URGENT need of HELP : LCA line up with Shock Ears

[The_Burban]

Preloaded strut assembly.

I noticed the OEMs going out had these things lined up... The preloaded ones.. well the ears are off about 45*.

Picture.

Do they need turn down and reassembled? Or just crank them over and make it work???

 

[Doubeleive]

haven't ran into this myself before, but are you sure you have left & right correct? they are different

 

[The_Burban]

Here is the take off...

See how overlap of spring top falls down between the lower ears.

 

[The_Burban]

haven't ran into this myself before, but are you sure you have left & right correct? they are different

I've tried both .. going to try again though.

It will only go one way as the three bolts up top only go in one orientation.

 

[The_Burban]

 

[The_Burban]

Of course every shop is closed. F M L


Only idea is to loosen top nut of shock... Will that rotate it??? I don't believe so.. the spring is pushing out and keep things locked in really short of loosening too much and the whole assembly kablooey.

 

[Doubeleive]

both sides are that way?

 

[Doubeleive]

studs at the top are in a different position

 

[Doubeleive]

put the old and new side by side and take a picture

 

[The_Burban]

both sides are that way?

Yes. Both sides look nothing like OEM orientation.

 

[wjburken]

Something definitely doesn't seem right. If you look at the upper spring cap, the old one has the "outboard" stud clocked with the tail of the spring.

The new one does not seem to be lined up the same.

You shouldn't have to tear them apart fully if you have a spring compressor, you should be able to take some tension off the strut and rotate it to align it like the original.

 

[The_Burban]

L and Middle look about same but are a bit off still.

Going to disconnect lca from spindle... And see if that extra wiggle room helps??

But still concerned of other side.

 

[The_Burban]

Here is the pass side installed. See shock mount, coil too at top fall in a line between ears of lower shock.

 

[The_Burban]

Something definitely doesn't seem right. If you look at the upper spring cap, the old one has the "outboard" stud clocked with the tail of the spring.
View attachment 229303

The new one does not seem to be lined up the same.
View attachment 229304

You shouldn't have to tear them apart fully if you have a spring compressor, you should be able to take some tension off the strut and rotate it to align it like the original.

Yes, and these are Z71 springs (Moog replacement). So stiff, new springs. I do not feel confident with the AutoZone spoon spring compressors with this task. It's why I asked the "pros" to do this assembly for me.

First guy broke a Bilstein, sheared the top nut threaded rod right off .. second shop didn't get it right either.

 

[wjburken]

Yes, and these are Z71 springs (Moog replacement). So stiff, new springs. I do not feel confident with the AutoZone spoon spring compressors with this task. It's why I asked the "pros" to do this assembly for me.

Agree. I do not trust Autozone compressors either. I didn't know what you had at your disposal. Is there a 24 hour diesel repair shop close by that might be willing to help get things lined up? They have heavy duty stuff.

 

[The_Burban]

Agree. I do not trust Autozone compressors either. I didn't know what you had at your disposal. Is there a 24 hour diesel repair shop close by that might be willing to help get things lined up? They have heavy duty stuff.

Good call and none close. Not paying call out. Most look mobile CMV repairs.

 

[Doubeleive]

aah, I thought they came like that, whoever put them together didn't realize they have to be a certain way, the top end of the spring should line up with the stud, that's how you can tell the difference between left & right, the top end of the spring should be visible and pointing outwards on both left and right when installed.

 

[wjburken]

Good call and none close. Not paying call out. Most look mobile CMV repairs.

I'm grasping at straws here and I'm not sure where you live, but any farm implement stores around or farmers that you know that might have some big tools?

I looked at the stuff that Harbor Freight has and I'm not sure I would trust them any more than Autozone.

 

[iamdub]

The only way to fix that would be to compress the spring enough to relieve enough tension that you can rotate the top plate to the correct orientation. I'd do it with the top of the strut bolted in place so you can use the holes in the lower arm for guidance.

I've never had a problem with the loan-a-tool strut compressors from any of the auto supply stores. Just check it before you leave cuz some people abuse and damage them and the store doesn't always check them when they're returned.

Should something slip or fail, there's no danger of the spring flying off cuz you're not removing it. You're just squishing it a little.

 

[The_Burban]

I'm f'd . The project ain't finishing today. I need proper tools to see this job through. This time I'll hold their hand.

New headlights, new sway bar links .. not what I had planned. Maybe another 8 months til I get the time. Hate paying for a "pro" to do it.... I've seen their work many times before.