I installed my Donahoe Coilovers and Total Chaos UCAs today - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Hans Moleman · 11-12-2006, 12:32 AM

Overall, it was pretty easy. The hardest part was trying to remove the UCA bolts. I had to bend the fender and finesse the bolt outs. One stupid mistake I made was that I forgot to support the LCA on the driver side so when I seperated the ball joint from the spindle, the LCA & spindle dropped, and the brake hose got pulled.

Luckily it didn't break and I checked it for tears and leaks and it seemed ok.

I will do the rear when my u-bolts come this week

***toku58*** · 11-12-2006, 12:41 AM

DOH! Where's the pics!!!!!!

Hans Moleman · 11-12-2006, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toku58

DOH! Where's the pics!!!!!!

I left my camera at work and I didn't think I will install it this weekend because it was going to rain. I had some free time this afternoon and it didn't rain

so figured I should tackle the fronts this weekend so make it less work for next weekend.

And I machined 1/2" thick carrier drop spacers at work yesterday.

Hans Moleman · 11-12-2006, 11:16 PM

I went out testing it out today. I was flying over large bumps and potholes, and it absorbed them way better than stock. And it soaks up large dips in the road pretty well. It should be even better when I install the Dakar leaf packs and Donahoe shocks.

I want to add additonal comments to my Donahoe coilover and Total Chaos UCA's install:

1. Air tools aren't necessary but it helped me a great deat loosening the ball joint and UCA nuts.

2. When you separate the the knuckle from ball joint, make sure to support the LCA or else it will tug the brake hose

I forgot to do it when I did the driver side so the brake hose got tugged. When I did the passenger side, I left the nut on the ball joint loosely on so when the ball joint broke free, the UCA is still supporting the knuckle/LCA assembly. Then I removed the nut and supported the assembly with a bungee cord.

3. Watch out when you install the TC UCA's. The finish chips real easily. I had to use touch up paint on spots I chipped so it won't rust.

4. Watch out for the air bag cable behind the fender when bending it to get the UCA bolts out. Getting the UCA bolt out the driver side was the hardest. The passenger side was much easier.

5. Remember to torque the UCA bolts while the truck is on the ground and not in the air.

6. When greasing the UCA bushings using the zerk fittings, don't over grease them or else they will start to balloon. I used a Mobil 1 Sythetic grease cartridge

7. Also watch out for the sway bar bolt. When I was positioning the sway bar out of the way, I gouged the driver side CV boot with the bolt

8. The install should be much much faster and easier if you keep the stock UCA's.

9. And remember to use a torque wrench when tightening everything down. The only place I couldn't use my torque wrench was on the coilover top bolts because there wasn't enough room.

I think that's it for now. If you have more questions fell free to ask.

zmtnbik · 11-12-2006, 11:46 PM

How long did it take you to do the entire front end, and how much did the kit cost you?

Also, what are the advantages/disadvantages to using the Total Caos UCA? I've been looking at this setup, but not sure if I want to go with the TC UCA's or not. Lastly, since I do not have access to a machine shop, where can one find an aftermarkget carrier bearing spacer?

Thanks and can't wait to see pics.

marnes2986 · 11-13-2006, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zmtnbik

Also, what are the advantages/disadvantages to using the Total Caos UCA? Thanks and can't wait to see pics.

Advantage is a correct alignment. Many people have complained of difficulty aligning because of their stock UCA's

Great job Hans!!!!!!!!

Good write up, for people who are going to install the coilovers themselves!

Pb · 11-13-2006, 12:18 AM

Be sure to check your bolts and nuts after a few days. The nut on the long UCA bolt/pin was kinda loose when I checked mine the other day. It might be a good idea to mark the side of the nuts with a paint marker, so you can just look and tell if they've loosened any.

OneMnk · 11-13-2006, 01:03 AM

How much does the donahoe system + UCA increase the travel of the suspension compared to stock? Anyone know?

Hans Moleman · 11-13-2006, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marnes2986

Advantage is a correct alignment. Many people have complained of difficulty aligning because of their stock UCA's

Great job Hans!!!!!!!!

Good write up, for people who are going to install the coilovers themselves!

Yep, that's the main reason I got them. It fixes/makes it easier to adjust the caster angles.

Thanks marnes. Whatever I screwed up on the driver side, I made sure not to do it again on the passenger side

So hopefully people will learn from my screw ups.

Hans Moleman · 11-13-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pb

Be sure to check your bolts and nuts after a few days. The nut on the long UCA bolt/pin was kinda loose when I checked mine the other day. It might be a good idea to mark the side of the nuts with a paint marker, so you can just look and tell if they've loosened any.

Thanks for the tip.

I'm gonna go through evey bolt again with the torque wrench next weekend when I'm installing the rear lift.

Hans Moleman · 11-13-2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zmtnbik

How long did it take you to do the entire front end, and how much did the kit cost you?

Also, what are the advantages/disadvantages to using the Total Caos UCA? I've been looking at this setup, but not sure if I want to go with the TC UCA's or not. Lastly, since I do not have access to a machine shop, where can one find an aftermarkget carrier bearing spacer?

Thanks and can't wait to see pics.

Left side took me like 3hours because I was taking my time trying to figure stuff out. Then the right side took me like an hour because I was already used to it.

As mentioned earlier, it will help with alignment. The only disadvantage is you have to clean the uniball once in a while.

You can buy the OME carrier bearing spacer at wheelersoffroad.com. I made them myself because I have access to my work's machine shop.

Hans Moleman · 11-13-2006, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneMnk

How much does the donahoe system + UCA increase the travel of the suspension compared to stock? Anyone know?

I think the UCA is supposed to give another 1/2" to 1" of travel ontop of what the donhoe system gives

***docindahouze*** · 11-13-2006, 01:47 PM

HAAAAANS!

hurry and post ze pictures when you are done!

marnes2986 · 11-13-2006, 05:23 PM

Its also a good idea to put RED locktite on the nuts and bolts...if you dont put this on make sure you check and retorque every once inawhile

I called Donahoe and asked:

Donahoe 2005+ will give 2-3" over stock travel
spring rating =650lb's