Couldnt install coil spacers- Ball joint

[tygershark]

Tried my coil spacer install .. the 2 inch kit ..

Got it in with the spring but I couldnt get the balljoint back into the spindle. I had about a half an inch in and It would not move any further. Any Ideas?

Had one person on a pry bar while I was hitting the top of the balljoint to get it in. Ugh. I tried connecting the sway bar to get it closer but it didnt help. I am out of ideas.

 

[caveman_joey]

maybe a dumb question, but was you using a coil spring compressor? If not that will make a big difference.

 

[subydrift]

I have a couple questions as well.

First, did you have the jack under the lower control arm pushing it up?

And were you having trouble with the upper control arm not pivoting down enough? If this was your problem then loosen up the upper control arm bolts and it will swing freely and should swing down enough so that it just falls into the spindle. That happened to me on one side when I put my new springs in.

 

[tygershark]

Yes .. coil compressor on the coil as far as I could get it compressed.

And yes I had the jack pushing on the LAC until the truck started to raise.

And yes that was my problem, Ill have to try loosening the UCA bolts. I didnt think that would help at all.

 

[subydrift]

I didn't either but the bushings in them don't pivot very easily and after a while will stick so it preloads down on the suspension. Hopefully that will help!

 

[tygershark]

That actually makes sense. Ill have to try it. Thanks

 

[RangerSVT]

Loosen the LCA bolts, install the balljoint nuts, lower the truck on the ground where its on its own weight, then tighten the SCA bolts...
SVT

 

[bcost882]

mmmm watch out for the UCA hittin the frame with the spacer cause that is right at the limit for lift with stock uppers. otherwise sounds fun.

 

[subydrift]

Ya I've got 2" springs on my truck and the upper ball joints are pretty close to the spring perches but it hasn't become a problem yet. I'm gonna eventually get some BTF upper control arms with 8" limit straps and Doestch Tech Baja Ryder shocks. Should be a good setup for a DD/desert play truck. I jumped my truck a little (like a foot) the other weekend and could hear the suspension top out pretty hard on take-off so the limit straps are probably going to be first. But you shouldn't have any problems unless your driving it really hard off-road or something.

You can adjust the upper control arm bolts all the way to the outsides of the slots and that will help that space a little and help your camber some too.

 

[subydrift]

Oh ya, and when you get it all together keep the control arm bolts slighly loose (but not so much as they move in the slots) and loet the truck down and roll it back and forth before tightening the bolts back up. This will keep them in the neutral area of the bushings and let them level with each other.

I kept mine tight the first time around and the pass. side was tightened at droop and the driver side at ride height so my pass. side sat about 1.5" higher than the driver side because of the preload in the bushings.

Just an FYI so you don't get stuck in the same frustrating positioning as I was.

 

[tygershark]

Well after much thought ive decided to return my parts. I just dont have the time to mess with the truck and risk having it out of commission for more than a day. Hopefully sometime in the next two months I can attempt it again. I might just try spindles too. Ive heard they were easier and dont ride as rough.

I do appreciate the ideas guys. I wish I had the time to try them out.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

theres nothing but time man, ull get it right next time

 

[tygershark]

I hope so!

I helped my buddy put a 2.5 lift on his jeep two weeks ago and he got 31s .. It sits so nice. (Rides like shit .. but it sits nice .. LOL) Im very jealous .. lol.

Someday soon I will lift it .. Just need the time. And a day or twos supply of

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

lol
dont worry.

 

[subydrift]

Spindles are a good idea. Then you keep the comfy stock ride but get your 3" of lift and ground clearance. I wish I went with spindles over my 2" lift springs.