3 in lift struts won't go in.

I've pushed with all my might and even put a pry bar to the lower control arm. Can't seem to line up the hole

 

Is the lower ball joint disconnected and the control arm bolts loose?

 

Lower ball joint is connected, I do not have a press to put it back in. Control arm is loose.

 

you shouldn’t have to press in lower ball joint. It should bolt on. Unbolt it from the steering knuckle.

 

It’s been awhile since I was under a 1st Gen
I was pretty sure you could do this

 

I see, I will try.

 

you are putting in diff drop too right?

 

Check to see if the lower spring perch should be faced up or down.....

 

unbolt the control arm put the lower mount in first, ez peezy

 

yup. Then jack up the control arm and guide the top hat bolts in.

 

Did you take the nuts off the bolts on the top of the coilover? Mine came with new nuts and I forgot to take them off before trying to install

 

it looks like the top is already in

 

Could be with the nuts on there though, I got mine all the way in before moving to the other side and realizing

 

you get it?

 

You shouldn't need to undo anything on the lower control arm to get them in. I used a long 3ft pry bar to get leverage pushing down the LCA enough to slide the lower bolt in. Having a second set of hands really helps.

 

It looks like the lower spring support on the shock may be flipped? That would sit the coil too high

 

yup I think that’s it! It doesn’t look right.

 

I think the part I circled is upside down. I know I don’t have the same shocks but it should look similar to the picture of my shock that I posted.

 

spring perch would cause ride height to be different but the shock full rebound length will be the same.
is the other side tire on the ground? if so you are fighting the swaybar.
if not, you are fighting the control arm bushings. loosen the LCA pivot bolts first. tighten them at ride height