Which hand tools needed to replace shocks/struts?

[detroiter]

It's been a long time since I've changed these things out and a while back I picked up a set of TRD suspension from a fantastic member here on this forum, it's finally thawed out in Michigan that it's time for it to be swapped in. At the current time, I only have hand tools available to work with and I can't recall all what I need to do the job of taking out the old suspension and putting the new ones in. The good news is that the springs are already on the TRD struts going in, so I don't need to mess with that stuff.

Another question is I do remember ages ago when I put in the rear suspension, when trying to tighten down the nuts with a wrench...the rod from the shock would just keep spinning, I had to have a friend help me out with an air gun to tighten it down. I'd imagine it's doable with hand tools though, any advice?

Last question is, was there ever a definitive conclusion to the difference in the rear control arms about the upper and lower holes for the bolt to go into?

Thanks in advance!

[CrankyOldMan]

Tools:

8mm allen wrench
19mm socket
second 19mm socket for breaker bar or a 19mm wrench with a long handle
14mm socket
second 14mm socket or wrench
17mm socket
17mm offset closed wrench or through-hole socket wrench


I would recommend going to microimageonline and registering for an account so that you can access the repair manuals.

[fnkngrv]

Don't forget beer!

sent from my m-o-b-i-l-e

[detroiter]

Thanks for the tips everyone....do you have any extra advice on how to keep those rear shocks rod from spinning when you're trying to tighten down the nuts?

[marcus]

This is the reason "17mm offset closed wrench " why i havent gone to tein stech...lol

[Exiwolfman]

Why would u need an offset 17 just remove the wiper cowl and wiper motor 10 mm bolts takes five min then u can get at the strut nuts ....as for rear shocks with the old once just use vise grip's that is if ur replacing them but if not just take out lower bolt and spring comes right out .

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk

[CrankyOldMan]

Thanks for the tips everyone....do you have any extra advice on how to keep those rear shocks rod from spinning when you're trying to tighten down the nuts?

If you're using the OEM nuts, there should be two on each side. You can hold the shock rod with a small adjustable wrench on the flats while you tighten the first nut. The second nut is a "jam" nut, so you just hold the first one with one wrench and tighten the second nut against the first. Make sure you get the nuts tightened down to the right distance from the end of the rod. If you don't, the rod will have extra play and will blow out the valves inside in no time flat. Don't ask me how I know that.:rolleyes:

[GrayYaris]

I would recommend going to microimageonline and registering for an account so that you can access the repair manuals.

I don't believe you need an account. I was just looking at them last night without one. Great recommendation.

[CrankyOldMan]

I don't believe you need an account. I was just looking at them last night without one. Great recommendation.

Interesting. I thought it was a members-only area. Could be that has changed recently.

[trunkout]

http://www.microimageonline.com/downloads/YARIS/Repair%20Manuals/Suspension.pdf