Front shock/spring install WITHOUT spring-compressor

I wonder how likely it is the lower shock bolt would break.. that's the only point of failure that would allow the spring to push itself out of the shock tower.

 

Even then, it's going to go straight down, and it's going to probably hang up on either the metal rim around the shock mount or the sway bar or axle.

 

I'm with you...err on the side of caution.
I mean come on, my face isn't that nice but no reason to muck it all up!

 

The force of the spring and shock would go down, with the LCA and floor being the only things in its path. I spose it could deflect and hit the caliper/rotor... I'd be quite surprised if someone got hurt even if the bolt did fail. Even with pre-assembled coilovers, once it is mounted up and everything is torqued down, a lower shock bolt failure would shoot the spring and shock out just the same. I've never heard of the lower shock bolt failing on someone's truck.

 

Getting the assembly in/out definitely requires some angling. A straight shot down would result in the perch or spring hitting the axle. I also didn't touch my sway bar so the coils snagged on that a bit as I was maneuvering them in & out. I imagine a haphazard, rapid release would result in the coils getting hung up on that, too.

 

Really if the lower shock bolt broke when installing the springs it would also break the installed on the vehicle as a complete assembly when the weight of the vehicle is put on it, and I've never heard of that happening.

 

I'd think the spring plate would sheer off the shock first...

 

Used this method yesterday. Aside from being a dope and putting the coil hats upside down on the shocks at first (which resulted in such an extreme LCA angle I couldnt have compressed the assembly anyway) - everything went well. Thanks to TW for explaining my ignorance quickly and getting me up and running.

Had my caution flags up at any point where there were forces at work, but really did not feel like this method has much danger. There was no where for that spring to go in a worst-case. I would have been much more nervous using a spring compressor.

 

Has anyone tried this method to install 886's? I am hoping that they are not too stiff.

 

Used this method, followed the instructions on YouTube videos. Not difficult or scary at all

 

Works like a charm. I used the same method.

 

Used this method on a 560 lb spring at 40mm. Do u think I could do it with a 50mm spring with same rate?

 

Not sure. There has to be a limit at some point. Lower control arm only swings down so far.
When I did my 885 springs it worked well. 887 or longer springs may be at the limit.

 

I have done it twice with the OME 887's, and it could be done with a longer or heavier spring.

 

Good report. Thank you!

 

I wish I had know this the 3" toytec springs took 2 sets of compressors so squeeze them down straight enough enough to get the shock in, I was scared shitless

 

Well ive been proven wrong. Not first time.

 

best thing to do is pay a front end suspension mechanic to do it

 

Could this be done using the bottle jack that comes with the truck and some Jack stands?

 

I have run into burning buildings, been in armed combat and jumped out of airplanes....


this piece of shit scared me more than any of those other things.