question about installing shocks

[rickm]

I'm putting Bilsteins in my 73 which should be easy. But getting the buggers compressed enough to fit and install is my problem. Are there any tricks to this? I've heard about using a jack to compress it but that seems a little tricky. Am I missing something? Thanks.

 

[BUCKNBRONK]

use a high lift jack and raise the suspension of the vehicle-

 

[Broncobowsher]

I have used a 1" wide ratchet strap to hold them compressed. But I was aiming to hold them completely compressed while doing mounting point locating for shock mounts. But that should work for install as well.

Another simple way is to mount the shaft side first, that gives you the body side to get a better grip to compress the shock by hand as you install it. Overcompress and stab the bolt in as it expands, yet another trick.

 

[Socal Tom]

I used single stand copper wire. They sell it at home depot for wiring houses. Wire tie one end, compress the shock, then wire tie the other end. Just cut the wire after the install.
Tom

 

[Dannyboy71]

I had the same problem. So when I went to install my second one I left the nylon type strap on the shock as shipped, installed bottom bolt then lifted the suspension for the top bolt. Once the bolts were in place I cut the strap.