suspension wont go back after installing lift

I installed a pair of bilstein 5100 on my 05 with the ring set at factory lift then installed a pro comp level lift kit and i seperated the top joint so spindle would come down now shock is in place and i cant get the spindle to come up to bolt them together again anybody have a idea why? i checked part numbers and all seem to be right but its like something is very wrong? thanks jim

 

You installed 5100's at the 0 setting, then threw a top plate on top of them?!?! Why not just kick the 5100's up to get your lift that way?

As far as the problem you're having, try loosening the upper control arm bolt a bit, it's probably the bushings keeping everything in place so if you release the tension, it should let you move the UCA a little more freely. FYI, you don't have to break the spindle free to install shocks.

If you could post a picture up of what you're doing, that would help determine if there really is something wrong.

 

Let me see if I got this. You basically combined lifts?

 

OP:

1. Take your Bilsteins out.
2. Reassemble your spindle.
3. Remove the outer tie rod ends from the knuckle on each side.
4. Disconnect the sway bar from each knuckle.
5. Install Bilsteins (personally, I wouldn't stack lifts, but it's your truck)
6. Reverse step 4.
7. Reverse step 3. (I suggest you use new cotter pins).


Enjoy!


You might have trouble getting the lower eye of the Bilsteins into the cradle in the lower control arm. Take your factory bottle jack, put it in the wheel well, upside down (base facing up) and use it to *EASILY* push down on the upper control arm. This will push down the lower control arm and give you enough room to get the lower bolt of the strut installed. Go EASY on this. Too much force and you could shear off alignment tabs.

 

I agree with everything minus sheering off the alignment cams your wheel well would fold up before then but still be careful

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/291120-shocks-ready-install-not-sure-if-i-am.html

Good info and easiest install method.

 

Hrm. You're right, they probably wouldn't shear. I would still be careful, since they could bend (others here have had that problem).