trouble re-installing coil shock assembly

I am having trouble fitting the front coil spring-shock absorber assembly back on to my truck because the shock is now decompressed. With the coil attached, the shock can't be compressed by hand. It seems like the shock needs to be compressed about two inches to fit onto the lower control arm. Got any advice?

Reply to
desert_taco
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Reply to
Chris

Step 1) Compress shock off truck. I like to use a 2x4 as a lever to compress it down, if it's very stuff. Most of the shocks I work with can compress with a little body weight.

Step 2) Have helper string some wire around the top of the shock, around to the bottom. Twist/tie or do whatever so the wire holds the shock compressed.

Step 3) Install shock.

Step 4) Cut wire.

Step 5) Drive

Unless you need to compress the springs too. I am not sure how the newer trucks are setup. My '93 does not have front coil springs or leafs. Makes for changing the shock a snap. :)

Reply to
Eddie

Are you trying to install Rancho RS-5000 shocks. I had the same problem with RS-5000, and after talking with the manufacturer, they told me that they would not actually work with my year/model. I have a '98 4Runner. I went with some Gabriels instead, and had to slightly push down on the lower control arm, but they went in just fine.

Regards,

SB

Reply to
Smoking Bishop

I managed to get the front shocks on (stock-sized Bilsteins) after taking Chris' advice and pushing/prying down the lower control arm. For me, it was a real pain in the ass getting the arm down far enough to slide the bolt through. It definitely helps to have two people work on this- one person to pry down the arm while slightly compressing the shock, and the other to work the bolt through. I tried a whole assortment of tools, but, believe it or not, the tool that worked the best was the factory supplied lug wrench/hub cap pry bar. Go figure?

Reply to
desert_taco

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