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Bilstein 6112 Assembly HELP!

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by djcressman, Feb 22, 2017.

  1. Feb 22, 2017 at 2:41 PM
    #1
    djcressman

    djcressman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Don
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    Toy rack over bed. Bilstein 6112/5160.
    Please don't behead me if this has been addressed already.

    Purchased the 6112/5160 combo and everything's here! Went to Autozone, rented a spring compressor. Compressed my springs, put the shock body in.... and the spring compressor clamps prevented the shock body to go all the way through the spring (sorry, no pics). Basically, there was not enough room for the shock body to fit through the compressor clamps on the inside of the coil.

    Any suggestions, besides taking it to a shop? Any links on assembling 5100s or 6112s? It almost appears that there would be enough room for a 5100 shock to fit through.
     
  2. Feb 23, 2017 at 9:19 AM
    #2
    REDdawn6

    REDdawn6 Well-Known Member

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    Use your truck as a spring compressor
     
  3. Feb 23, 2017 at 9:35 AM
    #3
    djcressman

    djcressman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I think I'm gunna have to do it that way...
     
  4. Feb 23, 2017 at 9:37 AM
    #4
    pngo121

    pngo121 Well-Known Member

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    probably the easier and safer way to do it this way. there should be videos on youtube and on here somewhere.
     
  5. Feb 23, 2017 at 9:39 AM
    #5
    4x4Addict

    4x4Addict Well-Known Member

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    I had didn't even attempt to replace mine with a spring compressor. I took off all of the connections and links and all of that good stuff first. The first one took forever because I had never done it before, but the second one took an hour max. The hardest part is dropping the control arm back down and holding it long enough to put the castle nut back on.

    Good luck!
     
  6. Feb 23, 2017 at 9:40 AM
    #6
    4x4Addict

    4x4Addict Well-Known Member

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    Also, if you have a parts store that lends out tools, you can see if they have a larger bored compressor.
     
  7. Mar 12, 2017 at 3:22 PM
    #7
    djcressman

    djcressman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Toy rack over bed. Bilstein 6112/5160.
    NEED SERIOUS HELP!

    It's install day and things are not lining up/working the way I need it to... not to mention, I'm running out of time.

    I'm using the floor jack method (no spring compressor). My LCA is not dropping enough and I can't figure out why. My LCA bolts are loose. I decided to abandon the front, but now I can't get everything back together. The 2 bolts that connect the LCA ball joint are not lining up. When I jack the LCA back up, there is about a 5/8" gap between the ball joint and the connection to the axle.

    Does anybody have any suggestions!?
     
  8. Mar 12, 2017 at 3:36 PM
    #8
    BenTheMan

    BenTheMan Well-Known Member

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    If the gap is that small, and you can get the holes lined up, try threading the two bolts on and tightening them to suck the two pieces together. I literally just got done pulling my shocks and ran into a similar problem. It will go back together, swearing helps...


    IMG_1731.jpg
     
  9. Mar 12, 2017 at 3:40 PM
    #9
    BenTheMan

    BenTheMan Well-Known Member

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    You might have to use a pry bar to force the LCA down even after loosening the bolts. Removing the sway bar helps give you more room to work but adds extra steps...
     
  10. Mar 12, 2017 at 5:34 PM
    #10
    djcressman

    djcressman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ended up getting the LCA ball joint bolts attached. After the post it went right up with no issues...

    Still wasn't able to the LCA to drop. Gunna have a shop do the front unfortunately.
     
  11. Mar 12, 2017 at 5:50 PM
    #11
    GDT

    GDT Well-Known Member

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    Your alignment cam bolts may be seized together and/or seized to the inside of the lca bushings. It turns out it's a common problem- search for more info. I just ran into this problem when installing new struts and I had to cut the old LCAs out with an angle grinder and sawzall, and install brand new moog LCAs and oem cam hardware, this time with generous anti seize.
     
  12. Mar 13, 2017 at 5:37 PM
    #12
    djcressman

    djcressman [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Toy rack over bed. Bilstein 6112/5160.
    I ended up getting everything back together and the rear suspension installed yesterday, just not the front.

    The way I understand a seized component is it has no ability to move (hence seized). Both LCA eccentric cam bolts were free to move. The LCA was unable to move far enough down to remove the the shock and strut. Is it the bushing that is preventing the down motion of the LCA? I don't understand what exactly could be seized if that's the case... any help?

    If I can figure out the reason for the restricted motion in the LCA, I can then determine if I need to bring it in or complete the project myself. Unfortunately, I am borrowing a friend's garage, an hour away, with borrowed tools.
     
  13. Mar 15, 2017 at 8:52 AM
    #13
    2nd screen name

    2nd screen name Tacodelaplaya

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    Front: Maxtrac, DK heim UCA, 6112 Rear: AP expos, Fox 2.5 RR DSC Fn fivestar with General reds
    Its stuck not seized. Mine wounldnt drop until i got real pissed and used a pry bar when it dropped the eccentric bolt shifted. You can get the lca completely loose on your own dont take it in! Dont you want to say you installed it yourself?
     
    REDdawn6 likes this.

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