It can be done....Like Bronco and I have said with the spring compressor, a rachet strap and pry bar it will slide right in.....well maybe not slide right in but it will work. Just send it back for the 2incher if that helps.

 

I have installed a 2.5 bds leveling kit, I had very few problems installing this. I also used a pry bar to get the bottom of the strut seated.. also completely lossened my lower a arm so i could gain more "slack". and during this entire time i never once touched my cv.

 

I ordered the 2.5 for my 2010 and the guys at AS said nothing about having any trouble getting it in place. Are the 2010 exactly the same as the 2009. I also ordered the rear kit as AS thought it may sit a little higher in the front with just the 2.5 in. I had my kit put in my Ram 150 at a muffler shop 2 years ago for $100.00, hope they will do my F150 for the same.

 

How exactly were you guys utilizing the ratchet strap? I've got CGU-1/B's (military 5K ratchet straps) that I'm sure are sturdy enough for the job, I just don't know the safest way to attach them to the struts and get them compressed.

 

I just used it to help compress the strut while pulling it inward. I wrapped it around the bottom of the strut and then tied it on the frame somewhere. I don't think it helped that much. You still really have to pry on it. I don't recommend this method.

There are other easier methods, but I am not sure of their process. I think one involves removing the tie rod. This allows the lca to drop down more. I think this is the method that the manufactures recommend.

 

I know you guys must have this, but I just got my 2.5 kit so I thought I would attach the directions just in case it helps anyone. But I can't seem to paste it here, if anyone wants it let me know how to paste it here and I will.

 

Go to Tuff Country and us this install sheet
http://www.tuffcountry.com/NewFiles/22909.pdf

 

I got mine in by using ceiling wire to hold the springs in a compressed state. When I jacked it up it stayed compressed. I used ratchet straps on the other side, but with both methods I let the trucks weight compress the springs and then tied off the struts before dropping the floor jack from under the bottom swing arm. I still had to use a pry bar and allot of cuss words to get them in.

 

I tried the AS way but ended up taking the lower control arms off and it was a piece of cake. The second one took me less than 30 minutes. I am sure glad I printed out other instructinos. The AS ones were less than stellar. Product GOOD --- Instructions BAD