Hi there.
I 've been lurking for a bit 'round here, finally found a question that couldn't be answered by searching.

I've seen a few posts about this, but I cannot tell from reading them if guys are replacing them themselves, or if this something that needs professional attention.

I am no motor-head, but I'm not completely lost with a tool set either.
Can I realistically change out the front struts on my 2007 Ram 1500 4x4 ?
I know that I can do the rears, I'm just concerned about the spring pressure in the front.(and the ball joints)

Thanks in advance.

 

Try looking in there for a DIY or How To


3rd Gen Ram FAQs

 

Thanks.

I think I found what I need in the "06-08 Readylift leveling kit Ram 3rd Gen by redbeardmcg " thread

I was confused at first because it seems to only display the last 75 days by default.
After I changed that, it all showed up.

Thanks again, looks easy enough.

 

O.k.
I am stuck.

I cannot for the life of me remove the lower strut assembly bolt.
The nut came off easy, but no amount of pressure with a beaker bar, air wrench, hammer, penetrating fluid, whatever would get this out.

I could move it a bit with the braker bar, but it seemed like the entire rubber bushing was moving and it would only go so far.

Redbeardmcg posted:
You may have to tap the bolt out with a hammer.

I more than tapped it, and it didn't budge.


Any suggestions?

 

If there is pressure on that bolt from spring tension, you won't ever get it out. Have you compressed the spring to take the pressure off? Or atleast dropped the wheel while the truck is in the air?

 

I have not compressed the spring.
I have dropped the suspension on that side while the truck was on a jack stand.

Initially I had the jack under the suspension on that side(just holding it, not lifting), but when I got to the part about removing this bolt and started having issues, I removed the jack.

I presume that would take the majority of the pressure off of the bolt, but possibly not.

Do you think that is the issue?
I'd really like to finish this job myself.

Thank you for your help.

 

I compressed the spring.
Still a no go.

Any other thoughts?

 

you have to jack the truck up so the suspension is completely unloaded in order to remove the strut. Otherwise, if you do manage to get that lower bolt out, ur in for one hell of a surprise.

raise the truck up to unload the suspension
remove the lower nut/bolt assembly on the strut
THEN remove the upper bolts (the 3 little guys up top)
you may or may not be able to get the strut assembly out without taking everything else apart. i ended up poppin the upper ball joint and swar bar, just to allow for a little more play.
make sure you have an impact and a GOOD spring compressor before attempting to swap out your struts. last thing you want is a spring shooting at your head, cause it will kill ya

if you still can't get the bolt out with the suspension unloaded (i couldn't either). keep soaking it with penatrating oil (pb blaster or better), and work the bolt in and out. it'll help the oil get in further. just be careful not to trash the bushing. an air hammer with a flat tip works real well also. but if you go that route, make sure you put the nut back on the end of the bolt so you don't screw up the threads.

good luck.

 

Please define 'good spring compressor'.

I have this:

http://www.amazon.com/OEM-25550-Stru.../dp/B000CMDPLM

 

those are scary spring compressors, though they work cause thats how i did mine. but i'll never use them again. http://www.strutspringcompressor.com/ <-that is a nice one. but i wouldn't buy one just to use it once. if anything, take the ones you have, and double up, so you can cover 4 points instead of just two. less chance of the spring launching.