bar has been scaring me but looks like you didn't even have to remove the 2 bolts from sway bar/low control arm.
@@SnailTrail4x4 you didn't have to touch anything at all with KDSS upfront?(strap down, jack, or removing the 2 bolts on low control arm) Having the front wheels hang in air doesn't over extend or affect the KDSS? Maybe im just over thinking it lol. I've been reading a lot of back n forth on forums but then again, they're old threads
@@SnailTrail4x4 last question i swear lol, did you find it harder doing the driver side FIRST? I hear it's easier doing that passenger side first. Just trying to be really prepared so when I receive my kings in. I ordered them about a month ago =\
You made that look so easy. Now I feel confident switching my Icons to Kings. I don’t know why everyone was making it sound so hard to install due to KDSS.
One thing you missed was the torque on the rear shock top nut. Did you just guess since im assuming you couldnt fit up there. Thanks so much for sharing!
Yeah I don't have a crow's foot, so I can't get the correct torque. Typically on the top of the rear shocks I exposed two to three threads and call it good
I honestly think it's easier to turn off the KDSS by closing the valves and disconnecting the sway bars. If you're installing the KDSS spacers in the back, you will have to do it anyway, and then the rear will droop out enough to avoid messing with the jack & spring compressors.
Yikes..!! Hope this video won't regret my choice of ordering Elka 2.5 remote res over Kings. I was told that the Elka would be more comfortable than kings and has both high speed and slow speed adjust ability vs only one in Kings. (I still have time to cancel my order though. Will see after this video..)
@@SnailTrail4x4 yeah. So far no videos on RUclips for 4Runner. Definitely will share a video after its install. But its a loong wait time until the shop get them.. :(
@@White_buffalo_4r after 5 month finally I got the ELKAs. Dropping my 4Runner tonight for the install. I will get it back after few days. Will definitely share the feedback.. :-)
Great video. I think I will install my spacers by removing UCA instead of messing with the kdss. It look like I might be able to put the spacers without actually taking off the UCA but either way I will have fun.
@@michaelrutledge4820 -- No, no, I appreciate your feedback and help. I was thinking after you said this that I could have a video before and after of it driving over bumps
the way you install it is way different from how most people do it? did you put the car in 4low or did u even loosen any of the kdss brackets? and the rear seems like u just took the shock out and just used like a jack to separate the springs? i really want to know ur way seems like a good better easier way mahalo from hawaii!
We didn't put the car in 4low or loosen any of the KDSS brackets. The Runner has been in 4low since the video and had a complete wheel alignment. As for the rear we removed the old shocks, used the bottle jack to remove the old springs, and when we installed the new springs I used coil compressors and the bottle jack.
Hi. i'm a new 4Runner owner and in looking around for info have found your videos to be very relatable and helpful for my needs. Quick question for you: what coil compressor do you use? do you recommend it? Thanks, Joe
It really depends on what you want. If you want a go fast race set up shock, I'd get kings. If your looking for something that is more daily friendly, OME
did you get the stardard stock or the custom size? I need to up grade my 2019 suspension. I have drawers and freezer installed...I think I'll need the upgraded springs as well...
Hey. You show the driver side. But, curious what you did on the passenger side front with the KDSS. Did you detach the KDSS sway bar on the pass side or just push down on it with a block to remove the coilover and re-install it?
@@SnailTrail4x4 Thanks! I've been detaching the KDSS on the pass side to take off the coilovers on that side. I didn't this last time and just used a pry bar and some wood blocks to make some space to get it back on. Not sure I"m doing it the best way, but saved some hassle. Appreciate your videos and response!
Yeah because whenever you raise a vehicle your wheels get positive camber at the very least. Negative camber if you lower it. It’s always recommended to get an alignment done everytime you do any sort of suspension modification/replacement.
@@SnailTrail4x4 Thanks for the response! Is it normal to add spacers on the radiator support brackets after the sway bar relocate? Shop that did my icon install did this.
I think King presets the driver side different than passenger side to account for the lean. If the vehicle has KDSS, then it automatically addresses the lean
Torque specs dont matter on suspension. Over my 10 years of a suspension tech you have no idea how much bad shit ive seen happen because it was ^torqued to spec^
There is one thing to just hammer the parts on and its another to do it correctly. The majority of people watching my videos are not trained mechanics and they need to know how tight is tight.
