SWells679

Hey y'all. I've "de-lowered" my '05 xB and reinstalled the Factory Springs. But, now, I'm wondering how the Rear Springs get installed.
There are little, red dots strategically painted on them...but, what does that mean? Are they s'posed to face Inboard, Outboard, Fwd, Rear?

Anyone know? Thanx.

V/r
Scott

MileHightC

Based upon what I found in the Service Manual (attached) the paint marks only indicate what side is the 'bottom' of the coil spring...no indication that they have to be oriented a certain way.

SWells679

Thanks for the Reply and pdf. What's weird is each spring has TWO paint splotches on them (one over the next) and while they are "near" the bottom, they are actually closer to the center coils on the spring. I'm pretty sure I have them oriented as far as top & bottom goes.

Also, the wording on that note: "Be sure to install the coil spring so that the paint mark comes to under the vehicle." WTH does that mean? I could interpret to mean, facing inward.

I've look at the wear marks of the upper & lower spring insulator rubber, but they're inconclusive. Messing with it, I can talk myself into rotating several different scenarios.

Would you happen to have the Manual section for the Front Coil Springs? They have paint spots on them as well and it's probably the same marking convention (I can check later today, too).

Thanks for the help, @MileHightC.

drizzoh

The orientation of the OEM springs is usually not too big of a deal as they're linear in most cases. If one side is wider than the other, see which way it makes best contact in the suspension setup. Also make sure the ends of the coils butt up against the perches so everything is tightly secured and has a minimum chance of making noise. If there is any text printed on the spring, that generally signifies the orientation of the spring (should be right side up). You will need spring compressors to install the fronts.

MileHightC

No paint on the front springs but they do show you how to orient them...I'd take "comes to under the car" as pointing toward the center of the car but I don't think the rear spring orientation is hugely important as long as they're seated correctly.

SWells679

Thanks. Fronts are 'in'. The top of the strut mount makes make it easy to figure out spring orientation. The rears are installed and I've ordered new lower insulators (present ones are torn) and I'll work on this again.

SWells679

Thanks. I'll take a closer look when I install the new insulators and report back.

armygreenxb

The Red Dots should be on the bottom, facing out towards the rear. Here's a look before I replaced the shocks and springs.

typhoonorchid

Good download. I like!

skye911

wow, that bolt looks like it will be a tough one to loosen!

armygreenxb

It's actually a nut haha, but you can't tell from that pic. It was actually easy and in pretty good shape. I have new KYB shocks and mounts installed as well as original insulators and coil springs from Toyota.