kevfeil

Hi, I'm going to be changing the strut bars and ball joints on my '99 LS400 and need to know what size sockets I will need. I haven't been able to find a tutorial for changing the bars on the '99, only the previous gen. cars. I found a great tutorial for the ball joints that mentioned 17mm for the calipers and 24mm for the castle nut. I just want to make sure I have the right sockets, before I start the job. Anyone with a '99 who has completed this work, please chime in. Thank you in advance.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Generally they're 14mm. I'd be surprised if the nut for the top hat was anything else.

A rule of thumb when working on Toyotas, all just need 10, 12, 14, 17 and sometimes 19

kevfeil

Thanks. I appreciate the help.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the strut rod bolt into the caster mount is a 21mm i believe, some bigger sockets on hand will help.

kevfeil

PureDrifter, thanks. Are there any tricks/difficulties you remember from changing yours? Do I have to remove the shocks/struts to get the strut bar out?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Ah didn't realize you were trying to replace the strut/caster rod. Definitely different then adding on a strut bar.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

i have a DIY for this i need to put up one of these days lol.

you can do the fronts without removing the strut assy. from the car, but it is a bit fiddly as you still have to take off the shock mounts.

bornpeace

I just did mine this weekend, caliper is 17mm and the two strut bar bolts are 17mm. caster bolt is 24mm, caster nut is 22mm. And you have to remove the bottom bolt holding the shock. lower ball joint is 24mm. It is necessary to remove the knuckle and the metal part holding the shock and sway bar link.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

what do you mean you have to remove the knuckle

shock mount yes, knuckle no....

kevfeil

Thanks everyone for the advice and tips. Is there enough room to get an impact in there to break the tough fasteners loose? I just got a new impact for Christmas and can't wait to use it. PureDrifter, is this a one or two day job? I am a pretty fair mechanic.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

just front strut bars?

i can do them in about 2 hours, but budget yourself a day for the first time.

bornpeace

i prefer to take the knuckle out so that i have room to take the shock bracket out. Splash shield is always on my way. It can be done without removing it.

Impact wrench may be needed, i broke the stanley extension trying to loosen the caster bolt. And walmart impact wrench did not do anything.

bornpeace

I hope your impact wrench is good(Mine is Matco 1200ft/lbs in reverse). Yes you have room for impact wrench, you have to remove the plastic cover running from front bumper to the fender. You do not have to take the whole thing down, just like seven screws and then pull it down.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

to remove the shock mount without removing the shock assy. from the car you may need a universal joint, and definitely will need some extensions

kevfeil

Thanks everyone for your advice. I've learned a lot.