LCA not dropping? (2nd gen front strut\spring replacement)

The short of it is i'm doing a full Dobinson upgrade on my 2011DCSB with stock suspension.

Working on the front of the truck first, following the 'no spring compressor' methods referenced here and here. I went it about it this way because i was hoping to easily inspect the top hats as well - problem is tension on the spring is not releasing, LCA's are not dropping nearly enough, and i cant figure out whats going on. Can post pictures as needed but pretty straightforward.

*LCA\ball joint is unbolted from knuckle, Cam bolts are plenty loose, top nut of strut is removed. Floor jack is supporting the spring\lca, i go to lower and the lca only drops a few inches beyond normal, though there is no apparent binding on anything.

Needless to say besides being frustrated im a little concerned since the spring is still loaded while just sitting there, no reason i can tell that this shouldn't be releasing and pushing those arms down. Both sides by the way are like this. What would your next steps be?

 

Did you removed the lower shock mount bolt? Then you will need to push the LCA out of the way, a pry bar was needed the first few times I did it.

 

Are the control arm bushings seized?
Maybe they aren’t allowing the LCA to rotate?

 

@hoarder23 I considered that but since it wasn't necessary to do in neither of those videos I didn't. I did loosen them though, I figured trying to remove them while loaded wasn't a good idea, because then there isn't anything keeping the shock from sliding out of the LCA mount. So that is how you did yours though?

 

@TnShooter Yeah could be, im not sure how to tell without finding a way to get the tension off first though. Thinking of re-compressing spring and assembling top nut and take the whole pack out with top hat, then I guess i can see if i can physically push the lca down further

 

Yes, if you remove the lower shock bolt, you may have a hard time compressing the spring back in place, should it still not drop.

I’m not saying @hoarder23 is wrong, I’m just saying that it may not be easy to get it all back together if it still doesn’t drop.

I personally haven’t done it this way. Maybe @hoarder23 can think of something we’re missing?

 

I have a helper pry on the UCA through a coil spring and push down. Lifted makes it harder to push down.