Need Help - I'm stuck on a lift project

Currently trying to install a 3" lift - from coilovers went on easy, but the rear has been one huge frustration after another. I'm currently stuck - I have the new leafs on (finally), but now that I'm trying to install the new shock absorbers (Bilstein 5125), I can't get them on... The rubber bushing will insert on to the shock mount, and I can get it into the shock ok, but when the bushing is inside of the shock, it will not slide onto the mount. I tried putting the busing on the mount, then pulling the shock over it - no joy. I also force one with the bolt and a large washer, and now it's completely stuck - I can't get it to progress and I can't get it to come off. I decided to leave it and go to the other side, but I can't get it on. This is driving me nuts - any help would be huge.

Stuck bushing/shock - lower mount post passenger side




Lower mount post driver's side


Upper mount post driver's side

 

bump for a expert......

 

I had to lube mine I don't reacall for sure b ut I think I put a bit odf wd40 to help slid them in

 

Damn! That lower one looks rusted to hell!!! WD-40 can be corrosive to polymers and rubbers. Try a good slick grease.

 

take a look here - it may help you...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/50524-mod-rear-fj-shock-tacoma-mount.html

 

Maybe try sanding them down a bit, clean them, them get some lube on them.
Mine were a biatch too. But It just needed some lube.

 

Use a little bit of dish soap . Should slide right on.

 

^^^

Yup. Damn, that lower is rusty. I would sand that down a bit, then use a little grease (or liquid soap) to finesse them on. Put on the inner bushing first, then put the shock on, then put the outer bushing on. Don't try to hold it all together at once while trying to compress the shock...

Maybe you are already doing this, but you can also lower or raise the axle to a spot where the shock is not loaded up and easier to manipulate.

 

I put the bushings in the shock, lubed the bushing with soap where it slips on to the mount and then beat them on with a rubber mallet. I really had to beat on the end of the shock where the bushing goes. trying to push the bushing in to the shock will not work IMO.

 

That's exactly why, in my write-up - I opened up the rubber bushing with a wood bit - I don't want to see a crack develop on the lower shock boss.

 

A little rust on shock post, ehh leave it alone , what then after sanding it off.

Now you have bare metal unless you paint & let dry but moving on, use some Vaseline & ""thread" the bushing by hand "righty tighty" while using your mallet in even, firm taps. By threading it like a nut (or bolt ) just the action of twisting it will make the rubber contract (thus making it smaller) as you start it into place in shock eye....

 

grind it down to knock the rust off and make sure you hit it with some rostoleam before it put the shocks on. Bushings are suppost to fit snug

 

X2
Grind the rust off and make the shaft smooth. you have some serious rust on the shaft.

 

thanks for the ideas everyone - I was able to sand a little bit of the rust off, and with some packing grease, the bushings slid right on. Lift is on, now just working on getting the bumper installed.

 

Super Old thread I know, but I need some advice on installing some 5125s in the rear. It seams that the bushings that came with the shocks are not the proper ID and won't fit on the mounts. It doesn't look like I'll be able to just lube up the mounts and force them on either..

Is this a viable solution --vv ... ... TIA

Edit: well I said F'it and drilled them out to 3/4", figured the worst that could happen was I ruin them and have to buy new bushings..

Anyway, it worked pretty well. I put some grease on the mounts and inside the bushings, and also used an extra washer on the bolt side of each mount to make up for the difference in the shock eyes/bushings. (The previous 5100s were a bit bigger ~3/16) I think the heat generated from drilling the bushings out actually helped make the more pliable and they slid on easier

 

Here's how I did the washers

 

Thats fine & yeah the replacement bushings are the smaller I.D. bushings I usually drill out a little material from bushing , helps a ton..

 

So I didn't get the wrong bushings? They all need to be modified for 1st gens?

 

Yeah Bilstein quit getting the "Big eye" OEM type for 1st gens, they may still get them for you if requested but anymore they come with the smaller,newer designed bushings...

 

Ah ok thanks for the clarification