I need advice on my current lift install!

Gentlemen,

I am installing a Pro Comp 3" Nitro Lift Kit (Spacer) on my truck. After installing the spacer, I am unable to use my floor jack to lift the lower control arm to reconnect the ball joint to the wheel knuckle. The coilover does not compress and I am just lifting my truck off the jack stands.

I am, however, doing this install in my driveway. There is a small slope to it. I do not know if this is effecting the leverage or not but the front of my truck is higher then the rear.

Perhaps placing a second set of jack stands under the rear of my truck to keep the rear suspension from compressing would help?

Any thoughts or ideas on how I can possible get around this issue?

(2013 DBL SB)

 

I would imagine you could go with a spring compressor to help you out. Most auto-parts stores rent them out.

 

I rented one last night from Auto Zone. The hooks are too big to fit inside the spring coils, however, I was running low on light a patience last night. Going to mess with it more when I get home from work. Thank you for the reply.

 

I had the same hook size problem with another car years ago. I had to take it back to get something smaller. Good luck & watch out! Those compressors will kill ya!

 

I went and bought a pair from NAPA at lunch. I couldn't rent the ones that look to be the correct size for the fit.

Evercraft Service Tools Coil Spring Compressor 776-9092

It doesn't give me any actual stats for what it can handle, just says that it is suitable for passage cars and light duty trucks use. The clamps look tiny compared to the other compressors I've seen. The box reads "Drop-forged steel jaws; hardened alloy steel bolts"

Hopefully that means they're good to hook. I really want this to work. I'd like to finish at least the front after work and the rear Saturday morning. How is the drive to the alignment shop after the install? A lot of people make it seem pretty serious, so I am curious as to what I should expect.

 

I would say it's definitely leverage issue. Your suspension should compress against the weight of the truck.

 

Even if it is only a slight slope in the drive way? And do you think jack stands under the rear frame would help?

 

I just don't want to have to under all the work I've already done and drive the now unaligned truck to a more suitable location.

 

Might be a dumb question but can you loosen your lca any more or did you loosen it to begin with? If so I won't really matter on your alignment as you're going to have to get it aligned anyways.

 

Yes, I've already loosened them. I just don't know what happens when you drive a non-aligned vehicle. I loosened the nuts facing toward the front of the vehicle which gave me more down travel room.. if I loosened the actual bolt facing the rear would it give me more up travel?

 

driveway slope has nothing to do with it.

How did you assemble the coilover-with-spacer? Did you have a shop do it? Or use a spring compressor? Or are you trying to use the 'assemble in place' technique? Or is it a top-plate spacer, and you didn't disassemble the spring-shock coilover assembly at all?

 

Is this it?

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...t.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=358&t_pt=9333&t_pn=EXP65205K

If so it's a top plate spacer and I assume you didn't disassemble the coilover at all, right? You're just trying to fit it back together?

Stupid question - have you disconnected the front sway bar?

 

It is a top style spacer so I did not disassemble the coilover. Just removed, added the spacer and put it back in. No I have not touched the sway bar. I followed the instructions and they did not mention the sway bar. It does appear to be touching the spring though. This was at night and my vision was limited.

 

Should I try removing the sway bar or should the spring compressors do the trick?

 

Disconnect the sway bar and reattempt the installation.

It's function is to make sure that the driver and passenger springs are compressed together (so as to prevent body roll) So as you jack up the driver side LCA you compress not only the driver but also the passenger side springs.

 

also you only need to disconnect the sway bar link ends and swing it out of the way - you don't need to completely remove the thing.

 

actually, you only need to disconnect one end.

 

Remove the 17mm nut holding it onto the spindle, and lightly tap/pull the link end out of the spindle.

 

you may need to use a spacer between the jack and lower control arm to get enough height to compress the coil so you can bolt everything back up. For Example... put a piece of 4x4 or similar ontop of the jack then when you start to jack it up the rear on the truck will flex but the added block of wood will now allow for a few more pumps of the jack to get the coil compressed enough.

as for alignment... did you mark the LCA washers so you can get the alignment close. If the alignment is close then youll be ok to drive for a couple days if needed, just not too long. Adding a 3" lift will require alignment but it doesnt have to be immediately after, like said before get it done as soon as you can, but if that means you need to drive it for a day or 2 then youll be ok.

 

I had same problem when i did mine. I just detached the sway bar at both ends and swung it down a little bit. Problem solved.