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Toyota 1RZ 1RZ-E 2RZ 2RZ-E engine factory workshop and repair manual

Short, clear, and practical — how to install a suspension lowering kit on Toyota vehicles using 1RZ / 1RZ‑E / 2RZ / 2RZ‑E engines. I’ll cover why you do it, how the suspension works, the parts you’ll encounter (what each one does), step‑by‑step installation options you’ll actually see on these trucks/vans (coil/strut front, torsion bar front, leaf or coil rear), tools, safety, alignment/checks, and what can go wrong. Read the safety section and the “what can go wrong” part carefully before you start.

Quick theory (why people lower):
- Lowering lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, reducing body roll and improving cornering feel — think of a tall stack of books vs. a flat book on the table. A lower book is harder to tip.
- It also changes suspension geometry: camber, toe, bump travel, and drive-line angles. Those changes can improve handling if done correctly or wreck tires/parts if not.
- Lowering reduces suspension travel and ground clearance and can increase spring/shock stress. So you must match springs and dampers (shocks/struts) to avoid bottoming out or over‑stiff ride.

Key components and what each does (detailed):
- Coil spring: supports vehicle weight and sets ride height. Like the mattress springs that support your weight. Lowering springs are shorter or have a different rate.
- Shock absorber / strut: controls spring oscillation (damping). Keeps the car from bouncing. If springs are changed, shocks must be matched for travel and valving.
- Strut assembly / top mount: on MacPherson strut fronts, the strut integrates spring and damper. The top mount secures the top of the strut to the body and may include a bearing for steering.
- Spring isolator/pad: rubber piece between spring and perch; reduces noise and metal‑on‑metal contact.
- Spring compressor: tool to compress coil springs safely during disassembly.
- Torsion bar (if equipped): a long bar twisted to support weight; ride height is set by the bar’s preload and arm position. Lowering keys or re‑indexing adjust torsion bar arm to lower height.
- Lowering block (rear leaf): a short spacer placed between the leaf spring and axle to drop the axle relative to the springs (lowers ride).
- Shackle (rear coil or leaf): connects leaf spring to frame; changing shackle angle/length or using relocation plates can alter ride height.
- U‑bolt and spring plate (rear leaf): clamp axle to leaf spring. Replace U‑bolts when disturbed; torque is critical.
- Drop spindle: replaces the steering knuckle to lower the hub while keeping same spring position (keeps stock geometry but changes scrub radius).
- Camber/caster plates or adjustable control arms: allow correction of camber/caster after lowering.
- Bump stop: prevents hard contact at end of travel; may need modifying/shortening when lowering.
- Sway bar end links: connect sway bar to control arm/strut; lowering can change link angle—links may need replacement or extended end links.
- Brake lines and ABS sensor wires: lowering changes distances; lines may stretch or bind if not checked.
- Shock mounts / brackets: connect shocks to chassis/axle; must be compatible with shorter/longer shocks.

Common lowering options (pick one or a combo depending on your vehicle and kit):
1) Lowering springs + matched shocks/struts (most common, easiest). Shorter springs or springs with higher rate.
2) Lowering struts (preconfigured strut + spring where top is set lower).
3) Coilover adjustable units (expensive, adjustable ride height and damping).
4) Torsion bar re‑index or lowering keys (common on older Toyota trucks).
5) Drop spindles (lower hub without changing spring).
6) Rear lowering blocks (leaf spring vehicles) or shorter rear coils/shocks (coil rear).

Preliminary prep: parts, tools, and reference materials
- Parts: chosen lowering kit (springs or torsion keys or blocks), matched shocks/struts if required, new bump stops or reduced length stops, spring isolators, new U‑bolts (if leaf setup), new sway bar end links if needed, replacement nuts/bolts provided by kit, polyurethane bushings if desired.
- Tools: jack and good quality jack stands, wheel chocks, lug wrench, socket set, breaker bar, torque wrench, spring compressor (if dealing with strut springs), ball joint separator / tie rod puller, pry bar, hammer, penetrating oil, rubber mallet, torque specs reference (factory service manual), safety glasses, gloves.
- Manuals: factory service manual for your specific chassis model (NOT just engine code) — required for torque specs and model‑specific procedures.

