1997 RAV4 Old Man Emu lift kit installation and suspension restoration (episode 6)

Support my channel on Patreon: www.patreon.com/labcoatpaul?f...
Old Man Emu lift kit: www.rocky-road.com/ome-rav4-l...
headlight: amzn.to/2Bauton
evaporust: amzn.to/2MCCpU6
spring compressor: amzn.to/2CPtBG0
front camber adjuster bolts: amzn.to/2MB5peZ
fluid film: amzn.to/2MDpyRz
Toyota RAV4 parts diagrams: parts.toyota.com/Toyota__RAV4...
Toyota parts shopping: www.toyotapartsdeal.com/
0:00 intro
0:20 before measurements
0:31 before test drive
1:03 suspension height with dirt bike
1:21 new parts 1
1:44 remove front brakes
2:22 remove front struts
2:36 front outer tie rod ends
2:49 remove front spindle and ball joint
3:10 sway bar link and lower control arm
3:32 CV axle
3:37 inner tie rod ends
3:57 remove rear brakes
4:42 rear shocks
4:57 unscrew rear tie rods
5:18 cut off tie rods and trailing arms
5:55 remove rear differential
6:07 rust inspection
6:31 tools
7:21 restore front spindles
9:07 restore rear trailing arms
10:55 assembling the front struts
12:19 installing the front suspension
12:25 new parts 2
12:54 installing the front suspension 2
14:50 front brakes
15:13 install the rear suspension
15:26 rear diff mounts
15:41 install the rear suspension 2
17:26 rear brakes
18:10 torque wheels and CV axles
18:30 settle suspension and torque control arms
18:47 alignment
19:23 after measurements
20:06 prevent rust
20:16 test drive

[@freddieb4268]

"I need my suspension to be able to support the weight of my dirt bike or a fat tinder date" Hahahahahahaha!!!!

[@P.G._FPV]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gorditaz8728]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jagerbombed2725]

Great job, Just watched the whole thing and I dont even own a rav 4 lol.

[@garynew9637]

Haha

[@forresterpaige7767]

Lmafo same I just got a crv

[@ElReySupr3me]

Same ahaha. I own a gen 1 crv, but I also like these gen 1 rav 4s.

[@richardxstroker]

Same! 🤣

[@JayOverlands]

Me too lol

[@highpockets4748]

This is the best video I have ever watched

[@noahlemahieu2779]

I have probably watched this video 400 times. Not only is it satisfying, but incredibly well made, best car repair videos I have ever seen. Wouldn’t have been able to get my RAV4 back on the road without it 😅

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thank you for watching it 400 times! wow. Now if everyone did that I would be rich! Also, congratulations on fixing your RAV4. They're awesome little cars.

[@KevinSmith-le8es]

"The back of my RAV4 did not have oil leaks saving it from rust" 🤣

[@robertriedel5784]

You sir are the Timmy the Toolman of the Rav4, very educational and well done. The 2 months of downtime to fix it right paid off, it looks much better and it probably drives like a new one

[@gmyatko]

Well you’re about as thorough as can be and did a great job of explaining your methods. I learned some stuff. Thanks.

[@Mikefestiva]

Haha great sense of humor! Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. I also make KZbin videos, mostly about building things like bandsaw mills and stuff in my shop, I definitely know how much time it takes to not only do the job of working on the project but also to set up the shots, edit and post the video, not only that but also deal with the occasional Troll from time to time. I’m looking to buy a first gen RAV4 and it’s been nice to see all the ins and outs of these vehicles on your channel, I do all the maintenance and repairs on my cars so it’s nice to see that everything looks fairly easy to get too. Ps I also subscribed :) Thanks again and take care. Michael

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks for watching! I just watched your Mini Pinzgauer build videos, and wow! I'm going to have to watch all your videos so I can learn more about fabrication. I'm a bit jelly of that CNC plasma cutter. That would make life wayyyyy easier! Also, if you're getting a RAV4, try to get one that isn't completely rusted out like mine. I thought I was buying a daily driver, but it turned into a restoration nightmare. It's bad when all the RAV4's in the junkyard are less rusty than mine.

