Front shock won't come out

I'm trying to add a spacer above my left front shock but I can't get the shock all the way out. Do I have to disconnect the lower control arm to clear the cv shaft? Need help quick. Thanks, bill.

 

I believe you'll need to disconnect the top part of the spindle so that the control arm will drop....remove the sway bar end link, too

 

you're adding a spacer with 5100s set at 2.5?

 

I removed the nut on the uca/spindle but couldn't get it to move even with a hammer.

Yes, 5100 set at 2.5.

 

Loosen the LCA but no need to remove the LCA. It just needs to drop down a bit further and you'll have it out.

 

^It's a V6 double cab so don't think I'm lifted the full 2.5".

 

needs a good whack. watch the threads

you might be running an extreme angle on the cvs after this spacer. if you haven't already asked around about that, might want to. doesn't seem that great of an idea to me but i'm by no means a know it all haha

 

See picture for reference.

 

That's what I was trying to do earlier.

After heating it up and wasting energy, I realized that loosening the LCA nut all the way won't help pull the LCA away from the CV shaft.

 

I used a pry bar and then hit the uca with my mallet and it popped right out.

 

People have used a bottle jack on top of the UCA to push the LCA down, but you risk fender damage using this method.

Remembering back to when I did my lift back in 08, I think I used a crow bar like Erik mentions.

 

You could see if you can rent/buy a ball joint separator. They're fairly cheap and work well.

 

This method...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

 

if you have more time and money to spare this works too

 

.... 2 bolts to undo the Lower ball joint, mark adjustment cams, undo those 2 bolts and watch the entire thing drop out.

 

x2, this method works great. Have done it like 4 times, never use a spring compressor again.

 

Another way to move the LCA downward: If you have a scissor jack from a sedan, stick it between the LCA and the bumpstop mount on the frame. Make sure it's not pressing against the CV boot. Crank the scissor jack to move the LCA down.

 

Loosen the two bolts holding the LCA connected to the spindle and disconnect your sway bar from the frame. This should give you more than enough room to get in there.

 

I wedged a crow bar against the bumpstop and pushed the lca down. this is after loosening everything that needed to be. Driver side only, passenger side went like butter.

 

x3! So easy and quick.