Lift question before install tomorrow

[durrell]

I'm installing my lift tomorrow (thanks to 05 LTD ) and have everything ready in my mind except for how to un-assemble the stock shock/coil. I'm going to try to use the method that Elton posted last week that doesn't require a coil compressor. That makes sense to me, but how do I get the top mounts and hardware off of the stock coil to re-use it? Am I missing something?

 

[thorridder]

its called a trut. but the 3 outside need to come off to get it off the truck but if you undo the middle one it will release the coil spring, if you are going to take the coil off you will prolly need a coil compressor to get it off and on or it could get violent quick

 

[rjaudi]

I would go to a shop and have them swap the top plates and install them for you. Thats what I plan on doing next week. Theres is no way to take the top plate out without a spring compressor.

 

[durrell]

Yeah, I knew it was a strut. Should've been more clear.

So: would the cheesy Advance Auto coil compressor be enough to disassemble the stock strut? I won't need it for reassembly, since I'm going to use the other method for assembly of the new strut.

I wouldn't mind going to a shop, but I haven't been able to find one around here with a spring compressor. It doesn't make sense to me that the Advance Auto method would work since I'd need to decompress the coil spring after removing the hardware. So it sounds like I may have no choice but to find a shop?

 

[alaskaflyer]

Yeah, I knew it was a strut. Should've been more clear.

So: would the cheesy Advance Auto coil compressor be enough to disassemble the stock strut? I won't need it for reassembly, since I'm going to use the other method for assembly of the new strut.

I wouldn't mind going to a shop, but I haven't been able to find one around here with a spring compressor. It doesn't make sense to me that the Advance Auto method would work since I'd need to decompress the coil spring after removing the hardware. So it sounds like I may have no choice but to find a shop?

take them to a shop, those cheap spring compressors are scary at best, there is a lot of energy in those coils and they can be dangerous!

 

[twitchee2]

i took mine it. cost all of $20 and about 30 min. i know you can do it using the weight of the truck with that method but are you that skilled with a floor jack? i would just take it in.

 

[GX4SEVEND]

The spring compressor is a waste of money. Just follow what Elton sent you. It will work. You'll need a pry bar or something to get enough leverage to get it to drop far enough to slide the strut and coil back in though

PM Elton with questions, he will be better at explaining it. We didn't use any sort of jack to remove or install the shock and coil

 

[durrell]

I feel confident about that part. I just have to find a way to get the top plates and hardware off of the stock struts so I can re-use them. That's the only place I'm stuck.

As for everyone telling me to take it to a shop: I live in the middle of nowhere. AKA, taking it to a shop is going to be incredibly difficult. So I'd like to find a way to do it in my garage if I can.

 

[steezemcqueen]

if you want to be all technical about it, its not a strut. its a coilover shock. anyway, the bolt type springs compressors will work. they are not the best but i have assembled a few aftermarket coilovers with them and the springs on the aftermarket coilovers are way stiffer than a stock spring.

 

[thorridder]

i have not taken the stut apart like 4-5 times, the coil one that is a big bolt with two calmps and come with two yes it will work, it sucks but with an air impact it makes it manageable. getting it back in itsnt as fun

 

[Elton H]

lol really guys it is not that hard ... start by jacking the truck up place a jack stand near the rear lower control arm then jack the front up and put a stand opposite of the rear one ... take the wheel off duh then unbolt the sway bar end link ... use a puller too separate the tie rod end ... then the 4 lower ball joint bolts support the hub assembly ... now start jacking up the lower control arm you will see the coil compress unbolt the 3 outer bolts.. start unbolting the center one once its unbolted lower the jack and the bottom bolt



this will have to be done in order to get the top hat off the stock assembly

 

[GX4SEVEND]

Follow what he said........I promise it works.

 

[thorridder]

lol really guys it is not that hard ... start by jacking the truck up place a jack stand near the rear lower control arm then jack the front up and put a stand opposite of the rear one ... take the wheel off duh then unbolt the sway bar end link ... use a puller too separate the tie rod end ... then the 4 lower ball joint bolts support the hub assembly ... now start jacking up the lower control arm you will see the coil compress unbolt the 3 outer bolts.. start unbolting the center one once its unbolted lower the jack and the bottom bolt



this will have to be done in order to get the top hat off the stock assembly

i agree its not that hard its just the time and energy, its not hard its just not exactly fun... after the 4 time...

 

[durrell]

Well I got the rear done with no trouble. Just starting on the front and I've removed the three outer bolts, but now I'm stuck on the center bolt. It's just spinning the top half of the shock around. Do I not have it compressed enough or something?

 

[thorridder]

Well I got the rear done with no trouble. Just starting on the front and I've removed the three outer bolts, but now I'm stuck on the center bolt. It's just spinning the top half of the shock around. Do I not have it compressed enough or something?

there is a spot in the bolt for an open end to stop it or plyers on it or something, thats a good sign that the coil will not attack you when you get it off

 

[durrell]

Haha, I gotcha. I tried the pliers thing, but I will get someone to help me hold it this time and see if that can get it. Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[durrell]

Well I got it done. I used vice grips to get them off.

Both coils exploded from the pressure. No one was injured, but it was certainly scary, lol. If I had a shop around here that could've done it for 20 bucks, that would've been much preferred..

But it's done, and it's awesome. It rides very stiff, but that's ok with me. I'm hoping the rear coils will settle and it will sit pretty close to level.

Oh, and that idea about maybe sticking 265's? No way. 285's or bust after seeing how much lift I have. It makes my 265/75's look PUNY.

 

[thorridder]

i think you did the same as mine and yes it is kinds rough but you get used to it and its worth it. but thats bad they did that but good nothing happened. pics??

 

[durrell]

Couldn't get pics tonight because it was dark. Will try to get some tomorrow.

 

[Elton H]

exploded huh looks like i wasted my time typing all that