TANABE DF210 Spring Install [pics]

[Chris07LB]

*NOTE TO INSTALLERS*
This is just a GUIDE for the general way of doing the install. This is NOT a bible, you may find an easier way and much quicker way to do the entire procedure. Please add your notes and findings if it will be helpful to others.
Do NOT F*CKING BITCH if you dont know right from left, loose from tight!
Enjoy.

Just finished the install today.

Special thanks to C2AUTOSPL! for hooking me up!! After you see how easy this was, go ahead an order up a set from Jay.

Total time, with finding correct sizes, removing tires, jacking up, positioning jack stands, etc., was just under 2 hours, including cleanup, and taking these pictures and notes.

Your times may vary.

Before doing any spring installs, I like to measure each corner, to compare later the drop given. I was at 15" at all four corners. This is always the way I measure... bottom of wheel well, in the center to center of wheel


AFTER measurements were 13" all around!

Starting off with the easiest part first, the REAR Springs.
We will be doing both sides at the same time..
Break the lug nuts loose, then jack up the car. Position jack stands, and remove wheels.

Tools Needed for rear:
9/16 deep socket; 1/2 drive
9/16 box wrench

Remove the lower shock nut & bolt. Remember to do both sides before continuing. This will give the most "play" in the suspension, to drop the springs out.



Once both lower shocks bolts are out, you can press down on the rear axle's, and the spring will just fall out.

Comparing the Tanbe DF210's to the Stock Toyota.


Be sure to re-install the top rubber coil dampener, so that the spring sits in the pocket. NOTE make sure the Tanbe DF210 logo is right-side-up!!


Tanbe sends this plastic cover for the bottom of the last 4 coils. I was told its to prevent any kind of chatter, being that area is compressed so close, that the coils may rub a little. PITA to wrap it all around, but it's for the best.


Rear Tanbe's installed. Tighten shock bolts, install wheels, and torque lugs to 75 Foot Pounds. Rear Complete!


Moving on to the fronts. I did one side at a time up here.

Tools Needed for Front:
9/16 socket; 1/2 drive
19mm deep socket; 1/2 drive
17mm box wrench
6mm allen key
Hacksaw

We need to remove the (2) Sway Bar end links, (2) Strut bolts, and (1) Brake bolt.
Follow the bolts with sizes marked, and remove.. any order is fine.


Should say LOOSEN and tighten below..


Once all is removed, the only thing holding the strut/spring assy., is the upper nut.
Open the hood. Remove the entire windshield wiper plastic cowl. Stay with me, its easier then it looks!

First, the wipers need to come off. Remove the cap, and with a 9/16 box wrench, remove the nuts.


Next, bend wiper arm, and rock it back and forth, while pulling straight up to remove it from cowl. NOTE, I marked the wiper and threads, to make sure I re-installed it back later in the same place.


Remove these (3) plastic push pins. And just set pieces out of the way.


[IMG]PICTURE MISSING![/IMG]
[IMG]PICTURE MISSING![/IMG]


Next, pry up the rubber dust cap.


Under the cap is a nut holding the top of the strut assy., to the shock tower of car. Get your 17mm box wrench and loosen the nut while HOLDING the center from spinning, with a 6mm allen key.

Once loose, remove enitre assy., from car.


Again, not needed, but I marked some reference points.


Loosen the top hats nut a LITTLE with your 17mm and 6mm from before.


Get the strut assy., in a spring compressor.


Compress spring, and now you can SAFELY remove top hat, followed by the dust boot.


Comparing the Tanbe and Toyota springs.


Bump stop time.. You will need to shorten your bump stops, so that your not "riding the shocks" from your decrease in height.
Cut against the plastic center ring, to make a nice straight cut with a hacksaw.
**** NOTE ****
Follow your spring makers instructions, and search or call to find out how much if any needs to be cut if installing springs/struts OTHER then what is shown in this DIY.



Top hat and new, shortened bump stop.


Time to re-install the strut with the new Tanbe Spring, being sure to have the bottom of spring, inside the struts stamped groove.
Spring compressor not needed to install new spring. Tighten the top hat all the way (you can compress the spring assy., to see where it bottoms out).


New strut ready to install.... Reverse earlier steps,....... and installed!



I'm loving the new stance!

Enjoy the How-Do, I hope it helps!!