HELP!!! Explorer Spring Swap

[cubewhiz]

Got the bolts into the shackle and frame, but I can't line the pin into the hole in the block. It's off by about 1/2" and the axle won't move. What do I do?

It's sitting in front of my house on jackstands. :/

What can be preventing the axle from moving forward? Do I need to disconnect my shocks?

Thanks!

 

[t0x1k]

Shocks could definitely be fighting you. that and possibly the sway bar.
Driveshaft should have plently of slack sop that's not it.

Try getting one side in, just tighten the ubolts up enough that it's finger tight, then pull the other side in while jacking it up into place, everything will fall into it's proper spot.

 

[cubewhiz]

only did one side so far, well most of it. so should i disconnect the shock and swaybar first on this side and try it? I assume I can leave the stock side alone for now.

 

[trail B2]

Mine does this too I put one side in tightened very little.Then basically kick the other in with a floor jack under it holding with just enough tension so when they line up it pops in and stays so I can bolt it in.

 

[adsm08]

I'd undo both shocks and both ends of the sway bar too. The sway bar, when hooked up on both sides, amounts to nothing more than a very large, very thick spring. The shocks can take a lot of force to move quickly and I imagine both are probably fighting you on this.

What I usually do for stuff like that (and admittedly I have better equipment than you probably do) is get her as far off the axle as I can, put the springs in, then lower the vehicle back onto the axle, lining things up as I go.

 

[cubewhiz]

Okay, after disconnecting the swaybar & shock I got the axle to move enough to line up with the spring. I only did one side so far; I'll do the other Sunday afternoon.

The center hole in the U-bolt plate was a bit small (or I guess the nut on the spring was a bit big?) so I will have to drill that out a little bit, but other than that, one side is done.

 

[Original_Ranger84]

Really? I just stared at mine for about an hour and it just went right into place.

 

[cubewhiz]

Everything is installed. I like it.

Now to lift the front a couple inches.

 

[cubewhiz]

Before: (not the best angle but you can see how it sat)

Some pics of the after.

 

[cubewhiz]

would i be able to stuff some 31x10.5 under there without rubbing? i want to fill that room i just gained.

 

[fordwheelinman]

Did you not flip the pin in the springs?

 

[cubewhiz]

Did you not flip the pin in the springs?

I did. I got it finally after disconnecting the shock and the swaybar.

 

[fordwheelinman]

If you flipped the pins you shouldnt have had to drill anything.

 

[bcost882]

i never flipped the pin in my springs i just dremeled the pin and nut and perch holes till everything fit.