tricks to install front bilsteins

[johnnt 7's]

i will be putting the new bilsteins hd strut on tomorrow. the originals fell out.will the new bilsteins be harder to get the bottom bolts in. and start with the three bolts and nuts on top is that right. and if the bottom hole does'nt line up after the three on top are in place can the bottom of the strut be turned . thanks john

[adamjt]

You will need a good spring compressor. I had trouble getting the typical two screw rental spring compressors on the TRD springs. It wouldn't fit between the outer coils and on the inner coils it didn't pull the spring far enough together. My neighbor luckily had a heavy duty one piece spring compressor that worked.
Once I got the top three bolts in I had to use a pry bar to force the bottom end of the shock to end up in the right place to get the bolt through. It was a pain in the butt, but the second one will be easier once you get it down.

[kerykj]

Here's my tip - I took the shock/spring assembly and front rotors to my mechanic. He swapped the shocks, turned the rotors and asked for $20. I gave him $50 (this was last Christmas).

[caramel]

Originally Posted by kerykj

Here's my tip - I took the shock/spring assembly and front rotors to my mechanic. He swapped the shocks, turned the rotors and asked for $20. I gave him $50 (this was last Christmas).

Wow, you give very generous tips, kerykj!

I'm looking forward to taking my spring assembly to the shop too this weekend. Anyone have an idea how it will cost?

[johnnt 7's]

thanks to everyone that helped me. I did'nt want to wait to monday because of the holiday so i went to auto zone yesterday and rented the spring compressor. its was real easy.I really like working on my own truck.just like the old days.well all four bilsteins are in and the tires all have nitrogen.with my other addition of a new exhaust cat back,i had a great afternoon bring back the sp. compressor.what a great ride.like a new truck have a great Christmas again john

[Tundradrenalin]

Originally Posted by caramel

Wow, you give very generous tips, kerykj!

I'm looking forward to taking my spring assembly to the shop too this weekend. Anyone have an idea how it will cost?

I'd bet you pay half hour ($45) to one hour's ($90) worth of labor, those are the rates in my area. If they charge much more than that, they might as well install the darn things.

[Tundradrenalin]

Originally Posted by johnnt 7's

thanks to everyone that helped me. I did'nt want to wait to monday because of the holiday so i went to auto zone yesterday and rented the spring compressor. its was real easy.I really like working on my own truck.just like the old days.well all four bilsteins are in and the tires all have nitrogen.with my other addition of a new exhaust cat back,i had a great afternoon bring back the sp. compressor.what a great ride.like a new truck have a great Christmas again john

Congrats John, I know your feeling.
Nitrogen in your shocks and your tires, sounds like a good combo!