RTH: getting PS panhard bolt back in

[TeeDiggs]

Im in the middle of installing an OME medium lift and unbolted the PS bolt from the panhard when trying to remove the springs yesterday and now am having a hell of a time getting the bolt to line back up to install. I removed all springs/shocks again. See photos, the bolt in the center of photo on the curved bar, behind that tie rod end in photo. I'm close to lining it up but the rear threads are 1/8" higher than the front once the front is lined up. I'm just moving the axle up and down on both pass/driver sides to no avail. Help?

Edit: not sure if it helps, but couldn't get the tie rod end off so that is still on

 

[whitey45]

I usually have the wheels on, on the ground, and have someone steer back and forth slowly while you are under the truck lining it up and installing the bolt. Works every time!

 

[TeeDiggs]

@whitey45 is that as-in everything is installed and you've let the vehicle back down on the axle with full weight on wheels, I.e last step? And just to make sure, you're referring to the panhard rod, not tie rod correct? Should I finish installing the front and just get this last? Thanks!

 

[ZeGerman]

I switched the panhards after I did the springs and shocks and the vehicle was on the ground. A bit of jiggling was all it took.

 

[whitey45]

Yes, you can do it last.

 

[Tapage]

best way to me it's wheels on the ground and steer .. but also my pullzall did the magic when wheels off and axle on jackstands ..

 

[mudgudgeon]

Agreed with whitey.
It might help to use a bit of tension with a ratchet strap parallel to the panhard to pull the axle and frame into alignment.

 

[bloc]

Pipe wrench on panhard to twist it so that the holes line up.

 

[Webster77]

Ratchet strap worked for me!

 

[chap79]

Have you tired lifting the driver side of the truck? It's not difficult, especially if the frame is being lifted independently of the axle.

 

[shmabs]

Wheels on the ground and steering back and forth has always worked for me, leaving the panhard/track bar as the last step.

Mike

 

[nukegoat]

Jack or pipe wrench

 

[TeeDiggs]

Thanks all! getting it back on the ground, turning the wheels and then using a pipe wrench to rotate the panhard rod just a smidge worked out in the end for me.