2.5 Gen Front coilover shock replacement w/o spring compressor

Will the coilovers come out by simply disconnecting the sway bar on both sides, removing the center shock nut, supporting the LCA with a floor jack, removing the two bolts holding the LCA then lowering the LCA with the jack?

I've found some videos showing this process, one on a Taco which is a little different, the other on a 2WD Tundra

Truck is a stock 4WD and when I look at the LCA area where the bottom coilover mounts it looks to me like it's too crowded to remove it, particularly the spring, although that may not need removal completely since I'm just replacing the shock part.

Working on an 18 4WD limited, 66K and shocks are shot; I do tend to carry heavy loads on occasion, going with KYB Monomax's, plan to install the firestone air bags in the near future. I tow a small travel trailer sometimes but it's the weight in the bed that's likely cause the oem's to go so soon I suppose.

Sorry if I've posted something already discussed but I've searched and come up empty so far.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

The front coilover shock assembly comes out in one piece. Here’s the write up I used when replacing mine:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-front-coilover-install-completed-with-toytec-radflo-2-5.12941/

 

Are you going to reuse the springs on the new shocks? If that’s the case you should take the assembly to an off road shop that has the correct spring compressor to safely disassemble and reassemble the coilovers. You can also find a lot of threads on other options if you search “spring compressor” on here.

 

To get the lower arm to move down enough you have to loosen the the bolts (alignment) at the frame and remove the two bolts on the bottom by the lower ball joint. The frame bolts are REALLY tight, like impact gun tight and just mark the alignment cams with a pen to make sure you get them back in the same spot.

And go slow.

I also don't recommend doing this but it can be done.

 

I replaced mine using this method. You just have to let the LCA drop low enough to get enough room. It felt a lot safer than using the spring compressor method. I would also use a jackstand to support the opposite corner so that it doesn't compress. Mark the cams so that you can get them back to the same position and be able to drive to the alignment shop.

 

Yeah, those frame bolts are tough, my Makita 1/2" impact couldn't move them, perhaps the fact that I had to use a universal may've not allowed full torque; ended up putting the lower shock bolt back on and taking to the shop tomorrow am; will need an alignment anyway so it's just one trip there. I left the sway bar disconnected and moved them out of the way - shops only 2 miles away.

My spring compressor is smaller than these coils and older (1983) than most of you and it's really not a matter of funds at this juncture, so the shop can do it. I changed the rears yesterday and putting a trd rear sway on later this week. Should change the ride a bit I suppose.

Thanks again for all of your input/s. I appreciate it.