HELP can't get coil spring back on

[fzjadam]

I need HELP. I was installing MAF 30mm spacers on the front. I took the driver side wheel off, lowered the axle on to a jack stand to compress the coil, put a strut compressor on both sides of the coil just to keep it compressed, raised the vehicle until the axle just barely lifted off the jacke, slid the OEM coil out with no problem. I got the MAF spacer to seat with a silicone spray, a hammer & a piece of wood. Before I could get the coil reinstalled the compressor slipped to one side. After several tries I could not get the coils compressed enough. No matter what i tried I need about 2" more to clearance to slide over the bumperstop & the bottom spring locator. What is the easiest way to get that much droop? Please help. I've got to get this & the other side finished tomorrow.

 

[ToyotaDon]

You'll probably need to put a jack under the frame, and lift it higher so the axle will droop. You may also need to disconnect the shock on that side, since that is the main thing that keeps it from drooping farther.

Hope that helps.

 

[george_tlc]

Undo the front shocks (just the bottom). Undoing the antisway bar (from the axle end) can help in some situations. Most folk install taller OME springs without the need of a spring compressor (potentially nasty/dangerous thing), the key is to undo the shocks, just keep an eye on not over-extending the stock brake lines.

Using the 80's screw jack between the chassis and the front axle can help open up enough room for the spring to slide back in - especially if you're doing this as a one man show, again undo the front shocks first.

cheers,
george.

 

[d0ubledown]

have you jacked up the passenger side as high as you can to push the drivers side down as much as possible? disconnect your swaybar to help if it isn't
out already.

I was able to swap out to 4" springs this way. no spring compressors. just ratchet straps and prybars. even had to stand on the hub a bit to get it down more. careful of the brakelines though...

 

[fzjadam]

Bad new is my vehicle is rusted everywhere. I was worried about snapping the shock bolt or any other bolt for that matter.

 

[VCCruzr]

When I did my spacers, even with the axel fully dropped, I had to use a ratchet strap to compress my springs to slip them in there. It was a real PIA but I got it done. Be patient, have a , and go for it. Good luck!

 

[azTony]

Taking off the lower shock bolt helps a lot. Take the bump stop housing off, put it inside the spring and then try to put it back on. It did not sound like you had this off in your description above.

 

[darwink1]

Undo the shock and get a buddy to stand on the hub while you put the coil back in.

D

 

[Cruiser804]

How far can you get the coil in? If you can get one of the bottom coils on to the lower spring perch use a large pry bar to get it the rest of the way on.

As others have mentioned it would help to have a helper.

I set jack stands under the frame, removed the lower shock nuts and sway bar and I still needed to get in the wheel well and press the axle down when installing the second side.

 

[fzjadam]

Got it. Thanks for everyone's help. I was I panic mode. Undoing the lower shock was the biggest help. I used PB Blaster but the bolts one both sides were very difficult to remove. Ended up breaking one as I feared. On the bright side I have an excuse for more goodies.

Who has the best deal on OME front shocks?

 

[arndog123]

I know you said OME shocks but camel4x4.com is having a holiday special on Ironman products. 10% off and free shipping.