Installation issues - new coil overs

I’m trying to install new eibach coil overs that came with my bilstein shocks by using the weight of the truck and a hydraulic jack like I’ve seen in so many vids. The problem I’m having is when I get the new coil over the shock and start to jack it up, it won’t stay straight enough for the top pin to go through the slot at the top when I start jacking up from the lower control arm. Has anyone else ran into this issue or have a suggestion how to handle?

 

Have someone hold the shaft while you jack it. The shock should only move inwards or outwards if you have it bolted to the lower control arm already.

 

Can he harder than in sounds

 

I tried this method and failed as well. If you have a straw or something that can go over the threaded portion and up through the top hat, it might help.

 

Yea that looks sketch. I would bring the entire coilover to a shop that has a spring compressor. They can compress the spring, bolt on shock and you will be good to go.

 

Dude that looks equally innovative frustrating and dangerous.

 

It's only dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. It's a fairly safe way to install coils and shocks without using an actual coil compressor, which I think is pretty dangerous in its own right.

 

Take them to a shop pay an hours labor for them to compress and install the top hat. You would have already been done.

 

I've been there plenty of times before. I always use a open end wrench to guide the upper shock stud in place. Raise the LCA arm until the shock just barely touches the upper strut mount. Then raise it about a little more but not too much - like 1/8". Using a open end wrench through the coil spring, press against the shock stud to line it up with the hole. Since the shock is under pressure, it should extend that 1/8" once you get it line up with the hole. Sometimes there isn't enough shock pressure and you can use the open end wrench to lift the stud into the hole. Once it has started going into the hole, finish lifting up the LCA with the jack until you can get the top bushing, washer and nut on.

Safety disclosure. Always be safe when working around compressed springs whether it is your Tacoma or garage door tension spring. They can do serious bodily damage. If you are not comfortable working with them then I would advise having someone who has a professional wall or stand mounted coil spring compressor assemble them for you.

 

Also, when you are jacking from the lower control arm, make sure you don't lift your truck off the jack. This can happen when you install heavier rated springs and the weight of the truck isn't heavy enough to compress the new springs.

 

Good point. Most likely it will try to lift off the jack stand.

 

I've done this with pushing the shock with a piece a wood while jacking by myselft. Same spring even. Couple of tries and you've got it!

 

I did my springs that way once never again will I do it that way. I baught the spc Spring compressor makes my life so much easier for coils.

 

I'm all for saving a buck, but at some point the reward just isn't worth it. I hope it went well. I'm at an age now when a smooth install is preferred over the struggle.

 

The only way I've seen it done is with it already together. Amazon sells spring compressors.