Front Strut & Coilover Install (2–3in Lift)
How to swap front struts for a lifted coilover assembly on a Tacoma or 4Runner, from breaking the upper ball joint to setting preload and checking alignment.
Measure and record your baseline
On level ground, measure hub-to-fender on all four corners and write it down. You'll want it to confirm actual lift height and to diagnose lean later. Loosen the lug nuts a quarter turn while the truck is still on the ground.
Lift, support, and remove the wheel
Raise the front, place stands under the frame (not the control arm) so the suspension can hang. Remove the wheel and set it aside. Disconnect the sway bar end link and the ABS/brake line brackets from the knuckle.
Separate the upper ball joint
Support the lower control arm with a jack so the assembly doesn't drop hard. Remove the castle nut and cotter pin, then separate the upper ball joint from the spindle with a proper separator — never hammer the threads. Let the spindle hang carefully, watching the brake line.
Pull the old strut out
Remove the three top nuts in the engine bay and the two lower mounting bolts at the control arm. The assembly will come out with a bit of a wiggle. Note the orientation of the top plate so the new coilover goes in the same way.
Install the new coilover
Fit the new assembly with the adjustment collar facing the wheel. Hand-thread all hardware before torquing: top nuts to 22 ft-lb, lower bolts to 85 ft-lb. Reconnect the ball joint, sway bar link, and brake line brackets.
Torque at ride height and align
Set the truck back on the ground and bounce the front to settle it, then torque the lower control arm bolts at ride height — torquing at full droop tears bushings. Get a professional alignment within 100 miles; expect caster and toe to move.