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

- Safety first — if any step makes you unsure, stop and get a professional. Wear safety glasses, gloves, and use rated jack stands; never rely on a jack alone. Follow factory service manual torque specs for your exact model and recheck fasteners after the first 100–200 miles.

- Identify your vehicle’s suspension before starting (important because installation steps and required tools differ): many Toyota vehicles with 1RZ/2RZ engines use independent front suspension (struts or torsion bars) and a solid rear axle with leaf springs. Confirm whether your front is a strut-coil setup, a torsion-bar setup, and whether the rear is leaf springs or coils.

Tools — what they are, why you need them, and how to use them
- Hydraulic floor jack
- What: Low-profile jack to lift the vehicle.
- Why: Lifts the vehicle so you can support it on stands.
- How to use: Place on a factory jacking point, pump handle to raise until contact, then lift slightly more to slide jack stands under. Never work under a car supported only by the jack.

- Jack stands (pair for each end being worked)
- What: Rated stands that support weight safely.
- Why: Provide secure, stable support while you work.
- How to use: Set to equal height and place under secure frame or axle points; lower the vehicle onto the stands gently.

- Wheel chocks
- What: Blocks to prevent rolling.
- Why: Prevents the vehicle from moving while lifted.
- How to use: Place behind/forward wheels that remain on the ground.

- Socket set (metric), ratchet, extension bars
- What: Metric sockets (10mm–24mm commonly needed), breaker-length ratchet or 3/8", 1/2" drive.
- Why: Remove wheels, strut bolts, U-bolts, and other suspension fasteners.
- How to use: Use correct-sized sockets; sit square to bolt to avoid rounding heads. Use extensions to reach recessed fasteners.

- Breaker bar
- What: Long-handled bar for extra leverage.
- Why: Break loose tight, rusted, or high-torque nuts/bolts.
- How to use: Fit proper socket and apply steady force; avoid sudden jerks.

- Torque wrench (click-type, appropriate range)
- What: Tool to tighten bolts to specific torque values.
- Why: Ensures correct clamping — critical for safety.
- How to use: Set required torque, tighten slowly until click; follow sequence in manual.

- Spring compressor (strut spring compressor)
- What: Heavy-duty clamps or threaded compressors made for coil springs.
- Why: Compresses coil spring safely to remove/fit strut assemblies.
- How to use: Fit evenly on opposite coils, compress slowly and evenly, keep hands clear. If unsure or spring is corroded, do not proceed — springs can release with deadly force. Consider professional help.

- Ball joint separator / pickle fork / tie-rod end tool
- What: Tools to separate ball joints and tie rod ends from steering knuckles.
- Why: Needed when removing struts or control arms.
- How to use: Fit between joint and press or strike as instructed; support the hub to avoid damage.

- Pry bar(s)
- What: Strong steel bar for leverage.
- Why: Help free stubborn components and align parts for reassembly.
- How to use: Use controlled pressure; protect mounting points with wood block if needed.

- Hammer and dead-blow hammer
- What: For persuading stuck components.
- Why: Loosen rusted bolts and seats.
- How to use: Tap sharply for stuck items; use dead-blow to avoid damage.

- Penetrating oil (e.g., PB Blaster), wire brush
- What: Lubricant and cleaning tools.
- Why: Soften rusted nuts/bolts and clean threads.
- How to use: Spray on bolts and let soak; wire-brush threads before reinstall.

- C-clamp or large vise (for compressing small springs or isolators)
- What: General clamp.
- Why: Helpful to compress strut top or isolator if no spring compressor for small jobs.
- How to use: Use with care only for small tasks — do not substitute for proper spring compressor where needed.

- Torque-angle gauge (optional)
- What: For bolts requiring torque+angle tightening.
- Why: Some suspension bolts use torque+angle spec.
- How to use: Follow factory instructions.

