Tema4x4 40mm Front Strut Spacers Installation Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Tema4x4 40mm Front Strut Spacers. These spacers are designed to increase the front ground clearance of compatible Toyota vehicles by 40mm. Please read this manual thoroughly before beginning installation to ensure safety and correct procedure.

2. Safety Information

Warning: Automotive suspension work can be dangerous and should only be performed by individuals with appropriate mechanical knowledge and tools. Improper installation can lead to vehicle instability, component failure, and serious injury or death.

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves.
• Ensure the vehicle is on a level, stable surface and properly supported by jack stands before working underneath. Never rely solely on a jack.
• Chock the rear wheels to prevent accidental movement.
• Disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle's battery before starting work.
• Do not modify any components. Use only the provided parts.
• After installation, a professional wheel alignment is highly recommended to ensure proper vehicle handling and tire wear.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present and undamaged before beginning installation.

• 2x Front Strut Spacers (40mm)
• Mounting Hardware (e.g., extended bolts, nuts, washers if applicable)

Image 1: Contents of the Tema4x4 40mm Front Strut Spacer kit, showing two black polyurethane spacers and accompanying extended bolts.

4. Vehicle Compatibility

These 40mm front strut spacers are compatible with the following Toyota models:

• AVALON (XX30; GSX30) 2004-2012
• AVALON (XX40; AVX40/GSX40) 2012-2015
• CAMRY (XV30; ACV30/MCV30/ACV31) 2001-2006
• CAMRY (XV40; ACV4#/ASV40/GSV40) 2006-2011
• CAMRY (XV50/55; ASV50/AVV50/GSV50/ACV51) 2011-2018
• CAMRY HYBRID (XV40; ACV4#/ASV40/GSV40) 2006-2011
• CAMRY HYBRID (XV50/55; ASV50/AVV50/GSV50/ACV51) 2011-2018
• ESTIMA HYBRID (R10; AHR10) 2001-2006
• ESTIMA T (R30/R40; ACR30/40/MCR30/40) 1999-2006
• ESTIMA L (R30/R40; ACR30/40/MCR30/40) 1999-2006
• HARRIER (II XU30; MCU30W/ACU30W/GSU30W/MCU35W/ACU35W/GSU35W) 2003-2013
• HIGHLANDER (XU20; MCU20L/ACU20L/MCU23L/MHU23L/MCU25L/ACU25L/MCU28L/MHU28L) 2000-2007
• HIGHLANDER (XU40; ASU40/GSU40/GSU45/GVU48/MHU48/GSU4#) 2007-2013
• HIGHLANDER (XU50; ASU50/GSU5#/GVU58) 2013-2020
• KLUGER (XU20; MCU20L/ACU20L/MCU23L/MHU23L/MCU25L/ACU25L/MCU28L/MHU28L) 2000-2007
• KLUGER (XU40; ASU40/GSU40/GSU45/GVU48/MHU48/GSU4#) 2007-2013
• KLUGER (XU50; ASU50/GSU5#/GVU58) 2013-2020
• PREVIA (XR30; CLR30/ACR30) 2000-2006
• SIENNA (XL20; GSL2#/MCL2#) 2003-2010
• SIENNA (XL30; ASL30/GSL3#) 2010-2020
• SOLARA (XV30; ACV30/MCV31) 2002-2008
• TARAGO (XR30; CLR30/ACR30) 2000-2006
• VENZA (GV10; AGV10/GGV10/AGV15/GGV15) 2008-2017
• WINDOM (XV30; MCV30) 2001-2006

If your vehicle is not listed, or you are unsure about compatibility, please contact Tema4x4 support for assistance.

5. Tools Required

The following tools are generally required for installation. Specific vehicle models may require additional tools.

• Vehicle Jack and Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Socket Wrench Set (various sizes)
• Open-End Wrench Set (various sizes)
• Torque Wrench
• Pry Bar or Large Screwdriver
• Penetrating Oil (optional, for rusted bolts)
• Wire Brush (optional, for cleaning threads)
• Anti-Seize Compound (optional)

6. Installation Instructions (Setup)

Follow these steps carefully for each front strut assembly. It is recommended to work on one side of the vehicle at a time.

