hey guys, I installed my Monroe's yesterday. I just bought the regular struts and not the quick struts because they were just too expensive for me. I will start this off by saying it took 5-6 hours and I DO NOT recommend attempting this job in your driveway or if you do not have some experience. What a nightmare! Anyways, I had access to a lift with a full tool set (diesel shop that my buddy works at). The two of us got there at 11 30 am and we left at midnight..subtract two hours for breaks/a road call. My truck was done around 5 30 and then we moved onto his 2006 Ram 4x4 (installed Monroe quick struts plus 2" leveling kit).

step by step: disconnect caliper, remove top strut mount nuts (3), separate upper control arm ball joint from steering knuckle, disconnect stabilizer link on the bottom, remove lower strut mount bolt, pop out the strut assembly

Worst part about my truck was the lower control arm strut mount bushing and then getting the strut assembly part. On the passenger side the bushing was seized but going from forward to reverse many times with a 1/2" impact, on full power, plus WD-40 got the bolt to finally spin out of the bushing. The driver's side one was WORSE, much worse. We attempted the same thing as the other side..then I hit the bolt with a hammer as he had the gun on the other side. Then we tried a 3/4" impact gun, an air hammer and even a full sized 16 pound sledgehammer plus a whole bottle of penetrating oil. We ended up having to heat up the bolt on both sides, without melting the bushing, and then the gun finally got it out. Fire wrench! The threads of the bolt were mushroomed from the heat so the bolt had to be cut in order to fit through the bushing. I didn't think my truck would leave the lift at this point..bolt was replaced with a new bolt we found that was Grade 8 and identical size length & thread.

Then dismantling the strut assembly was another headache. Autozone's spring compressor I rented worked fine. Yes, I did bend the bolts and returned it this morning but it worked! The 18mm nut that holds the strut together with the mount and spring is completely covered in rust/dirt. We had to clean it with a pick and some WD-40. The nut doesn't go anywhere even when you stick a wrench on there and put a ratchet on the 10mm that is supposed to prevent it from spinning. The nut had to be CUT OFF with a grinder wheel and then smacked with a chisel to remove it. I did not replace my strut mounts..they were in decent shape and the bushings looked mint. When the assemblies were assembled they looked perfect. This total added an hour easily to the project.

Overall it wasn't complex, its just poor engineering that screws you over. The Ram had the same problems with the lower bushing but other than that it wasn't too bad. We had quick struts for it so did not waste time disassembling anything. It was the first time either of us installed a leveling kit..can't lie the truck looked sick when we were done! Kind of wish I had picked one up prior to installing my struts. Had I brought my truck to a shop it would have cost me around $1000 (that's providing them with the struts). They would have charged me for strut mounts which would be jacked up to $75 and two control arms which would be $200 each. Add an alignment $70 or so plus an easy $400 worth of labor and headaches.

My truck rides awesome now! I honestly could not be any happier with the way the front end feels over bumps. My truck is way more comfortable and fun to drive now. Monroe struts are great. No more bouncing around and swearing while driving. I will have to check my phone for pics..I was filthy all day, plus sweaty and pissed! Not much time for whipping the cell phone out. Getting Cooper AT3's this week so I'm sure I'll be posting pics then
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random pic..all I got

 

Same problems I had haha. I did in fact do it in my driveway without air tools lmao.

 

Mine were so bad it would have been literally impossible. Without the acetylene torch that driver side bushing was not budging!

 

I resorted to a propane torch. It got hot enough to get the job done. It was so bad on the drivers side the inner bushing sleeve came out with the bolt.

 

nice job getting it done, i did it in my driveway too. Well i tried, even with my buddies air tools those lower bushings are crazy to get off. It would just go back into place when we hammered on it and such. Resorted to some guys i know with a shop. Wish i had access to a vehicle lift haha

 

I got one of those tall propane torches... so you just heated the bolt head end???? how long?

that is the stage where I am at.... I had it all apart yesterday, but could not get the strut bolt out. I was forced to put it all together and soak it with PB blaster 3 times in the last 12 hours.

I have air tools but no torch. and - no new struts in the truck

I also need to redo both hubs, which I have all the bolts cracked loose; and I did get my brake calipers rebuilt.

 

I have my quick struts to install- waiting for when my son and I are both free the same weekend. 06 Dak......Is yours a 4x4? I understand the procedure is a little different depending on 4x4 or 2x2?

 

So hot when you took the flame off and sprayed pb blaster on it it instantly ignites lol. Bushing was getting a little burnt.

 

Only difference is the CV axle..if you are a 4x2 then you have more room. The struts aren't that hard to remove though..for you you're only real concern is the lower strut bushing. Quick struts were a good investment on your part!

 

Mine actually is a 4x4. Thought I had it in my vehicle description but didn't--now it is there.