How long did it take you? (5100 install)

Im very excited because I just picked up my 5100's today at 4 wheel parts. So Im deciding when I have time to install them...how long did it take you?

 

over an hour per side....i took my good ole time

 

i took them out and did them at work..so like 3 hours including travel time.

 

over an hour per side? I would think it would take 15 to 20 minutes per side.

 

I'm assuming you are talking about front struts, and I'm assuming you are including a coil swap over as part of the install. I have done the procedure 4 times now and have gotten better and more efficient each time. The first time probably took 4ish hours. I just did them again tonight and it took me exactly 2.5 hrs, and I was moving quick and efficiently. I could have done it blindfolded...actually, I did one side almost entirely in the dark by feel and thus may as well have been blindfolded.

 

Yeah thats what I thought it would be...around 2 or 3 hours. So Im gonna be looking forward to installing it this weekend, hopefully this Saturday. How much do you think it should cost to realign the wheels?

 

Most places charge $60-80 for a front end alignment. Make sure they check that your rear isn't cockeyed such that the thrust centerline is true before they align the front. A cockeyed thrust centerline can negatively affect your mpg's and your tire wear.

How are you planning on swapping your coils? I recommend the loaner strut spring compressors that O'Reilly/Schuck's have. Just make sure you have a good bench vise to hold your work while you crank on the wrench and lube the threads of the compressors to minimize friction.

 

And also understand the danger involved with compressing coil springs, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE REMOVE CENTER NUT UNTIL SAFELY COMPRESSED !!! You don't want a spring replacing your head...

 

What's the thrust centerline? And a long time ago I just went to the local auto store and bought a $35 spring compressor. Was that a bad investment

 

This site sort of explains it, but they use independent rear suspension in their example:

http://www.fairfieldtirecenter.com/alignment.html

But the same thing can happen with a cockeyed rear axle... it basically causes the vehicle to "crab" to the right or left, depending on which way it is cockeyed.

As for the coil compressor, I'm not sure which one you purchased, but some are way more stout than others. Some are whimpy and meant for softer springs (for cars) and some are burlier for stiffer springs (trucks). I tried compressing my Taco's coils once with an undersized coil compressor and it wasn't nearly strong enough (the threaded rods bent like bananas under all the load). Hopefully the ones you got can handle the stiffer springs.

 

Alright great thanks for the help man!

 

This is what I have. Would this work?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/OEM-Coil-spring-compressor?itemIdentifier=555573

 

It was about 2 hours for the fronts, with air tools and a friend.




And beer.

 

Unfortunately, no. That is a regular coil compressor that goes inside an open spring. You need a strut spring compressor (there are two per set) that go on the outside of the spring. You are dealing with coils mounted over struts so there would be no way to get the coil compressor that you have inside the spring, since the strut occupies the space inside the spring.

Hopefully you can exchange the one you have for the the Macphearson strut spring compressor:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...N-26gi?itemIdentifier=70135&_requestid=221326

The Macphearson is the one I used. O'Reilly/Schucks loans them for free.

 

Sort of embarrassing to admit it, but it took my buddy and I about 5.5 hours to get my 5100s installed. Although, that did include installing a pair of SpiderTrax spacers on the front wheels, which I did very methodically to ensure proper torque.

And to make my skills appear even more lowly, I did my install at shop where I had every tool imaginable at my disposal, including a 2-post hyd lift. But it seemed like I was constantly running back to the tool check to grab yet another tool that I forgot to grab. I had to jack up the LCA with my bottle jack, or wedge a piece of wood to pull down on the UCA at various times.

It was certainly a learning experience, but I'm very happy I did it and am better off for doing myself. Next time will most definitely go smoother.

 

That's not bad for someone who has never done something like a strut coil swap. It takes a lot of fumbling around the first time if you aren't familiar with the process. After having done it 4 times, I pretty much consider myself to be a wizzard with the procedure now and it still took me 2.5 hours last time. I have a hard time believing anyone can get it done in much less time than that, unless they are professionals and/or have air tools. Because I was absolutley flying last time I did it.

 

First time when I set them at .85 took me two hours. Then realized I had the spring perch upside down and had to do it all again it took 1 hour. Then I have had them at the 1.75 setting and the 2.5 setting and I can do it now in about 50 minutes. Using all hand tools, no air or electric.

 

You must be some kind of superhuman mechanic with 4 really long arms who can do both sides at once...

...or maybe are you not counting the time to jack the truck up, put it on stands, take the wheels off, put the wheels back on, etc...?

Or are you talking about 50 mins per side?

 

if i take my whole strut assembly to auto zone or orlieys or my local off road shop can they put the new shock in the assembly? and for how much about?

 

Most local tire/alignment shops around here (san diego) charge about $40 for 2....