I’ve been a little intimidated doing spring compression and shock fitting on the install but you make it look easy with the ratchet strap and compression kit. Thanks for the great video!
Safety first!
End result picture with ride quality comparison of stock vs lifted would have been nice.
Well done man
Thanks
Thank you for the very helpful vid. On removing the rear shocks, I found it easier for the vice grips to go 7cm below the top, under the grommets/bushes.
You can avoid the spring compressor and using a bottle jack to push axle down by simply disconnecting the track bar on the rear.
Good to know 👍
Wow. You made it look so easy. The KDSS sway bar has been scaring me but looks like you didn't even have to remove the 2 bolts from sway bar/low control arm.
Nope, no worries
@@SnailTrail4x4 you didn't have to touch anything at all with KDSS upfront?(strap down, jack, or removing the 2 bolts on low control arm) Having the front wheels hang in air doesn't over extend or affect the KDSS? Maybe im just over thinking it lol. I've been reading a lot of back n forth on forums but then again, they're old threads
@@dat1dsm I've never done the two bolts on the bottom of the lower control arm, but that seams easy. But it's not bad
@@SnailTrail4x4 last question i swear lol, did you find it harder doing the driver side FIRST? I hear it's easier doing that passenger side first. Just trying to be really prepared so when I receive my kings in. I ordered them about a month ago =\
You made that look so easy. Now I feel confident switching my Icons to Kings. I don’t know why everyone was making it sound so hard to install due to KDSS.
It's not hard, definitely doable. Even for me a dude playing a mechanic online
@@SnailTrail4x4 playing or not, you do a great job describing the steps and struggles in detail. Keep it up!
Thorough as my borough!
Great content bub.
One thing you missed was the torque on the rear shock top nut. Did you just guess since im assuming you couldnt fit up there.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Yeah I don't have a crow's foot, so I can't get the correct torque. Typically on the top of the rear shocks I exposed two to three threads and call it good
what I've done and many of my buddies, we wrench the nut down and watch the rubber squish until its flush with the washer. bam! lol.
U can tell how safety is a priority with this guy 😂
OH MY DAAAMN man! that 2x4 is genius! I wish I knew years ago when I did my install. I'm so happy for this video since I have to replace my shocks.
@snailtrail4x4 with zero threads showing. What is your spring rate for the 3” lift?
I use to do that myself. Just sit on the 2x4.
Is this the best lift kit for a 2x4?
Too bad you didn’t actually *show* the final results...
he always does it lol
or not haha
I honestly think it's easier to turn off the KDSS by closing the valves and disconnecting the sway bars. If you're installing the KDSS spacers in the back, you will have to do it anyway, and then the rear will droop out enough to avoid messing with the jack & spring compressors.
That's a good suggestion,I've done that before and honestly didnt feel like it made much of a difference. But maybe I didn't turn it enough
Awesome video! Nice touch with torque specs and tool sizes.
Thanks, I try and add those as often as needed
Yikes..!! Hope this video won't regret my choice of ordering Elka 2.5 remote res over Kings. I was told that the Elka would be more comfortable than kings and has both high speed and slow speed adjust ability vs only one in Kings. (I still have time to cancel my order though. Will see after this video..)
To be honest, I have never heard of Elka. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on them if you get them.
@@SnailTrail4x4 yeah. So far no videos on RUclips for 4Runner. Definitely will share a video after its install. But its a loong wait time until the shop get them.. :(
@@LionRunner I've heard from several people say that Elka is an amazing brand
@@White_buffalo_4r after 5 month finally I got the ELKAs. Dropping my 4Runner tonight for the install. I will get it back after few days. Will definitely share the feedback.. :-)
How did elka work out for you?
for the front shocks, did you have to compress it to adjust the height or or it’s already at 2.5” right out of the box?
Great video. I think I will install my spacers by removing UCA instead of messing with the kdss. It look like I might be able to put the spacers without actually taking off the UCA but either way I will have fun.
Yes, you can add spacers with the UCAin place
this is a very good tear down and install video thank you very much cause I am getting ready to ours soon
Awesome, glad to help
Thank you. These videos are amazing. Keep up the good work! 👍
Happy to help, that's for commenting
hey men! if posible to know.. How much lift does it give you without adjusting the preload ?
Did you add any spacers to the swaybar to accommodate for the lift?
I understand that it’s more of an instructional video, but I would like to see a better showcasing of the end result.
