Front Strut Install Problems

[TheRealJawg]

Guys/gals, I'm in desperate need of help.

Just purchased some Belltech 26021 struts for my 2019 XLT/2WD and trying to install. I have them set for a 2" lift and i'm 99% positive the assemble of the strut utilizing factory springs is correct. I have them installed and there is NO WAY in heaven or hell that I'm getting the control arm low enough to get the ball joint back in to the knuckle. I've attached several pics to help you understand where i'm at. I've used ratchet strap and even compressed the spring a bit while installed and I still have at least 1" further to go. And - as you can see the sway bar link is nowhere near being able to be re-installed.

PLEASE HELP. What am I doing wrong? I've watched every video I can find on the internet and I'm doing the same thing everyone else is doing.

Sponsored

 

[Mellow]

Put a jack under the lower arm and that will work, just did that recently from advice from here.

You won't even need your strap.

 

[cburson]

I actually gave up on trying to get mine out yesterday. Only way I could see getting it out is to remove tie rod, sway bar link and knock the CV axle out of the hub and I was hoping to avoid some of that.

Installed new UCAs and will take it to a shop for coilovers.

 

[JetEngr19]

I would remove the spring compressors. They are only compressing the spring but not shortening the length of the strut. They may also be causing some interference with the upper control arm but I can't really tell. You could loosen the bolt attaching the upper control arm to the frame to relieve some of the preload in the bushings and allow it to move freely. But the best suggestion is to put a jack under the lower control arm and jack it up to compress the strut until you can get a nut on the upper ball joint.

 

[TheRealJawg]

Really appreciate everyone jumping in!!

I did try jacking up the LCA but it was raising the entire truck with it. I think i'm going to try the strut without any lift accessories on it and see if I can get it in that way.

 

[NotBudule]

Really appreciate everyone jumping in!!

I did try jacking up the LCA but it was raising the entire truck with it. I think i'm going to try the strut without any lift accessories on it and see if I can get it in that way.

I would stop , check part #' s and get out a tape measure , something seems amiss here ?

 

[RAYJAY]

I actually gave up on trying to get mine out yesterday. Only way I could see getting it out is to remove tie rod, sway bar link and knock the CV axle out of the hub and I was hoping to avoid some of that.

Installed new UCAs and will take it to a shop for coilovers.

far as i know you have to do all of the above to get the coil over in.... the cv axle the most important.. if you don't will pull the cv joint apart ......

 

[cburson]

far as i know you have to do all of the above to get the coil over in.... the cv axle the most important.. if you don't will pull the cv joint apart ......

I would agree that it is a requirement to do all of that. Some folks and videos say you don't have to, I now say you do. Anyway, worth a shot I guess.

 

[TheRealJawg]

UPDATE: No good news. I took off any adjustment rings so it would just do a 1" lift. This is a joke. See pictures. Camber on the tires is WAY out of spec and highly doubtful this could be corrected as much as it needs to be with an alignment. Still no chance that those stabilizer bar links are going in. These are pics of it resting on its own suspension - no jacks. Got 38 1/2 ground to center wheel well on front and back but this is not right. Time to reverse everything I've done and put stock back on. I can't help but put blame on Belltech as these are def not ok for 2wd.

 

[TheRealJawg]

UPDATE #2: pried stabilizer bar down a bit down and links are in now. Still worried cause stabilizer bar is now resting ~.75" above LCA

 

[NotBudule]

did you check and see if they were the right part # for your truck ?

 

[TheRealJawg]

Belltech's web site says they're the right part:

https://www.belltech.com/belltech-trail-performance-front-lifted-26021.html

2019 XLT 2WD

 

[AutobotXJ]

Did you check your cv axle joint? Did it pop out during install? Might not be fully seated.

 

[TheRealJawg]

Did you check your cv axle joint? Did it pop out during install? Might not be fully seated.

Mine is a RWD so luckily don't have to worry about CV joints

 

[AutobotXJ]

Mine is a RWD so luckily don't have to worry about CV joints

? you mentioned it a few times and I still missed it.

Sponsored