I am trying to install an Autospring 2 inch leveling kit. I had no problems until I tried to reinstall the strut with the spacer attached. There is no way that I could get it to fit in. I slid the strut in and loosely attached the upper nuts but there was no way that I could get the bottom of the strut into the pocket. I had the correct spacer on (drivers side) and everything looked good except it would not fit! Any suggestions or tips?

I forgot to add: 2009 F150 4x4

 

Both sides jacked up at once? I recall having trouble with doing one side at a time.

 

^^ I did mine one side at a time.
I used these 2 threads to install mine:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...ll-photos.html
https://www.f150online.com/forums/su...t-install.html
I had a jack stand under the frame and let the lower control arm all the way down as far as could go with a jack. Make sure you take the brake line bracket off the frame so it will have enough slack to not break. I actually had to have my brother push up on the upper control arm while I got the strut in place, at first I didn't think it would go either but it just took some patience. I also used a pry bar to push the bottom where it had to be.

 

I was trying one side at a time. It seems that the steering linkage was keeping the LCA from dropping any further. The brake lines still had a fair amount of slack in them.

Did either of you remove the steering linkage? I placed a bottle jack on the LCA and pushed down and it still would not go down far enough.

When I put everything back to stock, the strut fit in just fine but there was no way it would fit with the spacer...

 

I too used a pry bar to get the lower portion of the strut back in place. I didn't tighten the top nuts all the way either to allow play.

-Curtis-

 

^^ I forgot about that. I slid the whole strut in place and only started the top nuts. By just starting the nuts, it allows more movement to help get the bottom in but holds the top in place at all times. Also try turning the steering wheel all the way to one side or the other, not sure if I had to do that or not but I would think it should help a little bit.

 

take your sway bar end links off the lower control arm should drop about an inch

 

OK...So it appears that the issue is with the LCA strut pocket on the 09-10 models. Apparently this is different and more problematic than the 04-08 models. Anyone with an '09 or '10 been able to install one without resorting to a strut compressor to fit it in?

 

You can't take a pry bar to flex the LCA down more?

 

I spent another 5 hours trying to get it fit, but no go. I loosened the LCA attachment bolt to remove the pre-load and that helped, but I still can't get it in. Short of grinding the strut pocket on the LCA, there is no way that this 2 inch kit is going to work. I tried everything that Autospring suggested, but the LCA will not go low enough no matter how much prying.

 

Well I guess that's a sign for you.

 

Yep! I have no doubt that the 1.5 inch would fit. But I am now reconsidering my options. That Rancho 4"' looks good doesn't it!

 

So have you tried this with the bottle jack?: I don't know what else to tell you man. They make a 2.5" kit for the 09s and 10s and people get that in so a 2" kit is going to be easier than that. Wish I could help you out more. Can you post a pic of how close you are to having it in with the strut assembly in place? Maybe then we can see what you can pry, lift, etc. to gain the 1/2" or whatever you need.

 

The only thing I can suggest is removing the TRE(Tie Rod End) and the caliper that way there is nothing limiting the down travel of the LCA. I don't understand why you're having such trouble though.

-Curtis-

 

the new control arms are a bitch, take the tie rod end off, and upper knuckle bolt for max droop