I not quite sure where this question should go so if this is not the right place, please move this thread.

I have not actually removed my wheel to look just yet but I am looking at getting a set of 5100's to level out my truck and I've watched a few videos on taking apart the suspension in order to get the strut out. As I'm watching them, it seems it would be easier to simply unbolt the strut from the lower control arm, unbolt the lower control arm from the spindle and lower the arm out of the way letting the strut drop right out. The videos I'm seeing are having you move brake lines, disconnect tie rod ends, etc. Am I missing something or are the videos showing a more complicated path?

 

Not fully sure but it may have to do with alignment, which is done via the LCA eccentric mount bolts. But I had my alignment checked even following the UCA method just to be sure. KM

 

I installed my leveling kit the way you described and it was very easy to do. No messing my IWEs was the reason why I choose this way. Just disconnect the sway bar endlink, the two LCA bolts and youre basically ready to pull the strut out.

One thing I did do was to mark around the bolts/nuts with a paint pen to help get the LCA back as close to the same alignment as before. The alignment shop I took the truck to said I was still within spec (1.5" level).

I do think this method might be troublesome with a bigger level as you only have so much room to drop the LCA with it still attached to the knuckle.

 

It is not easier to remove lca. Just remove sway bar end link nut, Brake line bracket nut, uca nut, tie rod nut, and strut nuts. No need to remove axle nut unless doing a big spacer.

 

I second this. Once all this is disconnected, put a big pry bar between the LCA and the bottom of the strut and pry enough room for the lower bolts to clear. It takes a medium amount of force, nothing crazy. Not understanding the difficulty in removing the strut and the need to find alternative ways…I did it this way and had my struts out in 10 minutes. Just plan on pounding out the bottom bolts if you are reinstalling the factory strut.

 

I can’t comment on other methods, but when I did mine it was pretty easy undoing the LCA via the eccentrics while leaving it attached at the ball joint. Just used a jack to lower it down and then raise it back up after throwing the new shock assembly in.

 

I’ve torn apart the front end more times then I’d like to admit.

I think it’s easier to follow these instructions which don’t have you touching the control arm bolts

https://performanceparts.ford.com/do...5AA_052220.PDF

 

To each their own but I can't imagine it being easier than the 10 mins it takes to undo the items I listed. Plus most people don't have a torque wrench with enough capacity to properly torque the LCA bolts and the difficulty of torquing them with wheels on and vehicle at ride height.

 

@mulyhuntr might not have been easier, but seems like it took maybe a similar amount of time and effort. Definitely didnt want to mess with the axle/IWE and dont like prying on anything, so this method seemed pretty low effort. Tightened it up just enough using the jack on the hub and the alignment shop did the rest.

 

You can do it that way.

The service manual specifies the "hard" way I assume because the method can be repeated for other procedures (replacing CVs, hub bearings, spindles, etc.) and possibly save you from having to do an alignment depending on what's being replaced.