I'm only mising the 30mm socket from the listed tools. Harbour Freight trip.

 

Yeah, that's a great way to open up the LCA to let the strut drop in. If I ever do this again, I will get a bottle jack. That would have made it so easy.

 

Good info... got my hb 2" kit but wait till I get a second set of hands!

 

Ya exactly! I guess when all else fails read the directions. AS was aware of the problem with the 09/10 since ford changed from the aluminum. At first we were trying to compress the springs with tow straps> bottle jack worked like a charm.

 

hey guys i know this is a little off subject but harbor freight and ford have been sending out coupons for discounts up to 75% on their tools. very good prices! this isnt cheap tools either...we are talking air compressors, cherry pickers, etc...

 

I know this thread is a bit old, but has anyone else installed an HBS on an 09+ using a bottle jack? I'm not even sure where a bottle jack would go or even fit to assist in getting the lower part of the strut back onto the LCA.

According to both the printed instructions that came with my 2" aluminum kit and the somewhat older instructions available on their website, which does not mention the 2" kit, neither mention anything about using a bottle jack; they only refer to using a floor jack under the LCA in order to raise the knuckle to engage and hold the upper ball joint in place to install the nut.

There is a photo in the printed instruction sheet that shows a pry bar being used between the LCA and the bottom of the strut end to get it back in.

Once I get my 3" rear block kit, I will start with the front and report back my experience...

 

I've done 2 so far for friends, getting ready to do my own next weekend. I used a port-a-power instead of the bottle jack, but same result. But not everybody has access to a port-a-power. I can see where it would be a bear without something to open it up more without some kind of a hydraulic tool.

 

@Pip: I'm curious what leverage points you used to place the Port-a-Power?

Although I've already installed my 2" spacer, I think I need a little more lift, either with a 2.5" or in conjunction with Bilstein 5100's. I just can't see how a thicker spacer could fit with the tools I used (pry bars only) for my 2" HBS.

 

Question for you guys. Does the 2" actually level the truck? And/or does the 2.5" make the front sit a bit higher. I just got a 2010 and it needs the leveling kit. Thanks for the help.

 

On an 09+ Plat SCrew 4x4, a front-only 2" just about levels it; some say 1.5" would do it.

Can't speak for the previous gen's 2004-08...

 

My wheels and tires came today, if my leveling kit comes in Friday, I'm planning on installing it Saturday or Sunday. I'll try to remember to get a couple of pictures to show the install using the port-a-power. A couple pictures will be easier then me trying to explain it.

 

That would help, thanks!

Finally settled on which rims I want and placed the order today through my local Discount Tire. They are located somewhere in Alabama and will take about a week or so to be delivered.

20x9 with +25mm offset should fit right in with no trimming in combo with the 2" lift.

 

Im sure the fuss is about the 4x4 because the 2.5" lift on my FX2 was a breeeze, by myself!!!

 

Pics, or it didn't happen

 

Will get a pic up soon! Now I want a 1" block out back! I moght go to the dealer and get the oem 1 1/4" FX4 blocks?