Safety first (non‑negotiable):
- Use jack stands on a solid surface. Never rely on a jack alone.
- When compressing springs, use a quality compressor and keep hands/face clear — compressed springs can kill.
- If working with torsion bars, release load carefully; sudden release can cause injury.
- Replace any rusted or damaged fasteners; compromised hardware breaks.
- If you don’t have a spring compressor or aren’t 100% comfortable, have a professional do strut work.

General front coil/strut lowering (typical MacPherson front strut vehicle)
1) Prepare:
- Chock rear wheels, loosen front lug nuts slightly.
- Raise vehicle, support on stands under frame points, remove front wheels.
2) Disconnect components:
- Disconnect sway bar link from strut (retain hardware or replace per kit).
- Unclip brake line/ABS sensor from strut to free them; don’t let brake hose hang by tension—support it.
- Separate outer tie rod end from steering knuckle (use tie rod puller).
- Separate lower ball joint or control arm from knuckle (many Toyotas use ball joint nuts; use separator).
- If strut connects to steering knuckle with bolts, remove those.
- Remove strut top nuts (under hood or in engine bay strut tower). Do NOT let the strut drop.
3) Remove strut assembly:
- Take strut out from the vehicle. Be aware of any load on suspension.
4) Disassemble strut (off car):
- If using lowering springs, use a spring compressor, compress the spring safely, and remove the top nut.
- Remove the old spring, isolators, and top mount as needed.
- Inspect strut for leaks or damage. If shocks are old, replace with matched units.
5) Install new springs/strut:
- Fit new lower/shorter spring or new strut assembly (check orientation and isolators).
- Release spring compressor slowly and ensure spring seats correctly on perch.
- Replace any worn top mounts or bearings.
6) Reinstall strut assembly:
- Bolt top mount nuts hand tight, attach strut to knuckle, attach sway bar link, reconnect brake lines/ABS, attach tie rod end and ball joint. Torque everything to factory specs.
7) Repeat on other side, lower car on ground, settle suspension, torque all fasteners to final spec with weight on wheels.

Notes on spring compressors: compress the spring until it’s seated and double‑check tool engagement. If the strut is a sealed “lowering strut” you don’t disassemble — just swap the assembly.

Torsion bar front lowering (older Toyota truck method)
- Theory: torsion bar is a long bar under preload. A torsion bar key (drop key) rotates the bar anchor arm so the wheel drops relative to the frame. The bar itself remains under load but at a different lever angle.
- Steps (brief):
1) Raise vehicle, support on stands, remove wheels.
2) Support lower control arm with jack to unload torsion bar.
3) Loosen torsion bar adjuster retainer and remove the crossmember/bolts as per model to access bar anchor (procedures vary — consult manual).
4) Remove factory key (if re‑indexing) and install new lower (drop) key. This usually rotates the arm to drop the vehicle.
5) Reassemble, lower vehicle, settle, and torque adjuster.
- Safety: torsion bars are under heavy preload — follow model procedure exactly and use caution.

Rear lowering — leaf springs (common)
- Lowering block method (most common):
1) Raise rear, support frame on stands, chock front wheels.
2) Break lug nuts, remove wheels.
3) Support axle with a jack.
4) Remove or loosen U‑bolts holding axle to spring plate.
5) Lower axle slightly, insert lowering block between axle seat and spring plate (block usually thicker on the top side to lower axle).
6) Reinstall spring plate and new longer U‑bolots supplied in kit; torque U‑bolts to spec.
7) Lower vehicle onto wheels and torque everything again.
- Alternative: shorter rear coils or replacement coil springs; similar to front coil swap.
- If adding shackle or changing shackle length: unbolt shackle, refit new shackle or adjust placement. Torque all fasteners.

