Issues with rear shock install

[unqstnd_answers]

I am almost done installing my suspension but have hit a wall. I removed the old shocks without a problem but when it came to installing the new ones in the rear I cannot get the bottom portion of the shock to align so that I can install the lower mounting bolt. The lower control arm is raised significantly higher than the hole on the shock. From what I understand the rear shocks are suppose to be easier than the front but that isn't my case. I'd appreciate any input/help. Thanks!

I'm installing tokico illuminas on a 95 GSX.

 

[Pom]

Maybe with photo i could help

Pom

 

[jtmcinder]

When I was swapping rear shocks in and out, I often had to either compress the shock a bit, pull down on the wheel, or both. Just one grunt/push/yank and the shock's lower eye slides onto the post and you're done. (Well, not done done. You still have to put the large-washered bolt on.)

 

[NWHTanK]

Loosen the suspenion bolts do the above ^^ after everthing fits then tighten all bolts.

 

[unqstnd_answers]

When I was swapping rear shocks in and out, I often had to either compress the shock a bit, pull down on the wheel, or both. Just one grunt/push/yank and the shock's lower eye slides onto the post and you're done. (Well, not done done. You still have to put the large-washered bolt on.)

I actually tried both. Pulling down on the control arm and then compressing the spring but still couldn't do it, I was about an inch away from lining it.

I was thinking of pulling the strut back out and compressing it with the spring compressors and then tightening the top nut down but from what I understand there is usually no pre-load on the rear springs. That and Chiltons manual says 16 ft.lbs. on the top nut. This is my first time dealing with the suspension and I don't want to eff anything up

Loosen the suspenion bolts do the above ^^ after everthing fits then tighten all bolts.

Which bolts exactly? The ones where the upper and lower control arms hinge on?

 

[NWHTanK]

Losen all so as the suspension is relaxed, even sway bar. If u tighten each bolt as u are assemblling the u are fighting more and more with each part u put on.

 

[genegoesfast]

Try and see if you can compress the shock with a jack enough for it to line up.

 

[bryanwheat]

I wouldn't loosen anything that has a cam adjuster on it. You will need an alignment afterwards. You just need a longer lever to pry the suspension down. IF you get a 8 foot long 2x4 and have someone push down while you push the strut on. That should get it to flex plenty enough for what you need to do. If it isn't quite there than just put the jack under the strut and push it up the rest of the way.

 

[4g63Powered]

Do you have both struts off? If you have one fully bolted in the sway bar could be holding the other side up too high to get the strut on.

 

[97gst_spyder]

When I installed my Tokicos in the rear we ended up having to stand on the hub to get it down low enough to slip the strut on.

Do you have both rear wheels off the ground? If not then the sway bar is going to give you hell.

 

[rlacasse1]

Just get a nice size pry bar and pry down on the arm, it will move down enough to get the bolt in.

 

[jtmcinder]

Do you have both struts off? If you have one fully bolted in the sway bar could be holding the other side up too high to get the strut on.

Oh, yeah. You have to have the whole tail in the air; you can't do this by jacking up only the corner you're working on or else the sway bar will hold the knuckle you're working on too high.

Other thoughts: (1) you don't have the upper end of the shock all the way to the top, (2) you have the wrong spring on the shock, (3) you used the wrong groove on the shock's body for the lower perch, and (4) you need to do more push-ups.

 

[boostwut]

yeah put the entire back in the air then start messing with the shock ... what i did one is play with how far up i raised it one wheel still on so the sway bar would help me get it close enough for me to get it on there. sounds hard but its just a pull of the jack lever.

 

[unqstnd_answers]

Thank you guys for all your suggestions! I used a lever to lower the control and it went on without a hitch!

Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world- Archimedes