Tundra Lift Kit Shim Install Guide: Coachbuilder Style

Nov 18, 2025 by Alex Braham 55 views

Hey guys! So, you're looking to lift your Toyota Tundra and you've stumbled upon the magic of Coachbuilder shims? Awesome choice! These things are practically legendary in the Tundra world for providing a smooth, reliable lift without compromising ride quality. But, let's be real, installing a lift kit, especially with shims, can seem a bit intimidating if you've never done it before. Don't sweat it though! This guide is designed to walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, making sure you get that perfect stance and improved off-road capability. We'll be focusing on a Coachbuilder-style shim install, which is a fantastic way to level out your truck or add a bit of extra height. Let's dive in and get your Tundra looking tough!

Why Coachbuilder Shims?

Before we get our hands dirty, let's quickly chat about why Coachbuilder shims are so popular. See, when you lift a Tundra, you're changing the suspension geometry. This can sometimes lead to a rougher ride or even damage to your suspension components if not done right. Coachbuilder shims are designed to correct this. They are precision-engineered to provide the lift you want while maintaining the factory ride quality. This is because they are designed to work with the existing suspension components, rather than replacing them entirely. This is a huge win for those of us who value a comfortable ride as much as we value a mean-looking truck. Plus, Coachbuilder shims are known for their durability and the quality of materials used to manufacture them, meaning they are built to withstand the rigors of both on-road and off-road driving. They're a smart investment if you're serious about lifting your Tundra the right way, ensuring longevity and performance. Coachbuilder is a reputable brand with a strong following in the Tundra community, so you're joining a club of enthusiasts who appreciate quality. Remember, a good lift isn't just about looks; it's about performance, safety, and the overall enjoyment of your truck.

Benefits of Choosing Coachbuilder

Maintained Ride Quality: The biggest selling point. Shims keep that smooth factory feel.
Durability: Built to last from high-quality materials, handling tough conditions.
Precision Engineering: Designed to work perfectly with your Tundra's suspension.
Improved Appearance: Achieve the perfect stance without sacrificing performance.

What You'll Need: The Essentials

Alright, let's gear up! Before you even think about jacking up your Tundra, you need to gather your tools and supplies. Being prepared is half the battle, trust me. It’ll make the entire process smoother and less frustrating. Here's a comprehensive list of what you'll need for this Coachbuilder shim install:

Tools and Materials Checklist

Coachbuilder Shims: Obviously! Make sure you get the right size for your desired lift.
Floor Jack: A good quality floor jack is a must for safely lifting your truck.
Jack Stands: Never, ever work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Jack stands are crucial for safety!
Wheel Chocks: These will prevent your truck from rolling while you're working.
Lug Wrench: For removing and tightening lug nuts.
Impact Wrench (Optional, but recommended): Speeds up the process of removing and installing bolts.
Torque Wrench: For torquing bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. This is essential for safety and preventing damage.
Socket Set: A comprehensive set with various sizes.
Wrench Set: You'll need both open-end and box-end wrenches.
Breaker Bar: For stubborn bolts that need extra leverage.
Hammer: For persuading things.
Pry Bar: Useful for separating components.
Penetrating Oil (like PB Blaster): To help loosen rusty bolts.
Gloves: Protect those hands!
Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes! Safety first, always.
Wheel chocks: Additional safety.
Anti-seize lubricant: For reassembly to prevent future corrosion.

Important Considerations

Safety First: Seriously, put safety first. Always use jack stands, wear safety glasses, and work in a well-lit area.
Research: Read through the entire process and familiarize yourself with your specific lift kit and vehicle.
Vehicle Preparation: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Okay, time to get down to business! Follow these steps carefully, and you'll have your Tundra lifted in no time. Remember to take your time, double-check your work, and don't hesitate to consult your lift kit's instructions if you get stuck. Also, take pictures at each step for reference!

Step 1: Prepare Your Tundra

Start by parking your Tundra on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. This prevents any unwanted movement while you're working. Make sure you have enough space around the truck to move freely. A clean workspace is a happy workspace. Spray any bolts you suspect might be rusty with penetrating oil and let it sit for a bit. This will make them much easier to remove. Always, always, always put safety first. You want to walk away from this project safely, and so does your truck.

Step 2: Loosen Lug Nuts

Before you lift the truck, loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels. Don't remove them completely yet; just break them loose. This is easier to do while the wheels are still on the ground. Use your lug wrench or an impact wrench if you have one. Then, lift the front of the truck with your floor jack, positioning it on the frame near the front suspension. Make sure the jack is securely placed. Place jack stands under the frame, as close to the jacking points as possible. Lower the truck onto the jack stands, ensuring it's stable. Double-check to make sure it's secure before you start working under the vehicle. Once it's secure, you can remove the front wheels completely.

