[Tom-Dirt]

I have never seen it done this way, but why can't you use the truck's weight to help install a new coilover? This is actually a 2011 Raptor, but the process on a regular f150 should be the same. Why not bolt the bottom shock on the LCA, bolt the rubber and steel insulator to the shock bucket, then slide the coil spring on, align it to the bottom coil saddle, and jack up the A-arm until the top shock bolt pokes through the insulator? Seems easier, safer, and (especially with the weight of that 6.2 iron block); the truck isn't going to move.

 

[Tom-Dirt]

I didn't like this part, where you blindly force the thread shock end through the insulator cap.

But hanging the spring top isolator & (Raptor specific shims) was a breeze.

 

[Tom-Dirt]

my other issue was that while it still hadn't pushed the thread far enough above the shock bucket to get the nut on, (but before I started lifting the front off the stands), I found out the floor jack was too short. My other larger one is too tall to get under the LCA, so there's that.. It can be done with a pair of those scary spring compressor clamps, (and you'd need to leave the three isolator nuts loose so you can safely wiggle the shock threads through it), but the experiment was to see if the shock & coil can be assembled On the truck; without spring compressors. Apparently it can be done, but not recommended.

 

[GearHead_1]

You can do this and I have but only when I could chain the front end down. Sometimes, depending upon where the lift/jack mounts are placed the springs can lift the front end and you can't even get the threads all the way through to start the nut. Our shop jacks always had chain slots that you could attach the frame to the jack and then jack up.

 

[GearHead_1]

Man, I'm slow. That's like two posts in five minutes that show a moment ago for me and the post immediately before mine but I'm in 2nd. Seeing your pic, if you would have chained the frame to the bottom of your jack you would have had no problem. I'd have used the two holes visible in the frame and wrapped the chain under the jacks frame.

 

[Tom-Dirt]

I just stopped trying to overthink it, and did it opposite of the removal process. I kept the top insulator loose, hung the new Fox 2.5& Geiser coil (on the bottom perch), then wiggled the bottom of the shock on the LCA. It's got fresh bushings, ball joints, and SPC cam locks with welded cam gussets. I rattlecanned the axles and LCA's, swapped the UCA's for Blitzkrieg's, swapped the outer tie rods for the RPG billet aluminum/stainless heim versions.

 

[bentruby]

I've had the truck lift off jack stands doing stuff like that and I did not feel safe. I got one of these to use instead of the typical spring compressors.

 

[Boatwaco]

@bentruby - I’ve seen that spring compressor on eBay and thought about getting one - what’s your review of it?

 

[bentruby]

@bentruby - I’ve seen that spring compressor on eBay and thought about getting one - what’s your review of it?

It works well, but you're getting what you pay for. No assembly or usage instructions are included. Take your time and make sure the strut is secure before disassembly. I was a bit nervous with it, but it was very stable as I struggled with seized nuts at the top of my OEM struts.

I used the smaller set of 'cups' on the struts on the F150.

 

[Go-C Graphics]

Anyone use a spring compressor like this one? I have a set of Bilstein struts and shock to install and I was thinking of getting this one to use.

 

[Justinjs]

Anyone use a spring compressor like this one? I have a set of Bilstein struts and shock to install and I was thinking of getting this one to use.

View attachment 182205

I used the one shaped like the pic below, highly questionable. The issue is the length of the struts, they're long and much stronger than a car's struts (the rods were definitely bending.

 

[Upshifter]

I have never done this and all I can think of is... why not?
Could have bolt torque issues on the top hat? But perhaps not.

I mainly wanted to add... That is the most beautiful upper control arm I have ever seen!

 

[Sirikenewtron]

I finally had to break down and buy a safe spring compressor, I’ve been doing side jobs here and there for family and friends and for whatever reason lately a bunch of coilovers/struts.
This thing is a beast.

 

[bentruby]

I finally had to break down and buy a safe spring compressor, I’ve been doing side jobs here and there for family and friends and for whatever reason lately a bunch of coilovers/struts.
This thing is a beast.

thats the right way to do it, if you can justify the cost

 

[snakebitten]

Justify?
You mean not get in trouble with anyone?

And even that, getting in trouble, doesn't last forever.

 

[Boatwaco]

getting in trouble, doesn't last forever.

But that spring compressor will!

 

[Boatwaco]

@Sirikenewtron - what's your address, cost and turnaround time? I'll send old and new stuff to you!

 

[Sirikenewtron]

Lol it’s actually at my buddy’s right now. It’s funny because I was joking with him and told him I was taking that picture so I remember what it looks like when I come to pick it up. I said you better not scratch it!
I lost count of how many times him and I were hiding behind a board trying to ratchet down those cheap scary sketchy ones.