Stuck trying to install rear shocks

[Superdannyboy]

I'm stuck in the middle of trying to install Bilstein 5100s on the rear. How do people compress the shocks enough to mount?

This isn't on a lift.

It took 2 mins to remove the old shocks, but I've been struggling for an hour to try and compress them enough to mount the new ones.
It'd be easy if I could lift the vehicle enough to have the wheels sag, but the manual says not to lift on frame members on the rear-- but only the axle which obviously doesn't help

I do have a tow hitch, but no hi-lift with which to lift the rear...

Zip ties, cables, etc do not fit into the cradle that holds either end of the shock (tolerances are tight), so I can't place compress beforehand, mount, and the release whatever holds it together.

What do people do?

I used a flathead took 5 minutes.
Same on the f150.

Different story with my 2.5's. Needed a crowbar.

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[OFC Ranger]

Yea I used a block of wood and a floor jack to shimmy my Eibach rears in place for the bottom bolt. I still need to tackle the front.... procrastination...

 

[Aonarch]

You can jack up from the frame for something simple like a shock install.

1. Lift as the manual tells you.
2. Place jack stands where appropriate.
3. Remove rear shocks.
4. Lift from frame to droop the axle.
5. Adjust frame height to center the shock holes.

It is a fully boxed ladder frame. That lingo is probably to prevent litigation.

 

[veloci1]

Can you lay on your back and bench press them? If so, then get a big screwdriver and use it as a pry bar to support the shock while you put in the bolt. You can do it!

FYI: I like to take out the spare tire for extra clearance.

that is what i did. it worked perfectly

 

[Msfitoy]

Yea I used a block of wood and a floor jack to shimmy my Eibach rears in place for the bottom bolt. I still need to tackle the front.... procrastination...

Saving the best for last...enjoy!

 

[JesseS]

With my Eibachs I just lifted from the tow receiver until the tires just cleared the floor, gave me full extension, and with a small pry bar was able to pop them right in the pocket, then used a long center punch to align the bolt hole.

 

[808matt]

This^^^^...no muscle or brute force needed...

I muscled mine in but I was in pain for a few days after

 

[JaysOnTheEDGE]

I used cheap 1" ratchet straps when I did my rear fox 2.0 got 4 for $10 bucks from the Amazon, had to cut 1 to get it out after I bolted it up. Would have been easier to use a floor jack but I was in a parking lot lol

I did remove the spare gave me a little more room to work.

 

[Dereku]

Grip the body with one hand, push up and slide bolt in. No one ever accused me of using my brain when I work on vehicles but I have done 100s like this.

Other option is to drill a small hole in the shock. Goes right up then.

Kidding never do that. ?

 

[SigOris]

Ever wonder why so many "old timers" had an 8 -12" 4 x4 and other wierd pieces of greasy wood in their garage

What do mean “ had “ ? :^)

 

[Matsterious]

I'm sure it has already been suggested but I used the thick long zip ties. I compressed them using my body weight and tighten the zip tie as it got more compressed then cut the zip tie off after i bolted it the top. It slowly released and i would guide it in to the mount. Then use a big screwdriver to help pry it up to get the bolt to slide through.

 

[9zero1790]

anyone try putting the bottom bolt in first and then just pulling down on the shock to compress ? i feel like pulling down may be easier than pushing up lol.

 

[06Warrior]

Wow. After reading all this I guess I was lucky that I had no issue pushing them in place by hand with the truck on the ground without removing the spare or anything else.

I did my rears with 4600’s and were pretty easy. The hardest part was getting the passenger side top mount nut on due to the angle and space.

 

[Cmar]

They don't expand real fast.

I just bolted the top in then cut the shipping band and then had the lower bolt and a nylon hammer ready to drive the bolt through as the eye drew level with the lower bolt hole - done.

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