5100/Eibach Install Questions

I found a couple write-ups for 2nd gens but haven't had as much luck with the 1st gens...so on to the shamelessly noob-y questions.
I'm planning on having my local garage assemble the coilovers, but in the interest of having my truck out of commission for the shortest time possible I'm thinking of ordering new top plates so they will be ready to bolt right in. Anybody done this or have a link to just the top plate?

I got my 5100's in the mail and upon inspection, the c-clip appears to be sitting in the uppermost groove. Am I correct in assuming this is the groove for the most lift? I want them set at 0 because I will be running the Eibach coilovers from Toytec. What is the best method for repositioning the c-clips, or are they already in the correct groove for 0" lift?



Probably not last and definitely not least...I've seen plenty of opinions regarding the dust boots facing up or down. Any solid information as to which way is best? I'm leaning toward installing them boots-down as that is how the labels are oriented, and it seems the boots would do a better job of protecting the shock from rocks...



Sorry if any of these questions have already been beaten to death...I'm coming from VW torsion systems so I'm very mildly confused.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Edit: Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

 

Merry Christmas.

Yes the c-clip is in the 'most lift' position. They are easily moved by prying out of one groove with a small screwdriver and sliding down the barrel to the next.

I left the rear shock boot on the bottom.

 

X2 the clips can be moved with a flat head screwdriver or something similar and yes you are at the 2.5" setting as it sits so move it all the way down.

Now for the boots what do you mean up or down?...just leave them the way they came.

 

Boots down according to the paperwork that came with mine from Wheeler's.

 

X2 the clip needs to be at the bottom grove. I was like you. I didn't want my truck down too long so I ordered my 5100s and OME springs preassembled from wheelers ready to install. they did an awesome job on preassembling them. They went rite in and had the alignment done and off I went.

 

Boots down water and mud will sit on the shocks if the other way around and could eventually cause premature failure.

As for the top plate you can order them from touted you just need to call them to order because they sent on the site.

As for the front shocks you need to move the c-clip down. As stated above.

Merry christmas to all!!!

 

Easy enough, thanks!

Got it, I will leave them as is

Cool, I tried to save a little cash by ordering the shocks and springs separately, but looks like I'll be eating that price in assembly anyway haha. Oh well!

I'll be giving Toytec a call later today to order the springs and top plates

Thanks for all the quick help guys!

 

You could assemble the front springs yourself. The spring-compressor tool is available, for a free 'rental', from Autozone. Takes a little time, but you do need additional tools (wrenches, sockets, etc). I also had to use my vise to hold the shock in place while compressing.

 

I just used a jack under the LCA to assemble the front shocks, really easy to do and the UCA keeps the spring in place and it won't shoot out.

 

Ordered the springs and top plates today, when they get here I think I'll go with the Autozone rental tool

I'm having trouble picturing this in my head...you installed new shocks and springs this way?

 

Yes you screw the top plate into the mounting spot ,put the shock on to the bottom mount. Put the spring on the shock and use the weight of the truck to compress the shock and spring then you just put the nut on the top.

 

Got it - thanks! I'll try that method, it would be nice to be able to do it all myself

 

Make sure you have a big jack and jack stands!!! little jacks and stands won't be any help if using truck weight to compress the springs.

 

Will a 3-ton floor jack do the trick?

 

Both methods have their risks. Be sure you understand what is going on before attempting. Search for a video of the 'using the trucks weight' method, first.

 

Found a good video for anyone who's interested

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

2nd gen but still shows the method well. Looks simple enough as long as you stay alert and use the proper safety precautions. I'll take some pictures of my 1st gen install when all the parts arrive

 

Ahhhh, nice. I've read about this a few times, but seeing it done connects all the dots for me...Thanks