2wd front shock replacement how to?

[thorn726]

tried searching but not finding the answer/ do i need to remove control arms or other stuff to get the front shocks out/in ?
i see you do for 4wd but looking at the shocks with the wheel off i can't tell if it is necessary on the 2wd model... i did the 4600s for the rear thinking i should do the front as well. i can do the coil switch, but also curious if anyone else did that themselves just to confirm the 4600s for the front it is basically just get a compressor and switch them over...//
also if you know of any options that include the coil installed already i might go with that. Hate to pay someone to put these in but sounds like i may have to depending on what gets disconnected/ any advice appreciated thanks

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[RangerPNW]

You'll need to disconnect the upper control arm from the spindle, but thats about it for an install on 2wd. Its little more involved on 4wd as you would have to disconnect the front axle from the spindle to prevent pulling the cv apart. Options that are drop in ready are stuff like the Fox 2.0s, Eibach Pro Truck, and Icon stuff. However if you've already got 4600s in the rear i would stick with them in the front as well.

 

[thorn726]

You'll need to disconnect the upper control arm from the spindle, but thats about it for an install on 2wd. Its little more involved on 4wd as you would have to disconnect the front axle from the spindle to prevent pulling the cv apart. Options that are drop in ready are stuff like the Fox 2.0s, Eibach Pro Truck, and Icon stuff. However if you've already got 4600s in the rear i would stick with them in the front as well.

ok great i can handle that/ and yeah ill probably just do the spring switch ... it's not too bad really but it's been a while. still might pay someone im not sure yet/ thanks this helps

 

[CammeronJ]

I just did an Eibach Coilover install on my FX4. https://www.stage3motorsports.com/e...ger-eibach-pro-truck-coilover-2r-package.html

The official method has (at least for the 4WD) a lot of removal but you can actually do it a lot quicker via the following:

1. Jack up both sides of the vehicle and place on jack stands so the wheels hang.
2. Remove the wheels
3. Loosen the 3 outer top hat bolts on the coil shock. (dont remove, this will aid in pulling the LCA away from the shock)
4. remove the nuts on the bottom of each coil (under the lower control arm).
5. Support the LCA so it doesn't fall and stress the ball joint with a jack or a block (just so it doesnt drop.)
5. Remove the 2 bolts from the inner attachment points of the LCA.
6. Rotate/hinge the LCA down (just low enough to clear the bolts from the Shock, don't put unnecessary strain on the ball joint).
7. Remove the 3 bolts from the coil shocks top hat.
8. Slide the coil shock out.
9. Insert the new coil shock and reverse the process. If you're doing it alone you may need a ratchet strap to get the LCA held in place and aligned properly while you slide the bolts back in.

I did it a week ago after seeing this video talking about it.

Worked like a charm. Took me about 30 minutes a side.

 

[thorn726]

excellent! going to watch the video now. i have a very good mechanic who can help me. starting to lean towards doing it myself thanks

 

[06Warrior]

I just did an Eibach Coilover install on my FX4. https://www.stage3motorsports.com/e...ger-eibach-pro-truck-coilover-2r-package.html

The official method has (at least for the 4WD) a lot of removal but you can actually do it a lot quicker via the following:

1. Jack up both sides of the vehicle and place on jack stands so the wheels hang.
2. Remove the wheels
3. Loosen the 3 outer top hat bolts on the coil shock. (dont remove, this will aid in pulling the LCA away from the shock)
4. remove the nuts on the bottom of each coil (under the lower control arm).
5. Support the LCA so it doesn't fall and stress the ball joint with a jack or a block (just so it doesnt drop.)
5. Remove the 2 bolts from the inner attachment points of the LCA.
6. Rotate/hinge the LCA down (just low enough to clear the bolts from the Shock, don't put unnecessary strain on the ball joint).
7. Remove the 3 bolts from the coil shocks top hat.
8. Slide the coil shock out.
9. Insert the new coil shock and reverse the process. If you're doing it alone you may need a ratchet strap to get the LCA held in place and aligned properly while you slide the bolts back in.

I did it a week ago after seeing this video talking about it.

Worked like a charm. Took me about 30 minutes a side.

Thanks for the video and your disassemble/assemble instructions. I have a 20’ XLT 2WD.

I bought Blistein 4600’s. Replaced the rears and trying to see if the fronts are doable by myself. I will probably need a spring compressor and definitely an alignment after the install.

Will driving the truck about 10 miles after the install to an alignment shop damage the tires significantly?

Thanks for any info.

 

[Mighty Little Blue]

Thanks for the video and your disassemble/assemble instructions. I have a 20’ XLT 2WD.

I bought Blistein 4600’s. Replaced the rears and trying to see if the fronts are doable by myself. I will probably need a spring compressor and definitely an alignment after the install.

Will driving the truck about 10 miles after the install to an alignment shop damage the tires significantly?

Thanks for any info.

Not a problem for a few miles. If you go with the LCA method which is the easiest way, mark the cam bolts position. That way you can get it close to where it originally was.

 

[06Warrior]

Not a problem for a few miles. If you go with the LCA method which is the easiest way, mark the cam bolts position. That way you can get it close to where it originally was.

Gotcha. I’ve watched a few videos of doing this both ways. Looks like the LCA is the easiest. Thanks

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