[@troymorris2211]

A humble thank you from an all trac corolla owner It’s crazy how similar the vehicles are Just finished my own 3inch lift kit today

[@islandfantasy5931]

This is my dream off road vehicle. I live in Hawaii and I wanna be different from everyone else. Thanks for the video

[@Opqosite]

I live in Hawaii and drive one of these.

[@TheRussian1]

Wow, that finished suspension looks godly. 1998 Rav4 owner here.

[@andrewjones6970]

Your rav episodes are awesome man! Love the detail.

[@1966johnnywayne]

WOW! Watching your videos is kinda' got me excited for the RAV4 that I just purchased. Outside of oil changes, I haven't wanted to touch any of my vehicles in years, FORD, but these videos and Toyota engineering makes it seem so doable for the average Joe. Thanks.

[@williamschwan207]

Your humor keeps these interesting as hell. Got another sub

[@Tronzoid]

I can't repeat enough how much I appreciate you making these videos. Thanks so much Paul!

[@andru9102]

A joy to watch, you did an absolutely amazing job. It may have pushed the price up towards a new a car but you’ll have a lot more pleasure knowing that you did all the work yourself. Well done

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! The old RAV4 is starting to get pretty good. I still have to work through some more of it's problems, so be sure to check out my other RAV4 videos!

[@61spindrift]

Just going to add the same comment everyone else made, "this is the best you tube video ever!". I own a 2004 rav4 I purchased from a little old lady last year that had only 32k. Just installed some new new alloy 17" (oem were 16's) and bigger Michelin's. Love my Rav but you sir have taken over the top. Great job on both the video and the mechanical work. I bow to you!

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! 32K miles is fresh! That RAV4 will last you forever.

[@nicolaicyrus4402]

Hi Paul I just watch your video and I'm impressed, it was amazing I have a Rav4 97 4 doors. 👍👍👍

[@hells5371]

That's a heck of a repair, now I see why you take your time uploading the videos

[@Mrrnobody]

Humor + actual working knowledge =great video 👍✌👌

[@jonathanmonger111]

This is the best video ever i have seen on youtube Man i have the same car i wish to do mine like yours

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

[@Lurkur]

This is probably one of the best videos on youtube!! Well done!

[@stealthde1]

Great work. I'm on the fence about rebuilding my 97 RAV also. This is a great inspiration.

[@LabCoatPaul]

I hope yours has less rust than mine. Prepare to spend a lot of time and money on it. The RAV4 is an awesome vehicle, so I think it's worth it. I actually have 2 opinions about this: 1. Don't fix the RAV4: Spending thousands of dollars fixing up an old car is stupid, if you look at it from a financial standpoint. For example, Kelley Blue Book says my RAV4 is worth $2,000. In Utah, the old RAV4's go for $3,500. That's what I paid for mine. I spent $4,000 on the suspension project, $1,300 on tires, and lots more on other stuff. If I sell my car, I might be able to squeeze $4K out of it, but I spent $10K. If some idiot on a cell phone crashes into me on the highway, the insurance will give me $2K. I drive very carefully. 2. Restore the RAV4: The first generation RAV4 was one of the smallest and lightest 4 wheel drive vehicles ever made. With the reliability of a Toyota, this little car is way better than a Jeep. They don't make cars like this today. The new RAV4 is basically a smaller minivan, and totally lame. Even if I blow $10,000 on my old RAV4, it's still better than something I would spend twice as much on. A Toyota Tacoma is better, but in Utah, used Toyotas are crazy overpriced, and it will cost at least $25K to get one that isn't destroyed. The RAV4 is much cheaper than that.

