Me + front shackles = FAIL
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: northeast PA
Me + front shackles = FAIL
I made every attempt possible to get the truck properly lifted to swap out the front spring shackles but no dice. I'm convinced that it can't be done with regular tools on the driveway. Un-F-ing believable, now i have to pay someone to do this for me? Crap...
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: northeast PA
I could not get the truck lifted high enough to lift the tires off the ground. Even if i did, i would have no way to get jack stands under it. Anyone wanna buy a 1" leveling kit?
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,593
Likes: 1,236
From: N. IL
Might work better to remove the tire (one side at a time), disconnect the anti-sway bar & shock up front (maybe even the front brake caliper too), let the axle droop far enough to get your shackle kit in there.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: northeast PA
Thats the thing, i couldn't get it jacked up enough to remove the tire and go any further. I had the sway bay disconnected and the shackle bolts broken free. All that was left for me to do was to properly lift the truck and swap out the shackles.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 120
What jack are you using to lift? Are you using the bottle jack that came with the X?
It may be time for a floor jack and make sure its at least a 3ton as my 1.5 ton doesn't lift my front end.
Tim M
It may be time for a floor jack and make sure its at least a 3ton as my 1.5 ton doesn't lift my front end.
Tim M
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: northeast PA
I was using a 3.5 ton floor jack with two 4x4 wood blocks stacked on the jack plate. It may have worked eventually but the jackstands i have are nowhere near tall enough for the job.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 120
When I removed my 10in lift from my X I had to stack some blocks to go underneath the jack stands.
You can see the blocks with a 4 x12 x 8 header so that I could get the jack stand under it once I got it off the ground.
Tim M
You can see the blocks with a 4 x12 x 8 header so that I could get the jack stand under it once I got it off the ground.
Tim M
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
I bit the bullet and bought 12 ton jackstands just so I could work under the Zombie Crusher. Thankfully, almost everything I need to do is either nojacking with just a creeper or just jacking one wheel.
To remove my axles, I jack up the entire vehicle. I use 2X10 under each stand and start at the front. Then jack at the center of axle, set the jacks on the lowest point and lay it on them. Then I go to the back and repeat. Then back to the front and raise it 2 inches. Then back to the rear and repeat.
Eventually I get it jacked up to full extent. A couple of inches at a time front to rear and back. It is a workout!
To remove my axles, I jack up the entire vehicle. I use 2X10 under each stand and start at the front. Then jack at the center of axle, set the jacks on the lowest point and lay it on them. Then I go to the back and repeat. Then back to the front and raise it 2 inches. Then back to the rear and repeat.
Eventually I get it jacked up to full extent. A couple of inches at a time front to rear and back. It is a workout!
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 149
From: SE Georgia
I remember when I lifted my Bronco, I had to build jack platforms. I took 2x4 and cut it to 1 foot lengths. layed 3 next to each other, layer of plywood ontop, another layer of 3 2x4, another layer of plywood.
ended up being a little over 1 foot tall when I was done layering the wood. Probably overkill, but I was worried about the jackstands and jacks crushing through the wood.
was a nice cheap and effective method. I think I had about $30 all told when the 4 stands were done. came in useful several times of the next 2-3 yrs
ended up being a little over 1 foot tall when I was done layering the wood. Probably overkill, but I was worried about the jackstands and jacks crushing through the wood.
was a nice cheap and effective method. I think I had about $30 all told when the 4 stands were done. came in useful several times of the next 2-3 yrs
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
6in coil conversion in the driveway, 1" shackle lift should fall together comparatively speaking.
don't give up, it can be done.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
I took the rear wheels off my Lifted Dodge 1500 on 36's to gain a few more inches from my jack. I lowered the frame on to stands, which lowered the overall truck several inches. Then i was able to work with front.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: northeast PA
Thanks for all your advice but i already returned the jack to my buddy and i'm just going to wait and do it at a shop with a lift. I'm just not totally comfortable with crawling under there with jack stands propped up with wood.