Step 3: Remove the Front Shocks

Now, it's time to remove the front shocks. This will give you access to the coil springs, where the shims will be installed. Locate the shock bolts (usually two at the bottom and one at the top). Use your socket set and/or wrenches to remove these bolts. Be prepared, they might be tight. A breaker bar can come in handy here. If you're having trouble, penetrating oil can be your friend. Once the bolts are removed, the shocks should come free. You might need to wiggle them a bit to get them out. Set the shocks aside.

Step 4: Remove the Upper Ball Joint

Next, you will need to disconnect the upper ball joint. This will allow the suspension to drop down, making it easier to install the shims. Loosen and remove the nut that secures the upper ball joint to the spindle. Using a ball joint separator tool or a hammer, carefully separate the ball joint from the spindle. Be careful not to damage any components during this process. A bit of persuasion might be needed, but be patient and avoid excessive force.

Step 5: Install the Coachbuilder Shims

This is where the magic happens! With the suspension components now accessible, it's time to install the Coachbuilder shims. The specific method will depend on the design of your shims, but the general principle remains the same. The shims will typically sit between the coil spring and the top of the strut assembly. Place the shim on top of the strut, aligning it properly. Reinstall the upper ball joint. Reinstall the front shocks. It might be a bit of a tight squeeze, but they will fit. Ensure all bolts are aligned. Tighten the bolts securely. Double-check everything. This is a critical step, so don't rush it. This is a critical step, so don't rush it. Refer to your shim kit's instructions for the specific torque specifications.

Step 6: Reassemble the Suspension

Now, reassemble the suspension components that you disassembled earlier. This includes the upper ball joint, the shocks, and the wheels. Make sure everything is properly aligned and secured. Torque all the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. This is crucial for safety and performance. Use your torque wrench to ensure accurate tightening. Reinstall the front wheels. Lower the truck, and then tighten the lug nuts to the recommended torque. Double-check all bolts for tightness. After lowering the truck, give it a good shake to ensure everything is settled. The installation is almost complete!

Step 7: Wheel Alignment

Once everything is reassembled and torqued, it's time to get your Tundra a wheel alignment. Lifting your truck will change the alignment, and driving without a proper alignment can lead to uneven tire wear and poor handling. Take your truck to a reputable alignment shop. They'll adjust the suspension components to ensure your wheels are correctly aligned. This step is critical to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Don't skip this step!

Tips for a Smooth Install

Here are some extra tips to make the installation process easier and more enjoyable:

Read the Instructions: Always read the instructions that come with your Coachbuilder shims and any other components you're installing. It's the best way to ensure you're doing things correctly.
Take Photos: Take photos of each step as you go. This can be incredibly helpful if you get stuck or need to reference something later.
Organize Your Hardware: Keep your bolts and nuts organized. Label them if necessary to avoid confusion.
Have a Buddy: Having a friend help you can make the process go faster and safer.
Don't Rush: Take your time. It's better to take a little longer and do it right than to rush and make mistakes.
Cleanliness: Keep your work area clean and organized. This will make it easier to find tools and parts.
Penetrating Oil: Use penetrating oil on any bolts that look rusty or difficult to remove.
Torque Specs: Always torque bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. This is essential for safety and performance.
Patience: Be patient! It's a project, and it may take some time. Don't get discouraged if things don't go perfectly the first time.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best planning, things can go wrong. Here are some common issues and how to deal with them:

Stuck Bolts

Rusty bolts can be a real pain. If a bolt is stuck, try using penetrating oil. Let it sit for a while, then try again. Use a breaker bar or impact wrench for extra leverage. If the bolt still won't budge, you might need to use a torch to heat it up (but be extremely careful if you do this).

Difficulty Aligning Components

Sometimes, things don't line up perfectly. Use a pry bar or hammer to gently persuade components into place. Don't force anything. Make sure you haven't missed any steps or reversed any components.

Uneven Lift

If your truck isn't lifting evenly, double-check your shim installation. Make sure the shims are properly installed on both sides. Also, check for any other issues with your suspension components.

Rough Ride

If your ride quality is rough after the lift, it could be due to a few things. Make sure you've properly torqued all the bolts. Check your tire pressure and adjust it to the manufacturer's recommendations. And of course, get that wheel alignment done! If the issue persists, you might need to consider different shocks or springs.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Ride!

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Coachbuilder shims on your Tundra. Now it's time to hit the road and enjoy the improved ride and stance. Remember to drive safely and respect the capabilities of your lifted truck. With a little patience and some elbow grease, you've transformed your Tundra into something even more awesome. So get out there and enjoy the ride! Feel free to share your experience with the community; we all learn from each other. Have fun, and be safe out there on the trails and roads!