I need help here, guys. Today, I went to install a level kit on my 2011 F150 Screw with 1100 miles...no problem, I've done this before on my '97 Ram and '06 Tundra. Well, things didn't go as well as I'd expected and ended up not installing it and putting the truck back together stock.

When I was done, my truck rattles like heck over bumps like the struts aren't tight at all.

What I did was remove the lower strut bolt, the upper sway bar nut, the lower A frame fwd bolt (per autospring instructions), the upper ball joint and the upper 3 strut nuts. After a very frustrating afternoon, I thought, screw it I'll pay to have it done and put it all back together just as I'd taken it apart. Well now, it rattles like heck over even the smallest bumps and it's driving my crazy. I've heard the lower strut bolt requires an incredible torque. It did require a cheater bar to break torque and I used the cheater bar to retorque it.

Any ideas what the cause may be? I've double and triple checked things and can't find anything loose. I have a friend with a compressor and impact, so I may hit the lower strut bolt with that.

Just for background, I do know my way around tools...grew up on a farm, am an A&P mechanic and have wrenched on aircraft for 25 years...I'm at a loss here and would like input from some experts here...

Thanks,

Nunya

 

What were the problems you ran into when installing it? I did one on a buddy's 07 tacoma which is basically the same type of suspension setup as yours and everything went smooth. As for your rattle, from what I've heard it's usually improper torque on the lower strut bolt that causes that.

 

The lower strut bolt is a bitch if you don't get it right. I had an issue when I first changed the struts on my truck. I had a creaking/popping sound when turning the wheel or going over a bump.

On the 2009+, it calls for 400 ft-lbs. of torque. Also, it's critical that the suspension is sitting at ride height when tightening the bolt so the bushings aren't tearing themselves apart.

Here's some helpful hints:

First, install the lower strut bolts with the nuts facing the front of the truck. Apply some grease to the face of the nut.

Leave the lower strut bolts very loose, put the wheels on, and set the truck on the ground. Then roll the truck in and out of my driveway a few times to make sure it's completely settled.

Crawl under the truck and tighten the nut with an impact. I use a 1/2" drive electric impact that's rated at about 350 ft-lbs, and I pound the sh*t out of the nut with it.

Since the nut is facing forward, you'll have easy access to it with the truck on the ground. And having the grease on the face of the nut allows it to tighten even more. Don't worry about snapping the bolt. You'll break a socket before that would happen.

And of course, double-check that you tightened any other bolts and nuts that you removed.

 

400 ft/lbs!! Wow, that's tight!

 

I found the problem...I'm a dum bass....The lower RH sway bar nut was loose...word of advice, if you have double checked everything and still have a problem, triple check everything.

Nunya