[@theotchaphazard7563]

You sir are the Messiah of RAV4. Now I understand and can fix mine all on my own!

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! I hope these videos help you.

[@TheSpermalan]

Perfect. I’ve been wanting install this on my 2002 rav4

[@gonfaraway]

you put in a lot of work; excellent! the RAV looks beautiful

[@drummerboyrock33]

So glad things where actually rusty on the restoration I’m about to do a four door in eastern Canada so it’s going to be hell with all the rust on it and it’s also been under coated so I’ll be covered in it the whole time.great video man!!!

[@alextu6158]

Hi Paul. Your work is unbelievable! Just bought a 96. I've been sinking a lot money after watching your video. I think I'm in trouble.

[@DjTspaRoLEoffIcER]

Well done! Great inspiration as I also have a ‘97 2Dr RAV4... but it is only FWD with an Automatic.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! Awww... you got the less fun version! That's ok, it's still an awesome car.

[@lfjoseph]

Amazing.. I enjoyed all the details. Continue to do an excellent work

[@rasmushjs5318]

Extremely useful and well made video, thanks.

[@siamiam]

excellent video , seeing all that rust almost makes me glad i live in a area where its too cold to use salt my rav4 currently has a old man emu kit on it but im going to lower it with H&R springs so its good to see how your install went with the lift kit

[@ultimateengineeringbenash2280]

well done great work and good detail

[@Tinytim15867]

Wow that was proper in depth.... very good video

[@DennisPush]

Amazing work! Thanks for video

[@garynew9637]

The best tutorial I have ever seen. Did all this to my girlfriends 94 2 door.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! The RAV4 is much better with the lift kit!

[@ttinnovations3310]

Awesome ! I just picked up a 1997 manual a few weeks ago =)

[@laifkirkpatrick9594]

I just wanna say I love you for doing this!

[@JOHN-yq2fg]

Paul, this may sound creepy, but I created a youtube account, to thank you for all your helpful videos. You do great work Man! Thank you!

[@uptownfinish21]

Great video man!

[@duncanlaird7807]

You are the man, so encouraging for 1st gen owners, when I win the lottery you will be getting a visit to do my rav. God bless & hope you're enjoying your rav. Scotland would certainly test the o I d man lift kit

[@philiptaylor2567]

Good decision on going with the stock rubber bushings by the way! I got on board with the whole “polyurethane bushings rule!” thing when changing the majority of bushings on my old 4runner. I had read that they would start to creek after a while. But I thought, nah, I doubt that will happen. About 1000 miles later they sounded like rusty door hinges, all the time. Though you really only heard them with the windows down off road. But those stock bushings go 150k miles, and like you said, make for a more comfortable ride. I know for the 4runner you can also get elastomer bushings, whatever that is. But apparently they’re like halfway between urethane and rubber. I thought those looked interesting. But never had a chance to try them

[@0011clem]

great job. i have a generation 2 rav 4 .i have changed a few parts , but nowhere as many as you have. well done. rav 4 s are top little cars.

[@AlekseyBorisovART]

So amazing. It will take me a month to do it lol. You make it seem so easy. Great video

[@sambothebold]

Brilliant video. Well done. My rav4 is jealous

[@gvergel74]

Awesome Video... Sorry too late to see it..... Thanks for being helpful and specific.

[@alextu6158]

Wow. you have so much love for your Rav4. I'm very impressed with all the work. I'd love to buy this from you.

[@martincontreras1103]

This is seriously a good video! Thanks.

[@sammattbruce]

Mind blown ....... amazing skills and great video editing.

[@Takeemkid]

Awesome job. Great vid. 🤙🏽

[@nickjames6241]

wow man you have done such a good gob loved the part with all your rear spreed around the living room my wife would not have that lol good to see guys in the us using old man emu parts

[@juanpablitogm]

Holy molly, that is a lot of work! Congrats! Grettings from Bolivia

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks for watching!

