Oly 22 wrote:Hey guys,
I am looking into the Bilstein Deluxe 2" lift from 4x4 parts as well ($440). What type of tools do you need for this install? Do you need a coil compressor? Would you have a soft copy of the installation procedure or know the link?
I have never done this kind of work before but am game to try. Any insight into the installation would be great.
Thanks in advance.
air tools are highly recommended, and breaker bars are -required- (unless you're he-man and have -solid- tools). it helps to have a crow/prybar to help get the spring out of the bowl it sits in. i can't remember exactly what socket sizes i used, but 14, 17, 19, and 21mm seem to come to mind.
for the front, disconnect the sway bar and i think i took off part of the upper control arm to make it easier to get to the three bolts on top of the strut assembly. you don't need a spring compressor if you're going to take them to a shop and have them change it out. i'd actually kind of recommend that anyway. usually it gives you a chance to grab some lunch and hopefully they'll be about done when you finish.
the top bolts for the rear shock are a BIT**. the one on the drivers side you can only get 1 click on the ratchet. takes like 10 minutes to get it off. the other is at such an odd angle right near the muffler that having an air tool/impact wrench to get it off helped alot.
there's a thread somewhere that also details how to redo your rear suspension. can't remember if it's on here or what, but i used that for guidance for the rear, and my friend with a frontier for guidance on the front (he had already changed his out with bilsteins, and the fronts seem to be the same).
you must get your alignment done after you do it. i'd recommend getting a "1 year" alignment or something, and be prepared to take it in a couple times as your suspension continues to settle.