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Need help ASAP: Cannot reinstall strut assembly after pro-comp strut lift?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Teriks, Aug 19, 2017.

  1. Aug 19, 2017 at 3:44 PM
    #1
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    I am in the middle of working on installing a 2.5" ProComp level which is just a lift achieved by adding a "spacer" onto the top of the strut assembly. The directions make absolutely no mention of any trouble getting this back in, and I can't find anything in any of the guides on google. I'm stuck trying to get the lower strut bolt in; it will not line up at all. If I force the lower control arm down more, it makes no difference as the coil spring hits the truck, and if I get the strut in the bolt area (like my pics show) pushing the lower control arm up does allow the coil spring to clear the truck, but with the pressure on the strut, it makes it impossible to start the bolt. I've already completely removed the front sway bar as it was hitting the strut before, but I cannot figure out how to get this lower bolt in for the life of me. Any tips?

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Aug 19, 2017 at 3:57 PM
    #2
    Netmonkey

    Netmonkey Don't be a Dumbass

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    unbolt the spindle from the upper control arm?

    EDIT... oh nm, I see that you separated the spindle from the lower control arm.

    maybe you are going to have to compress the spring a little?
     
  3. Aug 19, 2017 at 4:00 PM
    #3
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    As far as I can tell, the UCA is a non-issue. I removed the lower knuckle bolts as seen in picture 1, so I can move that entire rotor/UCA as needed. However, it's not impacting anything as is - it's purely the lower half of the coil spring and the lower control arm not being "out" far enough.
     
  4. Aug 19, 2017 at 4:53 PM
    #4
    14burrito

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    Looks like double stacked lifts to me...

    Current shocks look like Rancho which provide 2.5" IIRC

    I'm probably missing something here
     
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  5. Aug 19, 2017 at 5:04 PM
    #5
    Les7311

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    Had same prob installing struts on my lifted truck. I had to:

    Lower the LCA
    Compress coils and while compressed, force back into position
    Once in position, decompress coils.

    Try that and be careful.
     
  6. Aug 19, 2017 at 5:11 PM
    #6
    14burrito

    14burrito IG @14burrito

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    The OP (IMO from looking at the pics)....is effectively trying to shove a 5" lift "coil over" assembly into a factory position...that's what I feel is wrong. It ain't going to work on so many different levels.
     
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  7. Aug 19, 2017 at 5:14 PM
    #7
    Les7311

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    ....... but if he compresses the spring and the measurements shows space to fit, then some knuckle and elbow grease, plus a long pry bar to force in should work.

    I guess.....
     
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  8. Aug 19, 2017 at 5:17 PM
    #8
    14burrito

    14burrito IG @14burrito

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  9. Aug 19, 2017 at 6:00 PM
    #9
    14burrito

    14burrito IG @14burrito

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    Ok, while I don't agree with installing "stacked" lifts...this *might* solve your issue.

    Grind the lower pocket back in the lower control arm and it should work. Google Fox extended travel coilovers lca grinding. The stem Fox uses is so large in diameter it contacts the lower control arm when the suspension is fully extended. This might help.
     
  10. Aug 19, 2017 at 7:26 PM
    #10
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    There is only one lift here, and it's the procomp portion added to top of strut assembly. The strut itself is a Rancho RS9000xl, which is stock height with adjustable stiffening settings.

    I got the driver side in by shoving a pry bar on the outside off the lower strut eye and the LCA, then jacking the LCA up a bit till I could get the bolt in, but the passenger side is not playing as nice.
     
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  11. Aug 19, 2017 at 7:31 PM
    #11
    Les7311

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    Yup. We had to use a pry bar same. Then muscle the strut in.

    Did you loosen all the LCA components.....?
     
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  12. Aug 19, 2017 at 7:42 PM
    #12
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    This. You have to loosen the alignment cam bolts. If it doesn't swing down, your not loose enough. After the Coilover is installed, loosen the upper control arm nut and let the truck come to a rest on its own weight and re-torque it down.
     
