Hi all, so my truck is currently being worked on by a friend of my buddy. He's had the truck for a few days now and today, he has the whole new Rancho RS5757 shock all put together with the rough country 2.5" levelling spacer at the top. When the shock is in stalled, we have an issue lining up the upper control arm to the hub. Due to how stiff the Ranchos are, we tried compressing from the bottom with a jack but then the truck just goes up. Did anyone else have troubles lining up all those front end suspension parts after putting in a Rancho strut (or new strut) with a levelling kit up front? I need advise badly, thanks!

 

There are a few threads on the topic & these threads lay out a few different ways to get everything together. I'm sure others will let you know what they've done, but I only lifted the front by 1.5" and still needed to compress the springs to get it on easily. I used the screw-down spring compressors (a pair on each spring), so once I had the units assembled, I didn't bother to release the spring until I had the strut in place and the bolts in.

 

You can look at this thread I made when I did mine. Use a strap and floor jack to squeeze it together.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...installed.html

 

So we're going to try the ratchet strap method and the pry bar method. Maybe even combine them 2. Are there any other suggestions to bring the pieces together if all-else fails? Thanks...

 

Ractchet strap will work. Did for me first time.

 

Looks like he tried the strap method and pry bar method but was unsuccessful after several attempts. At least, all the weak front end parts are taken care of now and ill have new shocks all the way around. No rough country lift kit for me though . He says he can try again after the suspension settles in (Ranchos get softer) he can try to put on the lift. He decided to only charge me $250 for installing all new shocks and putting in all the new front end parts + an alignment at his shop. My only issue new is i have 265-70-17 tires on it so its probly going to keep rubbing. Would I be able to get by on stock height if I trimmed a few parts?

 

based on the official lift and tire thread, the 265-70R17 needs slight trimming at stock height. I would still be careful with articulation.

as for trimming, the lower section of the inner fender liner and possibly the front mud flaps will need some slight trimming. I would just watch out when flexing, you might get some extra rubbing until the lift is installed. obviously the only trimming you'll need is up front, the rear will be good to go.

 

Thanks! Yesterday, I actually spent some time and trimmed part of the inner fender liner and also part of my bushwacker fender flares and all is good now, now rubbing ! Heres some pictures below:
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that is one great looking truck. I love that Grey and Black combo.

I'm thinking of doing the opposite and putting a matte dark grey on my Dak this spring/summer. I'm thinking of doing something on the hood and something on the tailgate and possibly the lower section of the truck, kinda like a ram outdoorsman. Not 100% sure what I'll be doing, I have ideas but nothing set in stone as of yet.