UCA replacement....strut removal?

HeySkippyDog · March 27, 2019

On top of that, you didn't even say if they were longer or with spacers.

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Bash74 · March 27, 2019

But as DIY, you don't want to disconnect the tie rod or upper ball joint. We're not working in a shop. It's a driveway.

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Tie rod and upper is DIY and driveway. Exactly where I started doing work on my truck and where most people do their stuff. If you think something like taking 2 bolts out is difficult and not able to be done in the driveway then dont be working on your truck and take it to someone.

HeySkippyDog · March 27, 2019

I guess you like going for alignments then, don't you?

Also, there still is the issue of the entire truck lifting up when you go to conpress it back with a floor jack.

Thanks bub. But I'll stay here seated in reality.

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HeySkippyDog · March 27, 2019

And don't kid us about your daughter. We all know she's barely able to figure out a safety razor.

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Bash74 · March 27, 2019

And don't kid us about your daughter. We all know she's barely able to figure out a safety razor.

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Your the guy that says or cries about it being difficult to put a strut in. You do know real men level trucks all the time with no issue or difficulty right.

Bash74 · March 27, 2019

I guess you like going for alignments then, don't you?

Also, there still is the issue of the entire truck lifting up when you go to conpress it back with a floor jack.

Thanks bub. But I'll stay here seated in reality.

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What the hell are you compressing.

This might help you, just like the dozen of others on youtube

Bash74 · March 27, 2019

I guess you like going for alignments then, don't you?

Also, there still is the issue of the entire truck lifting up when you go to conpress it back with a floor jack.

Thanks bub. But I'll stay here seated in reality.

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Also why would there be alignment issues. Popping out the tie rod and joint isnt going to cause alignment issues unless you adjust the tie rod.

FlipZ71 · March 27, 2019

7 hours ago, HeySkippyDog said:

That is in no way shape or form as simple as compressing your strut on one side to reinstall. Let's be real here chief. You just did a balljoint job, not strut only.

Well if I am understanding the post correctly.... installing the strut assembly back into position? If so this Does not require any compressing ....

Compressing the spring on the assembly itself .. yes is much more difficult.... the rental spring clamps are pain ....

Chief.

FlipZ71 · March 27, 2019

8 hours ago, HeySkippyDog said:

On top of that, you didn't even say if they were longer or with spacers.

I have full length for up to a 6 inch lift...

Bolting the assembly back into position doesn't require compressing the strut assmbly ....

Bash74 · March 27, 2019

I have full length for up to a 6 inch lift...
Bolting the assembly back into position doesn't require compressing the strut assmbly ....

Agreed. There is no compressing the strut or having to use a seperate jack for some reason like what was mentioned or anything like that. The strut and yes with the spacer just goes in. That is why level installs is rated as easy to moderate to accomplish.

Snowcamo · March 27, 2019

Agreed. There is no compressing the strut or having to use a seperate jack for some reason like what was mentioned or anything like that. The strut and yes with the spacer just goes in. That is why level installs is rated as easy to moderate to accomplish.

You cannot speak for eveyone... Had you of been there you would of seen what others have gone through. Speculation is just that. Yes it should be easy, but nothing in life ever is. In my case factory strut out bilstiens at top notch left me with about 1-1/2 inches past the bottom of the lca. I wish it just slid in but nope.
Having said that the second time i took them out to attempt LCA replacement they went back in like cake. The spring must have settled(compressed a bit).

Anyhoo much success wished to all who attempt swapping struts and spacers.

FlipZ71 · March 27, 2019

1 minute ago, Snowcamo said:

You cannot speak for eveyone... Had you of been there you would of seen what others have gone through. Speculation is just that. Yes it should be easy, but nothing in life ever is. In my case factory strut out bilstiens at top notch left me with about 1-1/2 inches past the bottom of the lca. I wish it just slid in but nope.
Having said that the second time i took them out to attempt LCA replacement they went back in like cake. The spring must have settled(compressed a bit).

Anyhoo much success wished to all who attempt swapping struts and spacers.

Ok now I think I understand why... you removed them and adjusted the height on the bilsteins ?

Snowcamo · March 27, 2019

Ok now I think I understand why... you removed them and adjusted the height on the bilsteins ?

No sir. Just removed the factory struts placed the same spring on the new bilsteins and installed the bilsteins. they were installed at Top Notch from the get-go. The only thing I could think of is that factory spring must have settled compressed back down. Kind of like everyone says it'll settle down the front end will come down after a some drive time. the struts where and it's really more so just the factory spring settling back down itself. The strut breaking in definitely is part of the process but as we all know has nothing to do with height besides the spring perch adjustments.

FlipZ71 · March 27, 2019

1 minute ago, Snowcamo said:

6 minutes ago, FlipZ71 said:

Ok now I think I understand why... you removed them and adjusted the height on the bilsteins ?

No sir. Just removed the factory struts placed the same spring on the new bilsteins and installed the bilsteins. they were installed at Top Notch from the get-go. The only thing I could think of is that factory spring must have settled compressed back down. Kind of like everyone says it'll settle down the front end will come down after a some drive time. the struts where and it's really more so just the factory spring settling back down itself. The strut breaking in definitely is part of the process but as we all know has nothing to do with height besides the spring perch adjustments.

Ok...

First time I had mine apart , the A frame stayed in position.... strut going in longer as you said...

I loosened the lca bolts... the lca swings down ... then lifted it back up to the strut stuck the lower bolts in ...

Left the lca bolts lose until truck was back on wheels... bounced the suspension a few times then torqued the lca bolts

Snowcamo · March 27, 2019

Ok...
First time I had mine apart , the A frame stayed in position.... strut going in longer as you said...
I loosened the lca bolts... the lca swings down ... then lifted it back up to the strut stuck the lower bolts in ...
Left the lca bolts lose until truck was back on wheels... bounced the suspension a few times then torqued the lca bolts

This is a very valuable option for folks in the same situation. Will need to pull the cv axle on a 4x4, but is likely one best ways.