6112/5160, diff drop, and shackle home install difficulty

Looking for install tips - I’ve seen a few videos on install with different methods on the front assembly. Would most likely do the 5160s on one day and the rest another. How much time should I set aside and is this simple for someone with basic tools and jackstands? I don’t want to be out of a vehicle for even a day. Thanks in advance for any information!

 

Never know what kind of snags you might run into. Seems risky to diy at home without a spare vehicle.

 

I did the 5160 on a few trucks now it takes me about 1.5 hrsor little less. Shackels do take some time took me about 2.5 hrs or 3 depending on how long it takes you to push the bushing out. I paid for the front of mine this time since my buddy is a master tech and he only charged me 120.00 for the front

 

Thanks guys good info! I see a big variance in install costs. Going to get some local quotes.

 

So I got a few local quotes of $800-$1000! Most say it’s a 8-10hr job. Seems like an awfully long time for a shop with the right tools and know how. Thoughts?

 

Are those big box shops? Try to find a small shop, also doesn’t hurt to ask the Toyota parts counter guy if any of his coworkers do side jobs.

how much experience do you have? I don’t think it’s too difficult but I grew up watching and helping my pops. If you can dedicate a weekend towards it, just watch YouTube videos. There’s a good Tacoma or 4Runner ome video that is almost the exact same procedure as our tundras.

 

Thanks for the advice. They aren’t too many big shops in the area. So I would say medium off road type shops. A friend at Toyota said it’s more then he wants to deal with. I’m really tempted to just try at home and rent a car for a few days if needed.

 

Myself and a buddy had my 6112s installed in about 2 hours, and that's with compressing springs to swap the top plates. He has a lift, so it made it a lot easier than with jackstands. I did the 5160s myself in my driveway a few weeks later and that took maybe 2-3 hours. I finally did the CB 1" shackle, and the hardest part for me was getting the old bushings out. Do yourself a favor and borrow a ball joint compressor tool from Advance Auto before you begin. I didn't for the first bushing, and it took me a long time to pry/drill/torch/sawzall/sell my soul to Satan before I threw in the towel and picked one up. Second bushing was out in 5 minutes.
Very doable job for someone who isn't afraid to turn a wrench on a weekend morning. I only went to 1.9 on my fronts, so no diff drop/UCA worries there. Only thing I had to worry about was getting the alignment after I was done. Make sure you have everything you'll need before you dive in so you don't get caught wanting with your wheels off the truck.
You got this.

 

I got quoted 750 for install of just the front.
I did it myself in a day 6112s in the front 5160s shackles and air bags with just basic tools and jack stands. Took me the whole day but I was taking my time.

 

Same as BOBONTUESDAY. Pre assembled 5100's front 5100/shackles in the back. Took me a Saturday taking my time.
I used the method in this video, make it a little easier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH7FQUjmu20

 

I installed front coilovers, rear shocks and shackles. Me and a buddy. Jack stands, air tools took us 3hrs... and we were taking our time

 

That’s a good option. You will definitely spend less than the 800 quoted

 

Just FYI, the shop is quoting you the total man hours. Not total time. If you can do it with a buddy in 3 hours that means 6 shop hours.