Front strut?

Ok I was putting my spacer lift in today. I know its not a good lift but it's what I have now. Everything came out pretty easy. Except putting it back in. I could not get the lower shock bolt back in. I tried to take lower ball joint loose but could not get it to separate. I did unhook the sway bar. I didn't want to mess the boot up. Now could I rent a spring compressor and compress the spring about a 1/2 inch? While it is in the truck? That is all I need to get it back in. I was so close.

 

Yea that'll work, or jam your bottle jack between the top of the wheel well and rest it next to the UBJ bolt and jack down on it a little.

 

Wedge a prybar or breaker bar to move the control arm in the direction that you need it to move. It's not too difficult to do, having an extra set of hands will help.

 

I tried the pry bar and it got with in a 1/2 inch of working. I don'thave a bottle jack I will have to borrow one and try again. I might go on and get a spring compressor also.

 

Personally I'd stay away from a spring compressor, then again I ditch the oem struts for coilovers so it's easy for me to say. Good luck w/that. I'm sure the prybar will work if you have a 2nd pair of hands.

 

My stock bottle jack worked for me. You don't carry a jack?

 

tan4x4 the stock jack never crossed me mind. Yes it is in the truck. I don't think it has ever been taken out.