What would you like to see?
SnailTrail4x4 a before and after side shot and maybe some measurements. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the video.
@@michaelrutledge4820 -- No, no, I appreciate your feedback and help. I was thinking after you said this that I could have a video before and after of it driving over bumps
@@SnailTrail4x4 that would be awesome and much appreciated SnailTrail4x4!
How much lift does it give you without adjusting the preload?
Does King not make shocks for F150s or any Ford vehicle??? I dont see any videos w said cars
the way you install it is way different from how most people do it? did you put the car in 4low or did u even loosen any of the kdss brackets? and the rear seems like u just took the shock out and just used like a jack to separate the springs? i really want to know ur way seems like a good better easier way mahalo from hawaii!
We didn't put the car in 4low or loosen any of the KDSS brackets. The Runner has been in 4low since the video and had a complete wheel alignment.
As for the rear we removed the old shocks, used the bottle jack to remove the old springs, and when we installed the new springs I used coil compressors and the bottle jack.
@@SnailTrail4x4 wow thanks alot! i might try ur way i saw ur old video so im guessing u found a better way!
Do you know if the 3” left is only possible with the KINGS when having a KDSS or can you get that 3” lift with say FOX 2.5 as well?
You can get 3" of lift out of the Fox 2.5 setups as well
Hi. i'm a new 4Runner owner and in looking around for info have found your videos to be very relatable and helpful for my needs. Quick question for you: what coil compressor do you use? do you recommend it? Thanks, Joe
Here is a video I did. The short is, it's cheep and from china and I needed to fix it after I got it.
ruclips.net/video/aEWz30c3GPw/видео.html
King vs OME, who wins and why ? Thanks.
It really depends on what you want. If you want a go fast race set up shock, I'd get kings. If your looking for something that is more daily friendly, OME
@@SnailTrail4x4 Thats what I figured. Thanks bud
Very informative! Would you recommend install a front differential drop kit with this setup? Thanks!
I advise anyone going 3" or above to do a diff drop.
@@SnailTrail4x4 thank you
@@SnailTrail4x4 newbie here, what is a diff drop and why is it needs for lifts 3" and above?
@@JPJamster To remove stress off of the CV’s so they are better aligned.
How much lift did you get out of those front coilovers. Noticed they don't have much or any preload on them. Thanks
did you get the stardard stock or the custom size? I need to up grade my 2019 suspension. I have drawers and freezer installed...I think I'll need the upgraded springs as well...
I'd say yes, especially if you're going to add a bumper
How many turns for 3” height? Thank you
Can we see the after? Hard to tell from a single clip that gets quickly covered up
What do you wanna see?
SnailTrail4x4 amount of lift...stance...you know...”the goods”! Lol
Just put a toytec lift in my 19’ 4runner. Install went well. Now I’m chasing a rear end clunk when going over bumps at slow speeds. Any ideas?
Is your panhard bar hitting your sway bar?
What makes Kings better than Icons?
is this coilovers pre set to 2inch lift out of the box?and how many turns to make it 3knch lift?
Did you do anything about the kdss? Did you experience any lean after install?
Nope, and maybe slightly but not very noticeable
Hey. You show the driver side. But, curious what you did on the passenger side front with the KDSS. Did you detach the KDSS sway bar on the pass side or just push down on it with a block to remove the coilover and re-install it?
I did the same on both sides, didn't need to remove the KDSS at all
@@SnailTrail4x4 Thanks! I've been detaching the KDSS on the pass side to take off the coilovers on that side. I didn't this last time and just used a pry bar and some wood blocks to make some space to get it back on. Not sure I"m doing it the best way, but saved some hassle. Appreciate your videos and response!
So question do you suggest or recommend someone do the rear panhard and rear trailing arms when doing the lift in the rear as well?
I do have it installed to correct the rear axle . I have a OME 2.5 inch lift .
It really depends on how high you're going to go. Over 2.5 I would change the panhard bar, 3+ I would start looking into getting trailing arms
@@SnailTrail4x4 going around 2 to 2.5 in the rear so sounds like I like I should be ok.
Wouldn’t u want that reservoir hose on the outside not under the uca ?
As long as it's not getting pinched then you will be fine
Do you need extended brake lines for the 3 inch lift on the KDSS system Runner.
If im not replacing the UCA arm do I still need to remove it to get the strut off or can I just unbolt the ball joint?
