Bilstein 5125 install troubles

[smightly970]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking around off and on for a few years. I recently moved and finally have a house with a garage so I'm working on a few mods. This site has been an incredible help and many thanks to all of you. I never post because it seems every question I've had has been asked and answered, but I've tried searching for this (using google) and still can't find anything. If I'm just missing something please just point me there.

I'm pretty new to working on vehicles, always changed my own oil but that's about it, but I was a carpenter for 6 years so I'm somewhat handy.

I've had some free time this week so I'm installing a lift (toytec coilovers in the front, OME 890 + Bilstein 5125 in the rear) and doing the Tundra brake upgrade. I finished the coilovers and brakes, now I'm working on the rear. I got the old shocks and springs out, got the new springs in, and I'm working on getting the new shocks installed.

So...on to the question: I'm installing the Bilstein 5125 and have the top snugged down, but just can't seem to get the bottom all the way onto the mounting stud. I can get it about half way on and it just won't go any more. I've lubed it up, tried with the axle jacked up and drooping, used a block and hammer, tried threading the mounting bolt back on but its too short, and I'm out of ideas. Anybody else have this problem? Or some tips for how to get that stubborn SOB on there.

Hopefully its something stupid that I'm over looking...

Its is a 97 SR5.

Thanks in advance.

 

[00 ltd]

I just installed 5100s in the rear this morning with the same problem I ended up doing the bottom first and then compressed the shock and pushed it over to the upper mount it was real frustrating hope this helps

 

[smightly970]

I'll give it a try.
I'm just lazy and don't want to contort my arm back up there to take the upper nut off...haha. That downward angle of the lower mount makes it a serious PITA to get on. But I guess it's probably relieves some stress on the bolt once its fully seated.

 

[Hepar]

X2 on putting the lower-end first. The angle when you put the top part can angle it just enough to make it a huge pain. When I did mine, one side went in fine upper-end first, while the other side I had to do the lower-side first.

 

[steezemcqueen]

They've always gone on fine for me. Its a little tough when the axle is at full droop but i've always been able to just coat the stud with some anti-seize and smack it on with a rubber mallet.

 

[smightly970]

So yeah, lower end first was the way to go. Thanks for the help.

Since I had already fought that top nut on, I just took out the adapter bolt and it slipped right on with a little persuasion from my hammer. Now I feel like an idiot for fighting that thing as long as I did.

I should be able to have everything wrapped up tomorrow and be back on the road for Monday. My wife will be glad I'm not stealing her car anymore.