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  13. Aug 19, 2017 at 8:05 PM
    #13
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    Well, I've got the passenger side strut assembly all in...but now it's the dang LCA knuckle bolts being a pain. One thing after another, and now it's dark and the mosquitos are tearing me up! =( I'm determined to get it in, even if this stupid project takes all night, ha.

    On the plus side, the finished driver side looks a hell lot better than stock! :thumbsup:
     
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  14. Aug 19, 2017 at 8:13 PM
    #14
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    You live in CO and didn't do a shock party?
     
  15. Aug 19, 2017 at 8:16 PM
    #15
    Les7311

    Les7311 Look up, what do you see

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    Take a break. Regroup. Then go at it later.

    That could be as soon as you wipe some orange peel over to rid them 'skitoes
     
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  16. Aug 19, 2017 at 8:19 PM
    #16
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    Yeah =(. I thought I'd knock it out in a few hours, since I did all four struts/shocks a couple months ago. Here I sit, 9 hours later....

    I'll call it a "lesson learned" :frusty:
     
  17. Aug 19, 2017 at 11:23 PM
    #17
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    Finally done after probably 10.5 hours of work. I'll need that alignment ASAP since I know at least one side is waaaay off, but it looks much better already. I might have to lift the rear up 1" though, as the front is a tiny bit higher than the rear (which I hate).

    Thanks for all the replys, everyone.
     
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  18. Aug 20, 2017 at 5:58 AM
    #18
    Black Wolf

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    ToyTec shackles will take care of that.
     
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  19. Aug 20, 2017 at 1:25 PM
    #19
    Theyfzman

    Theyfzman New Member

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    I have a barley used set of toytec shackles I'll sell pretty cheap. If your interested
     
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  20. Aug 20, 2017 at 1:30 PM
    #20
    dandailey

    dandailey King Tundra

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    Tundra's don't use struts
     
  21. Aug 20, 2017 at 1:47 PM
    #21
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    Yes, but consistently using "coil-over" when the commonly used noun is "strut" gets to be a bit pendantic
     
  22. Aug 20, 2017 at 1:53 PM
    #22
    dandailey

    dandailey King Tundra

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    This is a strut.
    Strut.jpg
    If coilover is too pedantic perhaps you should use shock.
     
  23. Aug 20, 2017 at 2:07 PM
    #23
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    Shock is just as wrong as strut.

    Sorry I used the wrong word to describe my original problem. I am aware of the right terms dude, no need to argue or try to educate here.
     
  24. Aug 20, 2017 at 3:42 PM
    #24
    mdavis

    mdavis I need a beer.

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    No pics of said install? You know we need pics right? :)
     
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  25. Aug 20, 2017 at 4:12 PM
    #25
    Les7311

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    Did you drive it a few well miles to let the coils settle in?

    You may see a difference with the levels after.....
     
  26. Aug 20, 2017 at 6:27 PM
    #26
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    Not yet. I've only driven a few feet to get it back in the garage. With passenger side being an inch taller than driver, and a screwed up sway bar, I'm anxious to go much further till I get it to a shop
     
  27. Aug 20, 2017 at 6:30 PM
    #27
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    Here's a height comparison after I finished the driver side. Don't have a pic yet of the full thing, and it's too goofy to show until it's fixed ;)

    [​IMG]
     
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  28. Aug 20, 2017 at 6:44 PM
    #28
    Quartermeter

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    Driver side looks taller. If you get any lift from the Ranchos with 2.5" blocks you'll probably need UCA's to get it alined.
     
  29. Aug 20, 2017 at 7:05 PM
    #29
    Les7311

    Les7311 Look up, what do you see

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    Yeah. Does look lean. Hmmm. Is that expected?
     
  30. Aug 20, 2017 at 7:35 PM
    #30
    Teriks

    Teriks [OP] New Member

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    Well that's just how it stood with one side done and one side stock. Right now, the passenger side is 1" higher than driver. I'm guessing I yanked the UCA a bit too far down when putting it back together.
     

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