[@davideaston6872]

Wow I wish I had your Skill! Have one of these in My life Will have to Try a couple of your Fix's.. thankyou.

[@joshuamueller2744]

This is helpful and hilarious. Well done!

[@Gracemace]

Amazing work !

[@firstlast-zi9zc]

Great video, I remember watching it a couple years back but now revisiting it as I just picked up a 98 and looking to possibly do some work on it.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks for watching, and good luck with your project!

[@StrongestLeft]

great video man

[@carloscustodio5347]

nice work!

[@nayzawtun7093]

Great video, thanks for sharing.👍

[@pieropower1260]

Fantastic work I’ve owned 2 rav4s , great every day cars , agree with the rubber bushes, I would love an early rav as a project one day 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! If you buy a project car, try to find one without any rust. I feel like I've fixed a million things on my RAV4 and it's still kinda junky.

[@pironiero]

holy shit dude, how in the hell you have so little subs? your content is pure gold, wtf?

[@ivannmoyano3568]

Excellent video, you are very good at it

[@tonycerruto5157]

Hands down one of the bests build videos I’ve seen. I love the attention to detail. I like how you didn’t “bleep” the F bombs. They’re necessary. Also love the lab coat. Don’t tarnish the integrity of the video by donning blue coveralls. I like how your brake caliper/drums and dust guards look like Christmas tree stands. I really like the fact that you’re strapping a KTM to the rear. I work for an off road driving school. We have around 30 Toyota 4WD vehicles of various models. They all need attention. Constantly. You want a job?

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked the video. I have 24 videos about this RAV4 so far. If you haven't seen them, it's better than binge watching stuff on Netflix.

[@techworks7609]

Amazing work... attention to detail..

[@hollythorn9004]

Invest in flare nut wrenches. Vice grips distort your fittings. Use the right tool for the job. Pb blaster always helps. Nice build.

[@philiptaylor2567]

Clearly you’re a Toyota enthusiast. I know one when I see one! There’s something different in our DNA. The meticulous nature of your work is the tell tale sign. Thanks for a great video! I’m a huge fan of any 4x4 Toyota from the early 80s forward. I had an 88 and 98 4runner until recently, and I recognize those spring compressors! I must have pulled my front coilovers apart 5 times fiddling with different suspension set ups. I ended up with stock Toyota coils on adjustable bilstein 5100s. OME setups are really popular budget lifts on 4runners as well. I have a feeling you already know that. You often hear people talking about how dangerous those compressors are. But just working slowly, making sure I had them positioned well, and compressing them bit by bit on either side, I never had any issues. Though I did find myself feeling a bit nervous until I had that nut back in place. Anyways, I’ve always wanted one of these 1st gen Rav’s to build just a bit and beat around in my local mountains. Something really appealing about the ruggedness and simplicity of them. And of course, the cost! I see the OEM Toyota coils are progressive toward the top, while the OME’s are fixed rate. How do the OMEs do around town? Are they really stiff? I would be concerned with an overly stiff ride around town with no added weight on such a light vehicle. And how do you think this little rav, with AWD and the lift you installed in this vid, and maybe a 1” bigger tire, would compare off road to a STOCK 1st gen Tacoma? I have considered both. I like that the rav has enclosed cargo as opposed to a truck. I’m considering both, but Tacomas are really expensive in my area, even with really high miles. A 96-2000 rav can be found for half the price easily, leaving plenty of money for maintenance, suspension, and a bigger tire. If I got a taco, I would plan on leaving it stock. Obviously the Tacoma will be more durable off road and take more abuse, but could the rav with slight mods get me to the same places as the stock taco, albeit slower? Edit: I watched to the end of the video. That KTM is a lot of weight for the rear of the little rav. Time for a new project - air bags!

