We have my 05 dodge dakota 4x4 tore apart right now trying to install the leveling kit in it. We have the front end apart & am not sure how the spacer goes in. Do we need to turn the top of the strut? because once the spacer is on the top of the strut the bolts don't line up with the top holes

 

I had a similar issue when trying to install my new rancho shocks. The bolts on top did not line up correctly with the oem shocks bolts. I thought the coil ring that sits on top had a notch where the top of the coil sits, but its just a rubber washer and we had to turn the top bracket to align everything correctly.

 

you should just be able to get the bolts through the holes in the top then turn the strut to line it back up. Couldnt you put a big screwdriver or prybar into the bottom strut mounting holes and turn it? Would that damage the strut?

 

that is kinda what I did, I just lossend the bolts holding the spring while it was in place, turned the shock and coil, pulled the coil over back out and put it back on the wall mounted compressor and tightened everything back up.

 

Yea but I don't think he has a compressor. He just is putting the over the coil spacer on and the spacer bolts are not lining up with the holes in the hat

 

ohhh... well he should still be able to loosen the bolts that hold the top of the coil and use a pry bar to turn it.

 

Thanks guys. Of course the bottom bolt on the shock is stuck in the rubber bushing so we can't get that out for NOTHING & the spring compressor won't fit inbetween the coils cause they are too close together. We put the truck back together after busting too many nuckles & I'll probably just sell the leveling kit.

 

i had the same problem u use a air gun..and a ajustable wescot to use it as a pry bar behind the head of the bolt... you are 80% done !!!! come on!!!

 

and for the bolt patern to fit you may need to ratate the strut assembly 180degree ..or install the one on the left on the right and vice versa!!

no need for a compressor!!

 

We were using an air gun & that bolt would not come out for nothing because I needed to take the strut out so I could rotate it to get the spacer in. My brother & I put the truck back together & now I'm back home. I might just pay someone to do it.