Can't get my AHC shock spacers on

[Viio]

Today it took me almost 5 hours to get my rear Japan4x4 Shock spacers mounted to my 100 series. When I attempted the front I had to give up completely. I cannot get the front shock to compress so I can fit the spacer. What am I missing here? Do I need to fully drain my AHC? This would be annoying, since I only did it 1 month ago with new globes and fluid.

 

[darrenk]

Today it took me almost 5 hours to get my rear Japan4x4 Shock spacers mounted to my 100 series. When I attempted the front I had to give up completely. I cannot get the front shock to compress so I can fit the spacer. What am I missing here? Do I need to fully drain my AHC? This would be annoying, since I only did it 1 month ago with new globes and fluid.

What about setting the AHC level to low before undoing the shock?

 

[Viio]

What about setting the AHC level to low before undoing the shock?

Thankyou. I did that because I hoped it would reduce the pressures. I can force the shock to compress but it just bounces right back. I fear that I might have to take the top hydraulic connector off and compress the fluid out of it directly!

 

[FxFormat]

Thankyou. I did that because I hoped it would reduce the pressures. I can force the shock to compress but it just bounces right back. I fear that I might have to take the top hydraulic connector off and compress the fluid out of it directly!

To reduce AHC pressures I put a 30mm oil spring spacers on the rear springs and crank the front torsion bars. I don’t think I’ve heard of anyone doing the shock spacers to reduce pressures, this is more for lifting it and getting more use out of the shock travel

 

[Viio]

To reduce AHC pressures I put a 30mm oil spring spacers on the rear springs and crank the front torsion bars. I don’t think I’ve heard of anyone doing the shock spacers to reduce pressures, this is more for lifting it and getting more use out of the shock travel

Sorry I wasn't clear there. I agree on your reasons for the shock spacers. I meant I put the system in low to reduce the pressures so I could work on it. I just can't get the damn things fitted on the front!

 

[geo5]

Sorry if I missed this but Have you tried turning the AHC off? Not sure if that freezes the suspension in place…

 

[Viio]

Sorry if I missed this but Have you tried turning the AHC off? Not sure if that freezes the suspension in place…

Yeah I've tried it with it in Low mode, and with it set to Off. I even drained some fluid out of the system and the pressure didn't release. It's like the shock itself is full pressurised and I can't get it to release.

 

[LJE]

So if you set the AHC to low & lift the frame of the truck up to let the front control arms droop as much as they can, you still can't get the shock spacers in? In that case, you likely will need to bleed some more fluid out.

 

[Viio]

So if you set the AHC to low & lift the frame of the truck up to let the front control arms droop as much as they can, you still can't get the shock spacers in? In that case, you likely will need to bleed some more fluid out.

I think I'll just end up draining the entire system. We'll call it a flush. Fluid in there is only 2 weeks old.

 

[hoser]

If you remove the upper ball joint nut, the LCA will drop further and the UCA will not interfere with the "shock" shaft metal dust cover.

However, once you install the extension bracket, the stock UCA will hit the shock cover on fully extension. You can go with an aftermarket UCA or remove/cut off the "dust" cover on the shock... or limiting straps.

 

[Viio]

If you remove the upper ball joint nut, the LCA will drop further and the UCA will not interfere with the "shock" body.

However, once you install the extension bracket, the stock UCA will hit the shock body on fully extension. You can go with an aftermarket UCA or remove/cut off the "dust" cover on the shock... or limiting straps.

That's some tremendous advice. I didn't realise I'd end up with that shock contact once the spacers were installed. Thankyou - I'll do some more research