Issues Installing Strut Spacer. Help Appreciated!

Hello, I am currently installing a 2 inch strut spacer, and I have ran into some issues at the very end. Basically I have the spacer on the strut, all I need to do is install it back on the truck. But no matter what I do I can't get the lower control arm low enough to get the bottom bolt in. I've tried spring compressors, and right now I have a nail setter that starts out at a point gets thicker that I'm wedging in but it just doesn't seem possible to get the bolt in. Right now I'm considering removing the upper ball joint tomorrow if I have time which should allow for me to get it in. Is this a good idea? Does anyone have any easier ideas? Any advice or tips would be appreciated, thanks!

 

Do you have the entire front end of the ground? If not raise both sides, if you do pull out your jack and wedge it upside down between the upper control arm and fender. That will move everything where it needs to be, it may also be necessary to install the lower shock bolt backwards from what it was.

 

When I installed my coilovers I just unbolted uca from spindle only and pryed down on lca.

 

Yes the entire front of the truck is off the ground. I’ll have to try that with the jack, I figured though that the fender might not be strong enough for the pressure. Thanks for the tip

 

Also unbolted swaybar.

 

This is the right path, you should remove the spindle from the UCA, Disconnect sway bar, and loosen the lower control arm. Should be able to move the lower control arm down enough to get the coilover back in even with the additional length of the spacer. I had my brother helping my push the lower control arm down - it can be tough. I've also seen guys use a ratcheting strap to pull the lower control arm down to create more clearance

 

Man I just grabbed an extra set of hands. I had a huge pry bar I stuck against the lca and just pushed down. I had someone hold that spot while I replaced the bolt.

A lot of these other ideas could work just as well.

 

Make sure you get an alignment after. You probably know that though.

 

Hey, do you know if the TRD skid needs to be removed to install ??

 

I’m not sure I’m in understanding what the other dude recommended, but definitely don’t jack against your fender. You’ll destroy it.

As other have said, just push harder on the LCA to get the bolt to line up. It helps if you have a buddy there that can put a foot on the LCA and push down as you get the strut in.

 

OP has a 1st gen Sequoia. The inner fenders on those and the trucks are strong enough to jack against to get the lower shock mount aligned. It doesn't take much maybe 3/4" and working by yourself is much easier than prying down while trying to get the bolt in.

Not saying it would be advisable on anything newer than 06.