Installing rear shocks bilstein 4600 on a 2014 SR5. Can anyone please share some tips on how to access the top bolt and get it started on threads? It’s a 19mm for Bilstein unlike OEM which is 17mm. With the new OEM bushings I have zero room to even fit a 19mm open end or ratcheting end to tighten bolt. I’ve tried numerous times to get it started by using my fingers crammed into this insanely small space trying to get it started on the threads. There has to be an easier way. I of course have watched endless videos but everyone must have more clearance to work with or they have mini sized fingers and hands. I’m half tempted to use the old bushings or to take a wrench and bend up part of the metal that’s interfering with me getting enough room to get the threads going. The only issue I have is not enough space I can get the bottom top bushing seated just fine into place with use of a jack at the bottom of the shock. This is driving me nuts there has to be a better way to get that top bolt threaded on…appreciate any tips or tricks to this.

Post a pic?

A jack under the bottom eye of shock should push the top threads far enough through the bushings to engage the threads with the nut. If clearance is tight at the top, stick a screwdriver or pry bar between body and the nut to put downward pressure to compress the top bushing.

Thanks for responding. I did the first thing you suggested but not the second. Will try the second suggestion as soon as daylight hits. One thing I just noticed is the bilstein 4600 is about an inch taller compared to OEM when I line them up and measure…which makes no sense as the 4600s are supposed to be OEM stock height compatible. Double checked part and according to bilstein these are the correct ones for a 2014 4runnner SR5. I am assuming the 5100s would be longer but no reason why the 4600s should be an inch longer compared to OEM. One thing I was shocked to find out is that the 4600s are now made in Mexico and not USA/Germany. Ordered it from RockAuto.