1. Prepare the Vehicle: Park the vehicle on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts.
2. Lift and Secure: Using a jack, lift the front of the vehicle until the wheels are off the ground. Place jack stands securely under the vehicle's frame rails, then slowly lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Remove the front wheels.
3. Disconnect Components: Locate the front strut assembly. Carefully disconnect any components attached to the strut or knuckle that may impede its removal, such as the sway bar end link, brake line bracket, and ABS sensor wire. Ensure these components are not stretched or damaged.
4. Remove Strut Mounting Bolts: Support the lower control arm with a jack. Loosen and remove the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle. Then, open the hood and locate the three nuts securing the top of the strut to the strut tower. Loosen and remove these nuts.
5. Remove Strut Assembly: Carefully lower the lower control arm (using the jack if necessary) and maneuver the entire strut assembly out of the wheel well.
6. Install Strut Spacer: Place the Tema4x4 40mm strut spacer on top of the strut's upper mount. Ensure the holes in the spacer align with the studs on the strut mount and the holes in the vehicle's strut tower. The provided extended bolts will pass through the spacer and into the strut tower.
7. Reinstall Strut Assembly: Carefully guide the strut assembly (with the spacer attached) back into the strut tower. Insert the extended bolts through the spacer and strut tower holes. Secure with the provided nuts, tightening them finger-tight for now.
8. Reconnect Lower Strut: Reattach the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle using the original bolts. Torque these bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (refer to your vehicle's service manual).
9. Reconnect Components: Reattach the sway bar end link, brake line bracket, and ABS sensor wire to their original positions. Ensure all lines and wires have adequate slack and are not pinched.
10. Final Torque: Torque the three nuts on top of the strut tower (securing the spacer and strut) to the manufacturer's specifications.
11. Repeat for Other Side: Repeat steps 3-10 for the other front strut.
12. Reinstall Wheels: Mount the front wheels back onto the hubs. Hand-tighten the lug nuts.
13. Lower Vehicle: Raise the vehicle slightly with the jack, remove the jack stands, and slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.
14. Final Lug Nut Torque: With the vehicle on the ground, fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer's specified torque.

Image 2: Close-up of Tema4x4 40mm Front Strut Spacers, illustrating the design and included hardware.

7. Post-Installation Checks (Operating)

• Visual Inspection: Double-check all bolts and nuts to ensure they are properly tightened. Verify that brake lines, ABS wires, and other components are clear of moving parts and not under tension.
• Test Drive: Drive the vehicle slowly in a safe area. Listen for any unusual noises (clunks, squeaks). Check steering response and braking.
• Wheel Alignment: It is crucial to have a professional wheel alignment performed immediately after installing lift components. This will correct camber, caster, and toe angles, preventing premature tire wear and ensuring safe handling.

8. Maintenance

These strut spacers are designed for durability and require minimal maintenance. However, periodic inspection is recommended:

• Every 5,000 miles or during routine service, visually inspect the spacers and all associated mounting hardware for any signs of wear, damage, or loosening.
• Ensure all bolts remain properly torqued.

9. Troubleshooting

• Uneven Lift:
  • Ensure spacers are installed correctly on both sides.
  • Verify that all components are fully seated and torqued.
• Unusual Noises (Clunking, Squeaking):
  • Re-check all fasteners for proper torque.
  • Inspect for any components rubbing or contacting other parts of the suspension or chassis.
  • Ensure brake lines and ABS wires are not under tension or rubbing.
• Poor Handling or Steering:
  • Immediately get a professional wheel alignment. This is critical after any suspension modification.
  • Re-check all installation steps to ensure no errors were made.

10. Specifications

11. Warranty Information

Specific warranty details for Tema4x4 products may vary. Please refer to the product packaging or contact Tema4x4 directly for the most current warranty policy and registration information. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

12. Support

For technical assistance, compatibility questions, or any other inquiries regarding your Tema4x4 40mm Front Strut Spacers, please contact Tema4x4 customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's website or through your point of purchase.

You can also visit the Tema4x4 Store on Amazon for more information.