Last weekend I attempted to install some new 5100 bilsteins on the front of my truck to level it. Gave up at the lower strut bolt as i could not get it to turn at all. Its a single 1-1/8" bolt with a 29mm nut. I tried penetrating oil and taking tension of the UCA. I broke two extensions trying to break it free. Apparently it was factory torqued to 300ft-lbs. Damn thing won't budge. Considering it a defeat for me, I called two shops to have them install it and they both quoted me right around $600 just for installation and alignment which seems ridiculous. Any one else have this done on their 2011 F150? The newer models have two smaller bolts rather than the single bolt, not realizing that I expected and easier install. Ford and Firestone will not install 3rd party purchased parts. I feel like I might be SOL.

 

My impact gun had no problem getting it off.

 

How long of a breaker bar did you use to try and break it free? I used one that was about 2 feet long and it broke free just fine. Hell worse case, take the floor jack apart and use the post from it and put it around the ratchet and knock it free that way.

 

Couldn't get enough on my 2' breaker bar I guess, had trouble getting a good position though for leverage. Just borrowed a Dewalt DCF899 cordless impact from my superintendent at work, should do the trick. Did you compress the spring yourself? I ordered the recommended spring compressors but seems like a lot of people say its too dangerous and to have a shop do it.

 

I used 3 total to compress the spring. If I did it again, I would personally pay someone to do the front end. It was a learning experience.

 

That's what I was thinking. Just spoke with Big O Tires about it. They will swap the shocks out for $35 each if I bring both OEM struts in with the 5100 shocks. Now to I just gotta get the struts out!

 

you can rent the spring compressors for free from any auto parts store. 2 compressors are fine. they're not as dangerous as everyone makes them out to be. you can do it by hand with a little bit of muscle, or use that impact you borrowed to crank the compressors down. just make sure to tighten them evenly.

 

On my 2006 and 2011 I used an extra long ratchet and slipped a piece of pipe over it for extra leverage.

 

Got it off with the impact, had to basically remove the steering knuckle though to get the strut out. It sat down in that pocket pretty far. From what I have seen most models don't have that recession.

 

You know, if 300 ftlb is the setting, you're supposed to put it back on to that same torque. Most hand wrenches don't go that high. A battery-driven Dewalt will be random as to what torque setting it is actually delivering, based on current battery power. Your little issues may continue.

My 2013 manual says 406 ftlb.