[@LabCoatPaul]

Hi Philip! Actually, my RAV4 rides really nice and smooth with the OME lift kit. It's not harsh at all. The OME kit is designed to feel like a normal car, and the rear sits 1 inch higher than the front, in case you want to load it down with a bunch of stuff and drive across the Outback in Australia. The ride quality now feels just like a newer car. My RAV4 used to have a harsh ride before, because the 20 year old springs were dead and bottomed out on the smallest bumps in the road. I considered buying a Tacoma as well, but just like in your area, Tacos are crazy overpriced here in Utah. Obviously the truck with a chassis is going to be stronger than the unibody RAV4, so if you intend to really thrash it off road, the truck may be a better choice. The cargo space in my 2 door RAV4 is laughably small. I can fit more stuff in a Camry. If you have a dirt bike, or want to make trips to Home Depot, the truck may be a better choice. I believe the 2 door RAV4 could go more places than a Tacoma because it's much lighter and smaller. You could squeeze through tight 4 wheeler trails easily, where the truck might have some trouble. I definitely wouldn't recommend carrying a motorcycle on the back of a RAV4, unless you also weld in a super burly hitch like I did. The regular hitches that bolt on are only rated 350 pounds tongue weight. My RAV4 sags a little in the back when I have the dirt bike, but carries it just fine. I mostly use the rack to carry shitty scooters so I can fix them up and make videos. Also, I have BFG All Terrain T/A K02 tires in LT225/75R16 size. My speedometer read incorrectly with the stock tires, but now it's exactly right.

[@woofbark4475]

The problem with these vehicles is that they are not really designed for 4wd ing. No doubt if these could have lockers fitted and low range then we would have some real action. Small Suzuki 4wd with low range is a much more off road capable vehicle than the Rav4.

[@NMI76]

:slow clap: you the real MVP Paul....!!!!

[@manriquecordoba8868]

Awesome video 👍👍👍

[@CreativeMechanic]

Good video, I am starting a RAV4 series as well!!

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! Yeah I would love to see what you can do with a RAV4.

[@parveshkumarramsohok8484]

subscribing.. would love to see yours.

[@everydayamature3740]

You did a great jobs painting

[@LabCoatPaul]

I wish that were true. I used Rust-Oleum primer and spray paint. The primer is great, but the paint chips too easily. Powdercoating would be much better.

[@gucheddie3204]

impressive !!!!! i loved watching this video

[@siciidaxmed2963]

Wow great mechanic

[@luiscaraveo1747]

My second time watching this all the way through

[@mauroalvarez3285]

SU TRABAJO ES MUY PROFESIONAL. FELICIDADES AND MUCHAS GRACIAS POR LAS EXPLICACIONES.

[@dmj-ju9zx]

Well, you convinced me that buying my sister's '99 instead of letting her trade it in, would have been a very bad move! It had 230K and all of the suspension parts were shot. I'd still be working on them 3 years later. Amazing video, though. The "suspension cam" was going above and beyond what you expect, even in a big-budget video.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Glad I can help! When I bought my RAV4, I thought I got a car. Nope. It's not a car - it's a restoration project. If you want something you can use, it must be 10 years old or newer.

[@monishkrishan2700]

Hi, love you work

[@xhellabentx]

Hilarious did not expect to laugh out loud lol great video

[@TheFdanyi]

EXCELLENT VID....

[@ujarneqsrensen8745]

Great video! Looking to do this on my 2002 4 door.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! It rides a lot nicer with new suspension.

[@Freedeeism]

Me 2 on my 2004 :)

[@khaledmirza1594]

Good stuff mate

[@robertoeliseoorellanaaldan8687]

Verry good job, "Exellet".!!

[@darrellnicol3136]

I'm a Scottish man living in Bulgaria, wish I had someone with your knowledge to do this to my 2003 RAV4, love my RAV4, but the road to my house is a dirt track. If you fancy a trip to Bulgaria I promise you won't have to work for board and refreshments 😃😃😃 great instructive video, but far beyond my carpenters capabilities ☹️

[@HowtoRestoreHeadlights]

😂😂😂my kinda humor! “Cause why not, let’s just take the whole car apart!”

