Hi All, I am about to undertake the strut install. I think I have a good idea how to do most of it based on watching several videos. My understanding is that it is important to torque the bottom strut nut when it is at normal height. What is a good process for going about this if you don’t have a lift? I don’t see how I could do it with the wheel on….or maybe it’s possible.

 

A second jack under the lower arm them measure distance from bottom edge of fender plastic to center of hub.

 

I didn’t measure what it should be. Do you happen to know?

 

Front is 465mm/(18.3") with rear at 485mm (19.09") assuming you are a stock height vehicle with no loft mods.

 

thank you!!!

 

Anyone got advice for this situation below? I am already connected on top. I tried to jack up the shock to get it lined up but I keep hitting the control arm with my floor jack. I then tried a metal brace and that didn’t work either. I ASSUME these struts are good. I got them from Lucky8 and he seemed to be high on them. I understand that I am going to have to reinstall, I am just trying to figure out what I did wrong. I feel like the struts are too long or the control arms aren’t low enough….but the struts seem to match the OEM one I pulled out. I’ll add that I’m only jacked up on one side. Any advice appreciated.

 

Is that side bottomed out all the way, as in you can not push the suspension down? If so could the sway bar link be holding things up? And did you remove the air plug where the line inserts so the bag can deflate if needed? I am sure the shocks are okay, but Lucky 8 does love to rebrand cheap crap and sell it for a lot more. I will never buy from them. Could you not try a piece of wood on top the shock that fits between the opening in the arm? When I put these in I tend to do the lower bolt first, just slide it in. Then I push down on the strut to tuck it up under the perch.

 

I should have no doubt put the lower bolt in first. The air line is already connected on top but the system was deflated with the gap tool. I wonder if the line is keeping me from compressing it easily. I don’t even see how I could compress it by hand right now. But I will take it all apart tomorrow and try again. I am pressing my mechanical luck here. Thanks for the help!

 

Yeah, that is now how it works. The air line is sealed at the block. So in effect no air can get out and maybe that is what is holding you up. You can probably compress is some, just not sure how much. Those air bladders are a very rigid rubber, they dont expand really. But like I said, if the sway bar link is installed and the other side is not free hanging, it will be pulling up on that side causing your lower are to be up higher.

 

So i guess i will remove it all and start over. Line up the bolt first if at all possible and compress it without the line in. I hate I have to remove that line. What a pain!