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

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?

 

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?

 

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.

 

Looks like double stacked lifts to me...

Current shocks look like Rancho which provide 2.5" IIRC

I'm probably missing something here

 

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.

 

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.

 

....... 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.....

 

@Toyteclifts @olsen6 @sdhq_offroad
@jberry

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

Did you loosen all the LCA components.....?

 

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!

 

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

 

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"

 

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.

 

ToyTec shackles will take care of that.

 

I have a barley used set of toytec shackles I'll sell pretty cheap. If your interested

 

Tundra's don't use struts

 

Yes, but consistently using "coil-over" when the commonly used noun is "strut" gets to be a bit pendantic

 

This is a strut.

If coilover is too pedantic perhaps you should use shock.

 

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.

 

No pics of said install? You know we need pics right?

 

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

You may see a difference with the levels after.....

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

Yeah. Does look lean. Hmmm. Is that expected?

 

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.