- Torsion bar unloading tool (only if your front uses torsion bars)
- What: Special tool to relieve torsion bar preload.
- Why: Required to safely lower or remove torsion bars without damaging components or risking injury.
- How to use: Follow tool instructions and factory manual strictly; this is advanced — seek a shop if unsure.

- Bench vise or press (optional for swapping bushings)
- What: Used to press bushings/ball joints if needed.
- Why: Some kits require replacing bushings or ball joints which may require pressing.
- How to use: Use appropriate adapters and follow press safety.

Lowering kit types and what they change (pick the kit matching your suspension)
- Front lowering springs (for strut-coil front)
- What they are: Shorter or lower-rate coil springs that lower ride height.
- Why they’re used: Lowers center height, preserves strut geometry more than cutting springs.
- Replacement considerations: Use matched shocks/struts designed for lowered height or adjustable coilovers. Replace spring isolators and bump stops if worn.

- Drop spindles or strut spacers
- What: Drop spindles change spindle location to lower ride height without altering coil springs; strut spacers lift top mounts for a lift rather than lowering.
- Why: Drop spindles maintain spring geometry — often used for front lowering on solid-axle setups.
- Replacement considerations: Spindles may require new wheel bearings/seals if removed; torque and alignment critical.

- Torsion bar lowering key (for torsion-bar front)
- What: Keys that change torsion bar anchor point to lower the front.
- Why: Adjusts preload to lower the vehicle; requires torsion bar unloading tool.
- Replacement considerations: Inspect torsion bar splines and bushings. Professional alignment required.

- Rear lowering blocks (for live axle with leaf springs)
- What: Thicker or flipped blocks between axle and leaf spring U-bolts to lower the axle (or flipped blocks to raise).
- Why: Easy, inexpensive way to lower axle relative to spring perch.
- Replacement considerations: New U-bolts sized for block thickness are required; shocks often must be shortened or replaced.

- Shortened leaf springs or re-arched leaf packs
- What: Leaf packs with fewer leaves or different arch to lower axle.
- Why: Permanent lowering with better ride control than blocks.
- Replacement considerations: Requires U-bolts, new bushings, matched shock length, and alignment. Professional fitment recommended.

- Drop shackles or shackle repositioning
- What: Changed shackles to change spring angle and lower or raise the rear.
- Why: Sometimes used on vans/trucks to alter height.
- Replacement considerations: Inspect shackles and bushings; may change spring/shock geometry.

Step-by-step high-level procedure (use correct kit instructions and factory manual torque specs)
- Preparation and safety set-up
- Park on flat level ground, engage parking brake, chock rear wheels.
- Loosen wheel lug nuts slightly while car is on ground.
- Jack the vehicle at the recommended jacking point, raise and support with jack stands on solid frame or axle perch.
- Remove wheels and secure steering/rotational components with bungee cords if needed.

- Front strut / coil spring lowering (common procedure)
- Remove wheel and inspect top mount access point in engine bay or strut tower.
- Support the lower control arm with a secondary jack or stand to keep hub from dropping when you unbolt the strut.
- Remove lower strut-to-knuckle bolts (use penetrating oil and breaker bar if needed).
- Remove sway-bar end link and ABS/brake line brackets attached to the strut.
- Remove top strut nuts from strut tower (hold strut piston from turning or use appropriate tool).
- Remove strut assembly from vehicle.
- Compress the coil spring using a certified spring compressor — place compressors opposite each other, tighten evenly until spring is relaxed on top mount.
- Swap springs with the lowering springs: install new spring with new isolators/bump stops as provided.
- Slowly decompress spring ensuring it seats correctly in top and bottom perches.
- Reinstall strut assembly into vehicle, loosely fit top nuts, then align bottom to knuckle and install bolts.
- Torque all fasteners to factory specs with a torque wrench. Repeat on other side.
- Note: Replace shocks/struts if required by the kit — shorter springs on stock shocks can cause the shock to bottom out early.

