Front shock replacement method

I have seen it mentioned and debated in a few threads, the pro’s and con’s of using a Jack to lower the shock and spring. See below:

https://youtu.be/jr0v63Q7CQs


Thought I’d share my experience on following this method to install 5100’s.


It was awesome! I saw and felt zero issues that were even remotely sketch. I see now way that this even could be.

I pushed the bottom bolt through before jacking the control arm up a few pumps. Guided the top into the hole, caught a few threads with the top nut, and finished it off.

the second side took me all of 30 minutes to do.


Out for alignment now. Went with the .8” setting just to level things.

 

I had seriously considered doing that myself, with my new 4600s. Finally chickened out only because I had no backup vehicle at the time in case something went awry. Also have reached an age where I'd rather pay someone to do anything even slightly sketchy. Still do basic maintenance & upkeep though. Glad that method worked well for you!

 

I was very very close to the same decision. After watching some video and sitting there looking at the truck….I couldn’t figure out anything even remotely “sketchy”

After doing it…I am convinced there is nothing sketchy at all.

 

A second hand story I heard from this method.

The jack slipped when he was winding the nut on and it caught his hand in the bushing.

I've done this method once professionally and it didn't really save any time, I have access to compressors.

User error can cause injury in both methods so really it doesn't matter. I've been hit by springs before due to error on the fancy machines.

 

Unlike in the video, loosen, don't remove the nut on the top of the shock then lower the jack. The top shock mount/bolt is long enough to keep the shock in place which intern will keep the spring from escaping while relieving the spring pressure. I too was unsure about this method but having used it 3-4 times now am very comfortable with it. I can see issues when installing a stronger spring where the weight of the truck is not enough to compress a heaver spring.

 

A while back I got a recommendation from this forum for a spring compressor another member had luck with. I bought one since I knew I was going to have to remove some springs down the road and that if it even worked once it was worth the $$. This, specifically, was for an extra set of coilovers I had, so doing it on the truck wasn't an option (nor preferred IMO anyway).

I bought a cheap version from Amazon but there are name brand ones available too.

Prokomon Heavy Duty Coil Spring Compressor Tool; 3 Pieces Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Tool with Jaws and Holder; Max Load 2645 Pounds

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PQLRP8W?ie=UTF8



I used this on some 650lb TRD Baja springs and it worked quite well. I was able to disassemble and re-assemble two sets of coilovers without issue. IMO, well worth the $45. If I had more regular use plans I'd probably fork over more for a nicer version though.