Rear lowering — coil rear
- Similar to front coil change: support axle, remove wheel, unbolt shock at axle, remove coil if accessible or drop axle to free spring, fit new coil, reinstall shocks (matched length), reassemble.

Post‑installation checks and setup
- Immediately check: clearances for brake hoses, ABS wires, sway bar links, bump stops. Wiggle lines through full suspension travel.
- Check for tire rubbing at full steering lock and full compression.
- Lower car onto flat ground, let it sit so suspension settles; re‑check ride height measurement and fasteners.
- Mandatory: get a full wheel alignment (camber, caster, toe) after lowering. Lowering typically increases negative camber and changes toe — alignment is essential for safety and tire life.
- Check headlight aim; lowered vehicles can blind oncoming drivers if headlights aren’t adjusted.
- Test‑drive slowly and listen for noises; re‑check torque after 100–200 km.

What can go wrong (and how to avoid it)
- Wrong shocks or old shocks: cause harsh ride, pounding, poor damping, premature wear. Always use dampers matched for lowered height.
- Excessive negative camber and toe change: leads to uneven tire wear and poor handling. Solution: camber/caster plates or adjustable arms and a shop alignment.
- Brake hose/ABS wire bind or stretch: can damage brake lines/ABS sensors, leading to brake failure. Check clearance under full travel; replace with longer hoses if needed.
- Bottoming out or rubbing bump stops: if springs lower too much, bump stops will contact or tires hit fenders. You may need shorter bump stops or limited drop.
- Driveshaft/cv angle issues: lowering can increase CV/driveshaft angle, causing vibration and accelerated joint wear. If extreme, you may need shorter springs or CV joint/drive shaft modification.
- Broken spring or compressor failure: compressed springs store enormous energy. Use correct tool and technique; never reuse compromised springs.
- Loose fasteners: accidents and component failure if not torqued. Always torque to factory specs and re‑check after test drive.
- Sway bar geometry and roll behavior change: can increase understeer/oversteer unpredictably. Consider adjustable end links or sway bar tuning.
- Legal/inspections: some jurisdictions limit ride height modifications. Check local laws.

Maintenance and tips
- Replace old shocks when installing lowering springs. New springs on old shocks = bad ride.
- Replace worn rubber bushings when visible — lowering increases stress on bushings.
- Always fit new U‑bolts on leaf setups; reuse only if in perfect condition and cleaned.
- Measure ride height before starting so you know target drop (e.g., 1–2" is common). Avoid extreme drops that ruin geometry.
- Keep original parts until you are happy with the result — in case you need to revert.
- If uncertain about torsion bar or complicated work, let a shop do it.

Example checklist to follow on the day:
- Gather parts, tools, manual. Safety gear on.
- Chock, jack, stands, remove wheel.
- Disconnect sway bar, brake lines, ABS, tie rods, ball joints to free strut/knuckle.
- Remove strut, compress spring off car, replace spring or install new strut.
- Reassemble and torque everything with weight on wheels where required.
- Rear: insert blocks or change coils per kit, replace U‑bolts, torque.
- Final: check hoses/lines clearance, new bump stops if needed, lower vehicle, settle, torque, alignment.

Final notes:
- Exact bolt locations and torque specs depend on the vehicle chassis (Hilux, Hiace, etc.). Use the factory service manual for your exact model and model year for torque numbers and model‑specific steps.
- Lowering changes safety-critical parts and geometry. If you’re not confident with spring compressors, torsion bars, or alignment, have a professional do it.

That’s the full walk‑through: theory, component descriptions, step‑by‑step work flows for the common lowering methods, safety, checks, and failure modes. Follow the checklist, use the right matched parts, and get a professional alignment afterward.
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