Problem when installing Bilstein 5100

[NorthWesty]

Hey,

I am having issues installing my Bilstein 5100 struts...

I have been using the no-spring-compressor method and have followed step by step instructions on the process.
I have also bought the Moog FJ coil springs for the front.
Once I started to jack up the lower control arm to compress the spring, I could never get the shock to protrude enough at the top. I tried all settings for the perch and even on the stock height setting I could not get it.
I ended up switching back to the stock coil and was finally able to get the top nut on. However, once I got it all buttoned up and lowered the truck back down to the ground, the springs never compressed enough and the truck has about a 4 inch lift in the front. On stock springs, I do not think that's a good thing.

What am I doing wrong here? I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem. It seems like a very common job.

Here is a pic of what it looks like now on the stock springs, 5100s set to stock height...

 

[montijo505]

Hey,



I am having issues installing my Bilstein 5100 struts...



I have been using the no-spring-compressor method and have followed step by step instructions on the process.

I have also bought the Moog FJ coil springs for the front.

Once I started to jack up the lower control arm to compress the spring, I could never get the shock to protrude enough at the top. I tried all settings for the perch and even on the stock height setting I could not get it.

I ended up switching back to the stock coil and was finally able to get the top nut on. However, once I got it all buttoned up and lowered the truck back down to the ground, the springs never compressed enough and the truck has about a 4 inch lift in the front. On stock springs, I do not think that's a good thing.



What am I doing wrong here? I haven't heard of anyone else having this problem. It seems like a very common job.



Here is a pic of what it looks like now on the stock springs, 5100s set to stock height...

I may be mistaken but if one of the parts (don’t remember which one) is upside down, this is the result. I’ll look for a thread and try to post. In the meantime post photos of how it’s assembled to see if someone with the same stuff can confirm it’s correct.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TejasRunner01]

Honestly I suggest renting a spring compressor. They aren't as difficult as you may think. Just zip everything in place and you can install it in no time. Also you should get your money back when you return it. Good luck!

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[eleven14]

I just did the same install last week and had no issues. Can you post a pic of the shock/spring configuration?

Which Moog spring?
And you're on the lowest "0" setting on the 5100s?
Jack stands on the frame on both sides?
Or one side at a time?

 

[ktom3001]

Sounds like the spring perch is upside-down on top of the height clip. If I remember correctly you will not be able to see the clip when the perch is installed correctly.

 

[NorthWesty]

Hey guys thanks for the quick responses.

Noobie mistake, it was that the spring purchases were upside down. Able to get the Moog springs in after all.

Cheers,
Tanner

 

[08TxRunner]

LOL, I did EXACTLY the same thing my first time. Glad you figured it out.

 

[Berty_K]

If you ever end up installing heavier springs, place a jack stand below the opposite rear lower control arm mount before jacking up the front control arms. Will give you more compression.

I needed to do this when I was installing my preload spacers