- Front torsion-bar lowering (if applicable)
- If vehicle has torsion bars, use the torsion bar unloading tool to relieve preload from the crossmember.
- Remove adjustment bolt and slide torsion bar out of key and adjust with lowering key as per kit instructions.
- Re-tension and check spline engagement; never reinstall without proper tool and torque.
- Inspect bushings and replace if worn. This is advanced — consider a shop if unfamiliar.

- Rear leaf-spring lowering with blocks or new leaf springs
- Support axle with a jack and remove U-bolts (penetrating oil beforehand). Do not let axle drop uncontrolled — support with jack.
- If using lowering blocks: position new block between axle perch and spring, align center pins, fit new longer U-bolts and torque to spec.
- If replacing leaf springs: unbolt front and rear spring hangers and remove spring; install new spring and new bushings as needed, fit with new U-bolts, torque to spec.
- If using shackle changes, remove shackles and replace with kit parts; fit new bushings.
- Replace or shorten shock absorbers if they will bottom out or be too long — shocks are frequently required when lowering.

- Reassembly and immediate checks
- Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts to manufacturer specs with torque wrench.
- Lower vehicle to ground and settle suspension by rocking gently.
- Check brake line routing and ABS sensor wires; ensure no binding or excessive tension. If lines are tight, replace with longer hoses or add brackets as required by the kit.
- Check bump stops: if lowered significantly, shorter bump stops or new mounts may be needed to prevent damage.

Essential replacement parts commonly required when lowering
- Shocks/struts matched to lowered ride height
- Why: Stock shocks are valved and length-designed for stock ride height; lowering can cause poor damping and premature bottoming.
- New U-bolts (for leaf-spring axle setups)
- Why: Blocks or thicker plates require longer U-bolts; used U-bolts may be stretched or corroded.
- Spring isolators, top mounts, bump stops
- Why: These rubber parts compress/age and should be replaced when changing springs to avoid noise and improper seating.
- Brake lines or hose extensions/brackets (if needed)
- Why: Significant drop may pull on lines; replace or fit longer hoses to avoid overstretching.
- Ball joints, tie-rod ends, bushings (inspect and replace if worn)
- Why: Lowering alters geometry and stresses worn components; replace worn components to maintain handling and safety.
- Torsion bar keys or new torsion bars (if torsion-bar modification)
- Why: Kit may include keys; inspect torsion bar for wear.
- Wheel bearings/seals or spindle components (if drop spindles are used and disassembled)
- Why: Disassembly may disturb bearings/seals; replacement prevents leaks or premature wear.
- Alignment/camber/caster adjustment shims or adjustable control arms (if necessary)
- Why: Lowering changes geometry and camber/caster; adjustments required to keep tires from excessive wear and to keep steering stable.

Alignment and post-installation service
- Always perform a full 4-wheel alignment immediately after lowering.
- Why: Lowering changes camber, caster, and toe; improper alignment causes tire wear and unsafe handling.
- Re-torque all suspension fasteners after the first 100–200 miles and periodically after.
- Why: Fasteners can settle as bushings compress and components seat.
- Test drive carefully at low speed first; listen for rubbing, binding, or unusual noises.

Common risks and why professional help is sometimes required
- Compressed springs store lethal energy; improper use of spring compressors can cause catastrophic injury.
- Torsion bar systems require special unloading tools and knowledge to avoid injury or damage.
- Incorrect installation can lead to loss of steering control or premature component failure.
- Suspension geometry changes can cause undesirable handling or tire wear — alignment shops have proper equipment for corrections.

Final quick checklist before starting
- Confirm suspension type (strut vs. torsion bar, leaf vs. coil rear).
- Get the correct lowering kit for that suspension and vehicle year.
- Gather the tools above, plus any special kit hardware and a factory service manual or torque chart.
- Plan for an alignment appointment right after installation.

- You can do this as a capable DIYer with proper tools and caution, but for spring compressors, torsion bars, or if you lack a torque wrench/alignment access, get a professional install.
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