Dear friends, I already bought the Ranchos, some Autolites, Royal Purple oil, K&N filters and I am almost ready to do the work, I am really excited about it, but first, I have a terrible doubt, I would like to share, and if possible for you I would really appreciate your help at it.

I know that in order to compress the coils in the front a special tool is needed, so I would like to know if this one would be suitable

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...:IT&ih=015

Please if someone knows where to get one that does the work but that does not cost too much would be great. Besides that, I think the front struts would be just a matter of patience time and care.

I think all the great tips mentioned in other topics about the front struts were really hepful.


Thanks in advance!!!


Rayzuli

 

I just installed Rancho rear shocks and front struts on my '06 yesterday. If I were you, I would just head down to my local Autozone and rent a spring compressor. I've never seen one like the one you're looking at, so I can't offer any advice as to its usefullness. I used two (one on each side of the spring) that look like long, large bolts with hooks on each end. No matter what you use, be extremely careful. If you're not 100% comfortable doing this, it may be worth removing the strut/spring assemblies from the truck and have a local shop disassemble/assemble them.

 

Thanks for the advice, and yes, I have seen that other srping compressors, but I would like to know if they were one of the following:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...:IT&ih=003

that is an expensive one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HEAVY...em260261427613

this ones are cheaper...

You see the problem is that I read that it depends on the compressor, since if it is not as strong as to compress the coils of our trucks then it becomes dangerous....

Besides that any other tip or suggestion??? any other tool you need really to look for??


Thanks and congrats on your new Ranchos, I dream about having them installed soon.



Rayzuli.

 

The ones I used are the cheap ones you posted an Ebay link to. I've had them for 20 years and have used them many times to replace springs. Perhaps the more expensive ones are easier to use.

To get the struts off, I disconnected the sway bar end link (clean the exposed thread with a wire wheel and soak with WD-40 before removing them - I broke one and had to spend $60 on a new one) and disconnected the upper control arm from the steering knuckle. You will need a special tool for this. Do not use a pickle fork or hammer it out. Use a ball joint removal tool.

Also, don't use a pair of vice grips to hold the shock shaft when you are removing the nut at the top of the strut. I think a 3/8 box wrench fits.

You will also need a large prybar to push the upper control arm up and out of the way to remove the strut.

 

I would rent them from Autozone or Napa.

 

Thank you very much for your help and tips... I am really waiting for minutes this weekend to arrive... because I will definetely enjoy a not so bumpy Dakota.

I will be renting the spring compressors and lets see what happens...

As soon as I have them installed I will post some pics...


Rayzuli.