KPT2

I did a little bit of search and couldn't find this. I have been trying to install a 1.5" leveling kit on my 2014 king ranch all morning.

Seems that the lcas have changed on the 2014 models. Instead of one bolt running horizontally through the base of the shock, there are now two bolts that run vertically down into the lca from the shock mount.

The problem is that these bolts are pressed in and are long enough that I couldn't get the front shock out no matter what I tried. Anyone have any tips on how to get the shock to pivot out? I've installed leveling kits on 2009-2013 f150s multiple times. This is a whole different level of difficulty with these new lcas.

Thanks for any help or feedback.

azmidget91

You could unbolt one of the ball joints

torinalth

seen several people do it in reverse if you have the right floor jack. unbolt the top three studs, then unbolt the LCA from the frame and drop it down that way, slip spacer in, jack the inside part of the LCA back into position. I have not tried this way yet but plan to next time when my coilovers come in to see if it is easier.

KPT2

I actually unbolted every ball joint except the one connecting the hub to the lca. Couldn't get that one out with a hammer.

That's basically the only thing we didn't unbolt was the lca from the frame.

Does the lca come out as one unit or do all the bearings etc come apart when you drop it out of the frame.

I assume inbolting the lca will ale it even more critical to get an alignment Asap

Damn Dirty Ape

iTrader: (1)

Mark positions with a marker so you can reinstall as close to original as possible. Alignment is definitely a must.

torinalth

LCA does not have a bearing on the alignment. if you unbolt and rebolt there should be no change.

azmidget91

Don't believe everything you hear on the internet. The LCA is the only way, other than the tie rod, to change the alignment. If you unbolt it from the frame, you need to either mark it so you can put it back to the same spot, or get an alignment. After the leveling kit you will need an alignment anyways.

If you simply undo the lower balljoint you can remove the strut. If you are struggling, watch some youtube videos on how to do it by hitting the side of the spindle with a hammer. It may require a bit of force to push the LCA down.

sean453

A big bar I unbolted uca, tie rod, sway bar and un did the strut. Pulled it out from the top put two inch spacer in and reversed the process 2 hrs a side. Where as my 13 took me 15 min a side

KPT2

Thanks everyone for your help. I'm going to give it another shot one night this week. I tried for a while to break the lower ball joint from the lca last time and couldn't get it, so this time I will unbolt the lcas from the frame. Will be sure to mark the positions so I can get the alignment close enough for it to be driveable for a day or so before I bring it to the alignment shop. I also bought some alignment cams to add for good measure during the re-install.

Will report back and thanks again everyone.

KPT2

Yeah I have helped my friends with f150's install them before so I was expecting the 15-30 minutes per side and was sorely disappointed, haha.