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View Full Version : Help! Suspension Install


BizTerp
03-05-2011, 11:19 AM
I'm in the middle of a shock swap and I can't figure out how to get the shock assembly to clear the lower control arm. I remember seeing a post on how to do this but can't find it for the life of me. Can anyone help? Thanks!
fastblackmerc
03-05-2011, 11:31 AM
According to the shop manual there is nothing special you need to do. The lower arm should swig out of the way.

Did you disconnect the sway bar end link?
Got_1
03-05-2011, 11:32 AM
According to the shop manual there is nothing special you need to do. The lower arm should swig out of the way.

Did you disconnect the sway bar end link?

exactly^^. Just pry down on the lower control arm and you should be able to pull the strut assy out of there.
BizTerp
03-05-2011, 11:39 AM
I'll try the end link. I disconnected the sway bar mounts, but not the end link. Thanks!
BizTerp
03-05-2011, 11:45 AM
Tried the end link. No Dice. This is insane.
fastblackmerc
03-05-2011, 02:34 PM
Just jack the car up higher and pry down on the lower arm.

Please use jack stands......
BigCars4Ever
03-05-2011, 06:25 PM
You need to have the tie rods disconnected too if they're not already. Also keep in mind that the upper mount only fits in one way since the bolts are not in an equilateral pattern.
justbob
03-05-2011, 06:39 PM
Tie rods are fine. PRY that thing down after you remove the upper sway bar nut. You DO NOT need to remove the brake rotor if you use a wrench on that nut. You can do it without the sway bar nut off as well but risk pulling the ball out of the socket of the sway bar link as I have done once.

A second person is nice but not needed.
tbone
03-05-2011, 06:43 PM
Please use jack stands......

+1 Zillion!
BizTerp
03-05-2011, 08:13 PM
Haha. Of course I'm using jack stands. Not my first install :)

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I finished up around 7. Ended up having to take off the sway, end links, rotors and caliper, steering rack, and disconnected the upper control arm. Basically had to disassemble the entire front end :shake:

My sway bar was squeaking so I took the opportunity to put some grease on that (totally fixed now).

I was in such a tizzy that I didn't have a chance to describe what I was doing:

- I was running Eibach Pro Kit springs on OEM shocks. The ride was terrible- way oversprung. I ended up ordering a set of KYB Gas-A-Just shocks for the Eibach springs. The ride is perfect!! I get to keep the lowered stance and stiff ride but the new shocks suck up all of the bumps. No more excessive rebound. I HIGHLY recommend to anyone not liking Pro Kit/OEM setup. :banana:

If anyone is taking on a similar project, here's the work instructions:

http://www.crownvic.net/drock96marquis/2003shockchange.htm

D