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If you mean that the bolt hole on the shock is below the hole in the frame, you just need to pry up on the shock with a small crowbar to line them up. I just did shocks a couple months ago and one went very smooth, the other I had a heck of a time getting to the sweet spot with a crowbar while keeping it centered with a big screwdriver.
I just looked at your pics again. Maybe you mean that the bottom of the shock is twisted a little in relation to the frame bracket? You can turn that piece to line them up, just put a rod or screwdriver in the hole and twist it to line up. You are lucky yours came strapped. I had to fashion my own straps and compress the shocks....
The shock appears just too wide for the lower mount. Having the same problem with the steering stabilizer as well. Slides on the top mount without issue.
The shock appears just too wide for the lower mount. Having the same problem with the steering stabilizer as well. Slides on the top mount without issue.
Is the rigid/metal part of the shock wider than the mount when measured with a tape measure or ruler? If the bushing is too big, you probably need to use some force in order to get it in there as long as the metal is the right size.
Below is a snip from my video at timestamp 2:24. You can see the bushing is somewhat squeezed and a tight fit.
The shock appears just too wide for the lower mount. Having the same problem with the steering stabilizer as well. Slides on the top mount without issue.
@RigCity Remove it from the top mount, install the bottom of the shock first. You’ll KNOW whether it fits or if your eyes are playing tricks. IIRC, I installed the bottom first cut the strap as the shock began to rebound I guided it into the top mount.
You should be able to compress the shock by hand with a decent amount of force like I do at timestamp 1:40 in the video above.
At timestamp 1:48 I begin installing the front shocks exactly the same way that Colorado350 described. If the base mounting point of the shock is of an appropriate size, it will go. By using this method and the method detailed in the video, you not on take care of the lower and more difficult mount before moving to the top mount where you have much more room to move and work.
It goes pretty well after you figure out the method. Keep us updated!
Sous, did you have to mash those bushings to get it into the mount?
Mark, that was 4 years ago and from what I remember they were a "squeeze" fit, but nothing more than what I expected. I did not use lubricant spray or grease of any sort when mounting the shocks. They went in pretty easily considering I had the truck on the ground with the tires on and everything. Once torqued to spec based on the Ford Service Manual the bushings were more pronounced, but not anything that caused me concern for them.
After 4 years of heavy towing 90% of the time they are still performing great. I don't really care for the blue and yellow, but they support the truck and 5th wheel trailer very well.
I am hoping that RigCity simply has a bit of an optical illusion going on and he reports back with a "VICTORY!!!" post soon.
Rigcity is reporting in with his back went out working on the truck after posting this thread. Leading to not only his girlfriend recovering from surgery using the step ladder but my self as well to enter and exit the truck. Every day has improved during my time I’ve decided to add in lubing up the needle bearings and new severe duty motor craft pads. The ones on now are about 15 k new but are trash auto brand I had to use in a pinch. This will give me additional room for my “easy” shock job lol parts should all arrive Monday
Is the rigid/metal part of the shock wider than the mount when measured with a tape measure or ruler? If the bushing is too big, you probably need to use some force in order to get it in there as long as the metal is the right size.
Below is a snip from my video at timestamp 2:24. You can see the bushing is somewhat squeezed and a tight fit.
I don't believe so, but I have been known to make mistakes before... This was a while ago when I installed them, but based on what I remember from the time of installation the "Bilstein" was printed to be read upright as if someone was looking at the shock from the side of the truck.
Here is a snip from another section of the video where the "Bilstein" is visible and in the upright position.
Here is another image of them, which is the same kit I bought for all 4 corners. The rear has the blue cover on top, but the front has the blue cover on bottom. Again, I could be wrong, but that is what I understood about how to mount them. I will do some looking around and see if I can verify they are mounted properly or upside down.
Here is an image of the same shock on another 7.3L SD truck, which is reassuring.
Another somewhat confirmation on the method of installation I selected from www.superdutypsd.com website, which I have used for years and trust as a reputable source.
Brokestroke, I do appreciate you checking my work and my back though. I am in no way perfect and will admit it when I make a mistake. I would much rather admit the mistake and correct it than to roll on like it was right and knowing in my heart it was wrong.
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