Eibach Installation Questions

[Glocker]

I've got the Eibach Pro Truck Lift Stage 1 in-bound, and I'm going to install them with the help of a good friend.

I've read about issues people have with the level spacers on the front of these trucks and problems with popping out the front shafts, tearing CV boots, etc.. Because of the geometry of the suspension parts, will these still be potential issues when installing the Eibach struts and springs on the front? Should we go ahead and pop the nut off the front shafts before trying to "force" the new stuff onto the truck?

Basically, I'm looking for any insight from anybody who's done the Eibach install to just better get a handle on what to expect! Thanks guys!

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[myothercarizahearse]

the problem I had was the the bolts on the bottom of the factory struts wouldn't pop out of the lower control arm. In Ford's wisdom they used studs pressed into the strut. My solution was recip saw to cut the bolts and everything popped right out. https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/attachments/204-01b-front-suspension-4wd-shop-manual-zip.2975/ give that a quick read before you start

 

[Frenchy]

When I installed my lift kit from Old Man EMU I learned to remove the upper control arm from the knuckle and also to remove the sway bar links. And yes if you have the tools to do so remove the nut for the CV axle.

 

[Glocker]

Thanks guys!!!!

 

[Frenchy]

I did forget to mention, remove the tie rod from the knuckle as well. It allows you to move the knuckle wherever you want it to be while doing the job

 

[JAKE2.3]

Definitely loosen the axle nut for more play. I didn't and had to rebuild my cv (driver side). Easiest way is to stick a screwdriver down through the brake caliper into one of the disc vents. Crack it loose. Probably doesn't have to come all the way out, but loosening it up should help a lot.

 

[kieefer]

I did my install on a 2wd in about 2 hours. No major problem.

 

[quangdog]

I did my install on a 2wd in about 2 hours. No major problem.

Note that the 2wd does not have a front axle, so just disconnecting the knuckle from the upper control arm, tie rod, and sway bar link will get you all the movement you need.

If your truck is 4WD, I **strongly** recommend investing in a 35mm socket to remove the axle nut. Doing so makes life SO much easier, and does not risk damage to the CV joints or risk pulling the half-shaft out of the front diff.

If you check out the shop manuals provided in the maintenance section of this forum on remove/reinstall the front suspension coilovers, you'll see this is exactly what Ford recommends.

Good luck! I hope you love your new suspension!

 

[Glocker]

Note that the 2wd does not have a front axle, so just disconnecting the knuckle from the upper control arm, tie rod, and sway bar link will get you all the movement you need.

If your truck is 4WD, I **strongly** recommend investing in a 35mm socket to remove the axle nut. Doing so makes life SO much easier, and does not risk damage to the CV joints or risk pulling the half-shaft out of the front diff.

If you check out the shop manuals provided in the maintenance section of this forum on remove/reinstall the front suspension coilovers, you'll see this is exactly what Ford recommends.

Good luck! I hope you love your new suspension!

I'll make sure I have one on hand before the install! Thank you!

 

[Glocker]

Note that the 2wd does not have a front axle, so just disconnecting the knuckle from the upper control arm, tie rod, and sway bar link will get you all the movement you need.

If your truck is 4WD, I **strongly** recommend investing in a 35mm socket to remove the axle nut. Doing so makes life SO much easier, and does not risk damage to the CV joints or risk pulling the half-shaft out of the front diff.

If you check out the shop manuals provided in the maintenance section of this forum on remove/reinstall the front suspension coilovers, you'll see this is exactly what Ford recommends.

Good luck! I hope you love your new suspension!

Does this look right?
https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Axle-Soc...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

[quangdog]

I'll make sure I have one on hand before the install! Thank you!

You'll also need a good impact or large cheater bar to get the axle nut off - it's torqued to 220 lb ft... so you'll also need a large torque wrench to correctly torque them after install.

Ford recommends NOT re-using these nuts... but I'm on the fence about that. What does everyone think? Safe to re-use the axle nuts?

 

[quangdog]

Does this look right?
https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Axle-Socket-Drive-Point/dp/B0756QG2JX/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1QXKAEBS185IF&dchild=1&keywords=35mm+socket&qid=1592335626&refinements=p_85:2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sprefix=35mm+so,aps,142&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMlFPTzFSUkxMQ0JUJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzkyNjAwNFcwR1hESFBJTDVaJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwNzU3OTkyUkVaMDNLMVBUUElQJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Yup. As long as you have a 1/2" drive impact gun or really strong wrench + cheater bar, that'll do. I picked up my 35mm at the O'Reilly's down the street for $10. Best of luck!

 

[Glocker]

Yup. As long as you have a 1/2" drive impact gun or really strong wrench + cheater bar, that'll do. I picked up my 35mm at the O'Reilly's down the street for $10. Best of luck!

Thanks!

 

[JAKE2.3]

You'll also need a good impact or large cheater bar to get the axle nut off - it's torqued to 220 lb ft... so you'll also need a large torque wrench to correctly torque them after install.

Ford recommends NOT re-using these nuts... but I'm on the fence about that. What does everyone think? Safe to re-use the axle nuts?

I reused mine, I suppose they are fine as long as not damaged. I did not, however, think the torque was that high. I think I only torqued to 150ish. Maybe I should pull the wheel and give it more.

 

[quangdog]

I reused mine, I suppose they are fine as long as not damaged. I did not, however, think the torque was that high. I think I only torqued to 150ish. Maybe I should pull the wheel and give it more.

Looks like I was off just a bit. It's actually 221, not 220. ;-)
"While an assistant applies the brake, install the new wheel hub nut.
Torque: 221 lb.ft (300 Nm)" - from the shop manual linked here: https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/attachments/204-01b-front-suspension-4wd-shop-manual-zip.2975/

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