5100 Install Help

Can't seem to get the strut mount studs lined up inside the strut tower on my Bilstein 5100 install. Looking at Toyota shock diagrams and reading the "Bilstein 5100 Install Thread" leads me to believe that I'm missing an "alignment spacer" as someone put it in that thread, but I'm not really sure. My strut mount/top plate is a bit crooked, although I've tried putting it in every way possible, low side first high side first etc and I just cant get these damn studs to line up with the holes they go into, even with a bottle jack on the UCA. Could it have to do with the fact that I'm using a duralast strut mount? Or could it have to do with the fact that I'm lacking the 'alignment spacer' piece? I really don't want to have to disassemble my stock shocks because they're absolutely rusted out and it would be a pain, but if that's what I need to do to get that piece to reuse, then so be it.

At this point the only way that it looks like I will be able to install the 5100s is if I compress the spring first, and there isn't much room at all to fit the spring in there with the compressor still on it. Any suggestions would be great, thanks TW!

 

I know some people suggest disconnecting the sway bar end link... mine is absolutely rusted over and would be a pain to get off, but if it gets the job done then maybe it's worth the hassle?

 

Put the wheel on and set the truck down on the ground. The weight of the truck will push the studs through.

 

I'm trying to get the top plate in first without the bottom bolt on, should I be trying to get the bottom bolt on first? Seems like this would be even more difficult.

 

Did you loosen the LCA or are you just trying to jam it in there as is?

 

When you say loosen the LCA, what part would you loosen? I just took the shock out and I'm trying to put the new one in, as every 1st gen Bilstein 5100 install seems to suggest doing. Most seem to suggest that disconnecting ball joint/knuckle isn't necessary on a 1st gen, but perhaps this is wrong?

 

I have installed them two times. The first time I used a spring compressor and installed the whole unit. The second time I did it without a spring compressor and used a floor jack under the lower control arm to compress the spring with the bottom of the shock bolted in. It was a whole lot easier doing it this way.

 

My shocks are already built at this time. I'm assuming you still disconnected the steering linkage/sway bar though? If any 1st gen people can chime in that'd be super helpful, because it seems like I'm trying to do it the same way most 1st gens have installed them but with no luck.

 

Yes, however mine is a second gen.

 

Where are you located?

I've done this install without ever touching the sway bar, end links, or even the LCA.

 

Nope, that is correct - insert the coilover up into place and secure.

Can you snap a picture of the entire coilover assembly As well as the entire area? Like this but back up and take a pic of the entire area so the UCA and LCA are in view.





NOTE: IF you do loosen the LCA, you will seriously fubar your alignment (should be doing an alignment anyway) but just keep that in mind. You would loosen the LCA at the alignment cams. LAST RESORT.

 

As others have said already, install the bottom bolt and use a floor jack and the LCA to help push the bolts through the top. That's what I did when I installed mine.

 

Massachusetts unfortunately.

Yep sure! Heres the best shots I could get, couldn't really hold the coilover in there and get a good pic heh

 

Get the studs secured - at least 1 that way they are in the correct position. Then work on getting that LCA into place. Keep an eye on the frame/jackstand as you bring the LCA up. Don't want to lift off the jackstand.

 

I'm not quite understanding? Are you saying the 3 top studs aren't lining up with the 3 holes?

You need to get the top in first making sure the lower shock mount is lined up. Step on the lower control arm and have someone guide the top in.

 

My problem is I cant get the LCA *low* enough... and I'm not sure how I'm gonna find clearance to get the bottom bolt in when there's such a big gap up top. It's so close that it almost makes me question these duralast strut mounts I'm using.

 

The top 3 studs line up (see above pic) but the angle is too much to get them to go in. Your suggestion might be the ticket, gonna find a friend to help and see if I can force it in there!

 

I had to do that on one install. Have a buddy stand with all his weight on the lower arm.

Another time I had to loosen up the 2 bolts on the lower ball joint? From underneath. That will give you more clearance. It's a bit of a pain to get the bolts to go back in but it will work, trust me.

 

Disconnect the lower ball joint from the spindle

 

Put your foot on it and push it down.