Suggested Tools:

• Lug Nut Tool: 21 mm• Twin Post Lift (or Floor Jack and 2

Safety Stands)• Impact Wrench: 1/2” Drive• Impact Deep Sockets: 17 & 19 mm• Shock Absorber (or Double D) Socket• Combination Wrench: 4, 14, 17 & 19 mm• Large Tapered Punch: 24 inch (or Lady

Foot Pry Bar)• Large Pry Bar: 36 inch• Snap Ring Pliers: Flat Tipped

CAUTION: Safety glasses should be worn at all times when working with vehicles and related tools and equipment.

1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma, 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner Front Bilstein Adjustable Shocks 0-2.5" Lift(SKU# TACO-BILFA1G)

Instructions

Step 2Remove the right front wheel using a 21 mm impact socket or wheel lug nut wrench.

Step 1Place the vehicle safely on a twin post lift.

Note: We did our “install” on a twin post lift but this job could easily be done with a floor jack and 2 safety stands. If you are using a floor jack and safety stands, lift the front of the vehicle and rest it safely on two jack stands positioned under the frame. See Figure A

Step 3Hold the lower strut mount nut with a 19 mm box end wrench and loosen the lower shock absorber bolt with a 19 mm impact socket.

Figure A

Step 6Hold the strut shock with one hand and remove the lower mount bolt with the other.

Caution: Once the bolt is removed you will be holding all the weight of the strut assembly in your hand.

Step 5Remove (3) upper strut mount nuts with a 14 mm box end wrench (or socket).

Note: A ratcheting box end wrench would work well here if you have one.

Step 7Guide the strut assembly out as shown.

Step 4Pull the bolt part-way out and leave it in place for now.

Step 9Using a 17 mm deep impact socket and an impact wrench, remove the top strut nut. Leave the upper strut mount in place on top the spring.

Caution: Be sure to hold the shock absorber when the nut comes loose or it will fall out the bottom of the strut assembly.

Step 8 Caution - DangerBe certain that the spring is compressed enough before proceeding to the next step. This means the upper strut mount cushion must NOT be under any pressure from the spring. In other words, there should be at least 1/4” clearance between the upper strut mount cushion and the spring, where the blue arrow is pointing. If there is not at least 1/4” clearance, where the blue arrow is pointing, compress the spring some more.

Step 8Posit ion the strut in the spr ing compressor according to the tool manufacturer instructions and compress the spring.

Caution: This procedure can be very dangerous if not done correctly. If you do not have this equipment and skill to use it, you MUST go to someone who does. Removing the top nut without compressing the spr ing is very dangerous and can cause serious injury and even death.

Tech TipSeveral short quick burst of the impact wrench will usually remove the nut.

Upper Strut Mount Cushion

Coil Spring

1/4”Clearance Here

Upper Strut Mount

Step 12To adjust the Bilstein® adjustable shock, slide the lower spring mount up the shock, out of the way. Then, using snap ring pliers expand the snap ring and slide it up or down the shock to obtain the desire vehicle ride height. The snap ring must lock in one of the 3 grooves. Once the snap ring is positioned, slide the lower spring mount back into place.

Step 11Remove the (2) washers and bushing and set them aside. These washers and bushing will be reused on the new shock absorber.

Note: Inspect the rubber bushing for cracks or hardness. Replace if needed.

Step 10Lower the shock absorber out of the bottom of the spring.

Step 10 ContinuedShock absorber removed.

Lower Spring Mount

Snap Ring

Bushing

Washers

Step 13Place the (2) washers and bushing assembly on the Bilstein® shock absorber as shown.

Tech Tip:The bottom groove is 0 lift, the middle groove is 1 1/4” lift, and the top groove is 2 1/2” lift.

Step 14Position the Bilstein® shock absorber assembly inside the spring as shown.

Step 14 ContinuedBe sure to align the lower spring mount with the lower coil spring end.

Bottom Groove

Coil Spring End Goes Here

Lower Coil SpringEnd

Step 14 ContinuedBe sure that the upper strut mount is positioned correctly on the upper coil spring end.

Step 15Guide the shock absorber rod through the upper strut mount, bushing and washer.

Note: Be sure the rubber bushing and washer are positioned correctly with the bushing below the washer.

Step 16 Hold the top of the rod with a 4mm open-end wrench (or shock absorber socket) and tighten the nut with a 19 mm box end wrench to an estimated 20 ft. lbs.

Step 16 Alternate MethodInstall the nut and tighten with a 19 mm deep impact socket and impact wrench to an estimated 20 ft. lbs.

Note: Using 4 or 5 short quick burst of the impact wrench should do the trick.

Upper Coil Spring End

Upper Strut Mount

Tighten Here

Hold Here

Shock absorberRod

Shock Absorber Socket

Upper Strut Mount

Step 17Remove the strut assembly from the spring compressor and position it in the vehicle as shown.

Step 18Install the (3) upper strut mount nuts and torque them to 47 ft. lb.

Step 20Using a long pry bar, pry downward on the upper control arm to further align the shock with the lower shock mount.

Step 19Using a long tapered punch (or a lady foot pry bar) twist the lower shock until it aligns with the lower shock mount.

Pry Bar Upper Control Arm

Step 21Install the lower shock mount bolt as shown.

Note: On 2WD vehicles this bolt is installed from the front. On 4WD vehicles this bolt is installed from the rear.

Step 22Tighten and torque the lower strut nut and bolt to 61 ft. lbs.

Step 24Lower the vehicle until the tire touches the floor and torque the lug nuts to 80 ft. lbs.

Note: You could have an assistant hold pressure on the brake pedal instead of lowering the vehicle to the floor.

Step 23Install the wheel assembly and snug the lug nuts.

Step 25Repeat the above procedures at the driver’s side front wheel.

Caution:There is high probability that vehicle alignment will NOT be accurate after this installation. Safe handling, accurate braking, and tire tread life will be affected. We strongly recommend having this vehicle professionally aligned as soon as possible.

As always, If you experience any difficulty during the installation of this product please contact Low Range Off-Road Technical Support at 801-805-6644 M-F 8am-5pm MST. Thank you for purchasing from Low Range Off-Road.

These instructions are designed as a general installation guide. Installation of many Low Range Off-Road products require specialized skills such as metal fabrication, welding and mechanical trouble shooting. If you have any questions or are unsure about how to proceed, please contact our shop at 801-805-6644 or seek help from a competent fabricator. Using fabrication tools such as welders, torches and grinders can cause serious bodily harm and death. Please operate equipment carefully and observe proper safety procedures.

Rock crawling and off-road driving are inherently dangerous activities. Some modifications will adversely affect the on-road handling characteristics of your vehicle. All products sold by Low Range Off-Road are sold for off road use only. Any other use or application is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or user. Some modifications and installation of certain aftermarket parts may under certain circumstances void your original dealer warranty. Modification of your vehicle may create dangerous conditions, which could cause roll-overs resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Buyers and users of these products hereby expressly assume all risks associated with any such modifications and use.

Revised 11/2/12© Copyright 2012 Low Range Off-Road, LC       All Rights Reserved