Hello all. Could use some advise. The situation is this, just purchased a Daystar 2" Leveling kit for my 07 Dakota 4X4 and all was going well on the install until the step where you have to raise the lower control arm as to reconnect the upper ball joint. The instructions advise to use a floor jack. Sounds simple enough except the entire truck is lifting instead of the spring/strut compressing. It's not even getting close.

This Daystar kit is the one where the spacer sits on top of the strut. From what I have read here there are opinions that this is really not the way to go either. Send it back?

I really like the truck overall but in the hills you are almost hand cuffed even on moderate terrain. Have to do something. Would appreciated any advise and thanks.

 

if the jack dont work, have someone sit on the frt end, these assemblys are very weak.

 

My buddy ran into the same issue with a 2.5" Auto Spring Leveling kit. Its not installed on his dakota, so I think he gave up.

Is there a way to compress the strut spring with it installed?

 

I think I am the one who must be weak. Had no luck. Ended up putting it back together stock. I got a little spooked on installing the spacer on top of the strut anyway. Really do not want all the unnecessary angles and strain on the ball joints. Guess I'll hold tight and maybe a real lift will arise from the ashes. In the meantime thanks for all the advice.