[@joshuabennett2851]

Love your sense of humor. Great video, but thought you could have used a couple extra colors of paint.

[@theuniserasmus4781]

I live in south africa, like checking how you fix yours and the upgrades are awesome. I have toyota do all the work on mine, not that technical

[@jamesgaudreau8315]

As a New Englander, seeing what you guys consider “extremely rusty” is wild

[@spaceantenna]

Superb Video ! Above Average ! I own the same car - stock - would love to see your Rav4 with large tires

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Here's my RAV4 with bigger tires: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHqVdpWIj5V9esU

[@Paul-gd6zn]

I"ve built a jeep and got hold of a 99 RAV4 4 door from Calif with only 52k on it for a daily driver. I love this little car and was looking fixing it up for car camping. I think you just pushed over the edge! My wifes going to hate you. lol

[@LabCoatPaul]

Wow, only 52K miles! I bet your RAV4 looks great! Don't tell your wife you unsafe the old RAV4's are. If you look up crash test ratings, you'll think twice about going on the highway. They're pretty fun little vehicles though. :)

[@lenmorris4152]

Excellent Video. Love seeing the parts laid out on the lounge carpet. I do the same thing. If they are cleaned and restored as they should be what does it matter. I am married but fortunately the RAV is my wife's car

[@LabCoatPaul]

I bet if it was your car and not hers, having parts in the house would be a totally different story. :)

[@the_mystery9803]

Good content, I need more ahaha

[@alexblackburn2247]

Thank you so much. I've been looking everywhere for a lift kit for my 2005 RAV4 but all the kits out there only seem to support the 2006+. THANK YOU

[@poeter14]

Same for my 2000 RAV4. I do think you'd need to make certain cuts to fit it in depending on your vehicle

[@Krystof.Veritae]

Great video mate ...... I got the same kit plus the EMU struts as well problem I ran in to was the supplied struts seem have shorter arm / rod then the EOM struts I pulled out seems the EMU don’t come out as high as the EOM so have a hell of a time with compression of these EMU springs to allow the top hub to grab the bolt and proper alignment on the Spring ....... had to step back and reinstall the old set up thinking what to do next

[@LabCoatPaul]

That sucks about your struts. I used the KYB Excel-G struts and they fit just fine. 334241 is the right and 334242 is the left.

[@colinshum3461]

Now I want a rav4

[@gregmgm06]

Great video. The pacing of the editing really kept it moving along. I think putting that much money into a project car is justifiable if you plan to keep it for a long time.

[@everready19373]

The Works toilet bowl cleaner does a pretty good job on rust too.

[@Gazillionear]

@LabCoatPaul you need a donation link or something these videos are worth their weight in gold. I’m starting feel like I’m stealing from you with the money you’ve helped me save! Thank for your videos my dude 😊

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks for watching! I'm happy the videos are helpful for you. KZbin does have a donation feature. There should be a $Thanks button under the video on the right side when you watch on a computer. I'm not sure if it works on a phone. Just watching and sharing the video with other RAV4 people goes a long way too.

[@genegau6962]

What a great video. The amount of work and humor was impressive. I think the lab coat guy may be missing his calling. I’m sure he could be building/ restoring million dollar cars with that type of knowledge and detail. Lastly the amount of work shown is so massive although it’s inspirational I would rather just buy a new car instead of working that hard.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks for watching. I did buy a newer car, and the RAV4 still needs a ton of work.

[@kurtisbell6387]

Dude I would kill to work on that car!!! You think that’s rusty… you should see northern Canada. I wish I could post pictures. Great video man 👍🏼

[@babintsov]

видео СУПЕР!! большое спасибо, Paul.

[@LabCoatPaul]

Thanks for watching!

[@ammumunitionman]

Awesome 👍🏻