2004 SR5 Suspension rebuild

Hey all,

My 16 year old son saved up his money to purchase a 2004 SR5 4WD with 212k miles. Interior is in great condition (except the cracked dash). No rust visible on frame, we live in Oklahoma.

The suspension needs work. Our plan is to replace upper and lower control arms, struts/springs, CV axles. Brakes and tires are supposedly in good shape. We are going to try to do all this over a 3 day weekend. I am hoping since we are replacing most of it, it will be easier. I am ordering parts online from Toyota dealer (I heard this would be the best parts). Not looking to raise it, although this may be a good time (plan on Bilstein 5100). It will be a daily driver, mostly street but some dirt roads. Any pointers or advice is appreciated. Thanks!


Moved from another thread.

 

Unless the CVs are actually bad, you should consider just rebooting the original ones. It will save you some $$ that way and isn't difficult to do. I'm assuming they have torn inner boots only?

Also, compare the Toyota dealer prices to RockAuto. RockAuto is usually cheaper and they carry high end parts.

 

Boots are torn, but there is also a grinding noise. We planned to replace them while we have everything torn down so we don't have to go back in.

 

Recommendation, or for your awareness... If you do indeed replace your CVs and the diff side oil seals, dont quite seat the seals all the way before putting the CV back in place and seating it in the diff again, or the seal has a good chance of moving just enough inwards to leak oil by. Its only a couple millimeters of difference but yea, ask how i know

 

Good to know, thank you.