Trouble compressing shocks for install?

I had to swap the shocks on my 92 D250. The new Bilsteins were too much to compress by hand so I had to get creative. Quick and easy!

Give it a shot next time you have to do that job.

Thanks for the tip. I’ll try it when I replace my A100 shocks this week.

Good for rears, but man did I have a rough time with KYB fronts several years back. Coincidentally, I made a remark about it a few days ago on thread asking about KYB's and likes or dislikes.

Thanks for tip.

It

Especially c bodies holy cow!

No kidding. I put some KYB GR2 shocks on the front of the Imperial and really dislike them. They were a huge PITA to get in there and I'm not looking forward to doing that again.

So, building on the ratchet strap idea, I developed a similar shade tree way to install fronts on the c bodies with the "tube"--- I used zip ties and went through the shock eye then over the top stud. Some I had to make up 2 separate zip tie straps( they need to be good zip ties). When the eye is resting in the lower control arm shock slot , after it's been inserted through the tube of the frame, you cut the zip ties and it will release the shock. You just have to guide it into the upper control arm slot. It's a PITA

Did you try hitting it with your purse?

I did`t like KYB`s we had on our F Body. They were a pain to remove the fronts. I ended up using a floor jack to compress them due to the limited access.

If you don't plan to use these crappy shocks (KYB), Drill a hole in them to remove.

That doesn't make it any easier to install the new ones.

I put new Gabriels on the front of the Dakota a couple months ago. I couldn't compress and hold them by hand long enough to start the lower bolts. After thinking about it, I got the small portable jack, stood a large 1/2" socket up on it, and jacked it into place. Would also work with the factory scissor jack but be a little more work.
Going out in the morning to put in new control arms and springs so I'll probably get to do it all over again.



Tim

I put a pair of Bilsteins on the front of the T&C last year.
I was able to compress them, but not long enough to get them positioned to where they'd explode into the right place.
I was able to use some butt-kickin' cable ties I had to keep them compressed.
Not easy with a bayonet mount on top, lol.
After I got one in, I remember thinking that I hoped I'd never have to take them out!

straps are a good idea until you need to remove the hooks..