I'm gonna install 5100s on my F150 this weekend. I'll try to remember to take a few pics.

 

So the front and rears are installed. I opted to not use a spring compressor and used my floor jack for the fronts. I got everything prepped using action jacks guide but followed Buck's tips. I compressed the strut using my floor jack (the 3 nuts at the top were still on) and then took the middle nut off. I slowly lowered my floor jack and the spring released all of its tension.

If I had to do it again I would probably want the spring compressor handy for reassembly - trying to get the spring/strut lined up and back in would have been easier if the assembly was't at full length.

I also removed the swaybar bushing to get better access to the control arm bolt/nut.

Truck is getting an alignment - will post before after pics soon!!

 

I did my rs7000mt's by myself this morning. Took about 5.5 hours. It takes a while to get the shock back onto the truck lined up with the upper mounting holes. The spring compressors and a pneumatic wrench makes life easier. All in all I'm very happy with the set up.

 

So I have the truck back from getting an alignment - good thing I went straight there to get it done - it was way out!! Don't delay getting yours aligned after the install!!

I opted for the 3rd setting (1.5) and I just got back from going down some of my favourite roads and I am so pleased with how it handles now.

Here is the before and after measurements to show the change in height in front:

 

x2 on the alignment, I could tell the tow was way out as soon as I dropped the truck, I took the back roads to the shop going way slow. I didn't want to mess those "nice" pirellies up. I like the way mine sits with the 5100's maxed out, but sometimes it looks higher in the front, someday I will drop it to 1.75 or even 1.5 to give it just a little rake.

 

Looking good, boys! Excuse this dumb question, but - hold on - you mean just to install front shocks you have to remove the springs? Or did I miss something?

 

the coil spring goes over the shock and the bilsteins re-use the spring and perch and top hat

 

dont forget the rears 750 ft lbs of tq, just one light tap pulls the bolt right out

 

Ok, thanks. On shocks I've done that were inside the springs, you could replace them through the springs with only removing shock nuts/bolts.

This really makes y'all's trucks look better! I'm surprised at the height difference!

 

Ya that gun is awesome - use one all the time at work!! For my install at home I got to try out my 1/2" milwaukee cordless. Thing worked really well!!