Front Shock Replacement Problems

[jerseygeorge]

Would someone kindly steer me in the right direction. I know this is an easy job, and I am a decent mechanic with most things non automotive. Somehow when I touch the truck, a lot of cursing ensues.

My problem is that I can not compress the front springs properly on a 2002, 4wd, 4runner for the install. I tried to post pictures here, but no success with image shack.

Please visit the link and take a look.

PHOTOS OF SHOCK INSTALL

Basically, using the old springs, and bilstein hd shocks up front I was able to get the old shocks out, but the springs came out with some compression. No damage to anything.

Now, I either made a mistake by not separating the upper and lower steering arm by disconnecting the bolt on the top of the upper ball joint. That bolt will only come out with a torch or cutting tool. It is solid frozen.

Or else I have to compress the spring. I bought the sears ones, they are robust and close by, but I can not compress the springs the inch or so that they need, and get the shock, plus the spring plus the compression tool all in the same space.

So what is the secret? What am I doing wrong?

 

[techno]

I'm sure you have figured out a way to get them in by now. Anyway, I did this a few months ago, but with Tundra springs and OME struts. The OMEs are a full inch longer than stock. I disconnected the sway bars and then used the factory jack positioned on the upper control arm and the wheel well and jacked everything down till there was enough clearance. (not my picture, but thats what I did)

 

[jerseygeorge]

Thanks Techno-

Yes, they are in and they drive awesome (Bilsteins HD). I levered the upper arm down with a crow bar, and it worked fine. I was afraid to put a jack in where you did it, not being sure if it was strong enough. But in retrospect it does not require that much energy. Thanks for posting that picture. It is a lot better than the way I did it.

JG

 

[Jayzero911]

*falls over dead* I have been fighting with these new struts most of the day and was thinking of setting fire to the damn thing :rolf: but omg why didn't i think of that.... -runs back to the truck to show it who is boss-

 

[KSWAY]

Lol..