You can just unbolt the ball joint, no need to completely remove it
What keeps the bottle jack from slipping off the axle?
A solid placement, and pressure
How many inch of your rear spring? 2.5” or 3”?
This is an install with a 4runner that has the kdss. How does this differ if you don't have kdss?
The major difference between KDSS and Non is the sway bars. You will have more flex without KDSS
King has KDSS specific part numbers with longer reservoir hoses
Looks like your 4runner have KDSS, doesn't that limit the lift height?
Not to our experience, what limits the lift height is the UCA angles
I'm curious as to why the reservoir bracket is so different from my King OEM lift?
Just a different kit I guess
Is alignment necessary? What if I don't remove the uca to install only the spacers?
Yeah because whenever you raise a vehicle your wheels get positive camber at the very least. Negative camber if you lower it. It’s always recommended to get an alignment done everytime you do any sort of suspension modification/replacement.
Yes, Jared is correct
👍🍻
End results please brother
Will this kit fit a 21’ 4runner sr5 premium ??. This video is the most recent putting on a lift kit.
Yeah, it should!
@@SnailTrail4x4 okay because I just got one two weeks ago. And I have yet to see 21’ sr5 premium lifted where I am from
Lift kits on these Toyota's are easy unless they are super rusty.
Does the kdss end up hitting the front reservoirs when going through their range of motion?
Not that we have seen
I always torque everything down to TAF! 😂
What's TAF?
Are these the OEM replacement shocks? or custom built?
Custom, they are taller
So did you set it to 3 inches or does it provide 3 inches?
They came set up as a 3 in lift
@@SnailTrail4x4 you lucky dog!
is there much of a difference between doing the same lift but for a 4th gen? Thanks!
no difference at all really
You need a set of ratchet wrenches!
How much does this system cost???
Link in the description
What was the lift of the rear springs?
It was a 2.5" lift, the front was 3"
So you never had to do anything with the KDSS sway bar?
or remove the skid plate?
Nope leave them both
@@SnailTrail4x4 Is this true for non-kdss 4Runners as well? No sway bar relocation needed with this kit?
@@warweaponx6629 -- we didn't, but that's not saying it's the best... It might be a bit firm, I relocated the sway bar on my Bilstein kit
@@SnailTrail4x4 Thanks for the response! Is it normal to add spacers on the radiator support brackets after the sway bar relocate? Shop that did my icon install did this.
Nothing to address the notorious driver side lean of the 4runner ??
I think King presets the driver side different than passenger side to account for the lean. If the vehicle has KDSS, then it automatically addresses the lean
@@ShockSurplus No offense sir, but "I think" is no better than "I assume". And we all know how that story usually ends. Facts rule.
Donu have a link for the control arms?
www.spcalignment.com/spc-performance
www.shocksurplus.com/products/specialty-spc-adjustable-control-arm-kit-25480
Are they orovide the same at India?
I know it’s dumb but i wish they came in other options other than blue lol
They do, I know they have a black option
Can’t even see the end result cause of those icons.
What could the average Joe paying his local mechanic, expect to pay for this complete install? Thanks
The shocks themselves run about $2800 for front and rear. Install is about 5hrs give or take, about $600-800 for labor depending on where you live
Good review besides the music.
What music would you like?
@@SnailTrail4x4 none. But its your vid.
@@CrazyGreek80 -- Thanks for you're honesty. When I add music people complain, and when there isn't any music people complain. There is no winning
So kit was $1805 with all options you have or what are the prices ?
Torque specs dont matter on suspension. Over my 10 years of a suspension tech you have no idea how much bad shit ive seen happen because it was ^torqued to spec^
There is one thing to just hammer the parts on and its another to do it correctly. The majority of people watching my videos are not trained mechanics and they need to know how tight is tight.
👍👍👍🚘
Thumbs down for no before/after pics. For that matter any pics👎
I hate it when mechanics call coil over shocks struts. There’s a difference. I’m at Canix should know the difference. Sounds like a backyard mechanic.
Dude i was cringing when you were sticking your fingers in the spring with it compressed... yikes. baaaad idea..
Did y’all install a differential drop kit as well? Do you recommend it?
We didn't at that time, but one was installed later.
Did the toytech spacer come with the rear king suspension?
I don't recall a spacer being installed on the rear of this project. If there was one it was probably part of the overall kit from the business