Looking to replace my front struts this weekend with the 5100s. Stage 3 has a decent video on how to replace them. I am likely going to bring the coils into a shop and have them compress them for me. Can I take both sides off at the same time? Any other tips? I had read that you don't need to remove the axle nut...

Also due to the age and miles (75k) on it I am wondering if I should be considering buying new springs as well.

 

I didn't mess with mine. Since I was going to need an alignment anyway, I took it the local Les Schawb tire shop. They only charged me $10 each to install plus the cost of the alignment.

Wouldn't think you'd need new springs at only 70K.

 

Stage 3 skips a lot of important steps. Just watch more videos and piece together what seems important. For example I don't think Stage 3 videos address a single thing related to tightening the axle nut.... or maybe it's they gloss over how to assemble the IWE back to the hub once it has been removed.

Either way, just do your homework.

I can't remember the exact name but am 98% sure a channel named "master jacks" does an IWE install. He demonstrates installing the IWE and provided torque values were appropriate. It's a voice over video, but pretty well done.
FordTechMakuloco on YouTube also has a few IWE install videos.


Now would be a good time to replace the coils if you wanted to, but they aren't worn out. Are you going to keep the truck another 100,000, more than likely or do you think you'll be selling in 2 or 3 years. The typical answers is "I'm never getting rid of my truck", yet people change their mind all the time.
Difficult to determine exactly, but I'd have the shop measure the left and right coil length. It's not uncommon for a driver side (left) to be shorter, perhaps noticeable by now. Unfortunately by time it's disassembled and measured, you'd need to have the new parts on hand and I'm sure you aren't going to run to the parts store to pick up new coils.

 

Thanks. I will probably only keep the truck for another ~5years or so. I don't mind buying some new coils for it and was looking at the Moogs on rockauto. My only concern is that they have more coils and are likely a little longer than the stock coils. I am trying to go for a more level look with some rake. Definitely no reverse rake. I was going to do the 1.75" setting on the 5100s but with new springs this might be different?

 

If you’re going to bother changing springs, you might as well look into an already “loaded” strut or coilover. You’ll save install time and won’t have to run to a shop to have springs compressed.

I would weigh the costs of that vs the cost of new springs, plus time/labor.

You’re close to the same miles my 2015 had when I did my 5100 install, just remember age plus miles, it won’t come apart nearly as easily as the brand new ones often seen in videos.

I would encourage you to watch many videos and don’t be afraid to stop work to rewatch parts as needed. I only set mine to 1.25” and now regret not going 1.75” or the full 2.1” but it was also all I could do to get the springs compressed that far. I did have to disconnect my sway bar, went ahead and replaced the end links since it had to be aligned anyway.

 

Looking back now I wish I would have bought a quick strut option. Way past the return period now so I am going to either have to get a new spring or just use the factory one in place right now. Starting to lean towards just reusing them at this point.

 

Where are you finding the 5100 struts to purchase? I've been looking all over and everyone is out of stock.

 

I'm up in Canada, but had no issue getting fronts about a month ago. They were even on sale for 15% off.

 

Bought them back in July of 21 from Amazon. Have been just sitting in my garage ever since

 

Same here!
I called a highly regarded local 4x4 shop for a quote.

Sales Rep: "There are ZERO front shocks/struts available...from any manufacturer!"