Is there a good definitive spring & strut install guide somewhere. I am thinking about getting pre-assembled Billstein 6112's and putting them in and I don't want to mess with taking apart the IWE / hub if not needed and I would be doing this in my driveway.

Thanks

 

Take a look at Ford Tech Makalucco, I know I likely spelled it wrong, but his videos are the best your gonna find, spot on. Why don't you want to mess with the IWE? It's very simple how to realign the teeth so you don't break anything.

 

I ordered pre-assembled 6112’s from shock surplus. They were not properly indexed for the upper strut mount and lower strut mount. I had to buy a spring compressor (all local auto parts stores had them rented out already). So In all honesty If I had to do it all over again I would’ve bought assembled Fox or Icons. I was SOOOOO pissed when I couldn’t get the assembled 6112’s to install that I almost just sent the 6112s back to shock surplus.

as to your original question, I watched the stage 3 motor sports install videos, several you tube videos, and just bought a vacuum pump from HF and applied vacuum to the IWE. No problems that I can tell.

bottom line watch as many manufacture distributor videos as possible, watch you tube videos, and develop your plan of attack.

 

From the few things that I know, compared to Stage 3, I've found too many issues with Stage 3 videos. They do a fantastic job of install videos to influence a buyer of product. Skipping steps or showing partial steps insue confidence and people are likely to go forward with an order.
I think they are a great resource, but do not rely on their videos as a tutorial that you keep paused as you finish a stop to move on to the next.

Agreed that FordTechMakuloco YouTube channel hits the important stuff.
I think he's posted 2 videos for the front suspension. One is more in-depth than the other. Watch them both.

Another good resources is by the YouTube video Master Jacks. He's got a handful of F150 maintenance items, including IWE replacement. It's at least good to watch him do the work to help with your own confidence.
If you are considering doing the work yourself, you probably have the aptitude to do the work yourself. Take your time and you can do it.

I'm on the fence if/when I change out the front suspension. Partly because I'm not sure if I want to take the time in my garage. It will depend on the labor cost I'm quoted. If it's reasonable (to me) I'll pay the labor and keep working instead of saving money to give up a Saturday.

Biggest thing I suggest to take note of are the tools.
Seems there are some uncommon tools like 18mm and 21mm sockets/wrenches. Sometimes needing both. Not everybody has a 21mm socket and wrench around.

 

Good call on Stage 3 vids skipping steps. Watch as many manufacture/distributor vids along with the aforementioned YouTube videos and others, and use them all to prepare your plan.

 

Here's a few that I watched and saved when I replaced mine:

FordTechMakuloco video rear shocks:

Stage 3 Motorsports video front shocks:


American Trucks video UCA and Shocks:

Some videos do leave some info out, but I was able to get everything done using these.

Attached are some "word documents" with my personal notes and steps along with my torque specs also some extra info in the form of a "pdf"

Hope this helps!

 

When I did my front spring spacers I followed a video that didn't involve loosening or removing the IWE, hub, or LCA bolts. Similar removal and install process of the front strut assembly. Did the work in my driveway with hand tools and jack stands, took about 90 minutes to do both sides.

Don't recall who did the video, sorry.

 

So many videos show removing/loosening of one control arm or the other, DO NOT do this. You'll throw the alignment you still more/less have into possibly a major realingment, caster/camber both, instead of usually a simple toein adjustment.Yes, it is possible to install struts without separating the IWE, but why not? Gives you much more leeway when installing, and yes, you still need a prybar. Realigning the teeth on the IWE is so simple, even without a vacuum pump, that even this caveman can do it, yes again, I've done this job quite a few times.
Jack, I'd rely on the Macalucco vids if that's all I had, but don't forget, there's more than a few on here that have done this more than once, even on other owners trucks, with zero problems. Just tap into us, most would be glad to advise.

 

I actually replaced my UCA and got an alignment after it was all back together... probably should have clarified.
I also used blue loctite on the bolts.

 

I saved myself the headache since I have a good friend that installs suspension lifts, level kits, and does axle gear setups for a living in his garage. It was worth every penny to have him do it for me and I paid him full labor price for his expertise. That said I watched him do it (took less than 45 minutes on a lift with the proper tools) and he didn't touch the IWE or the CV joints at all. Of course I didn't put mine on at 2.1 lift, I went back completely stock height.