Today, when installing the KYB rear shocks on the 03 XLT 4WD I discovered (after cutting the strap that held the shock in a compressed state) that the width of the bottom mounting point on the shock was too wide to go into the mount on the truck. With the help of a 3 lb drilling hammer the mount was opened enough. However, compressing the shock and lining it up to go into the mounting point was a awful experience. Used a hydraulic floor jack to compress it and two screwdrivers to pry it into position. Took about 45 minutes! So, learning from that adventure before installing the shock on the other side, I test fit it into the lower mounting point on the truck. I have not read in any installation instructions the hint of test fitting the shock before cutting the strap that allows it to expand. Thought to pass the hint along. Once expanded, I lacked the upper body strength to compress it again while laying on my back under the truck. Floor jack was real handy today. Since my garage floor slopes toward the door opening, bushings and round washers wanted to go outside at inconvenient times. The distance record was a washing the rolled on its edge about 15 feet.

 

I had the same problem installing Bilsteins on my 08 Ranger, replacing the factory Ranchos. When I cut that strap holding the shock in a closed position, laying undernetah the truck I just couldnt quite muscle that shock up and into the mount and I also used a hydraulic jack to push the shock up to where I could then push it over and into the mount.

 

You know the easiest way to do the rear shocks is jack the rear up from the hitch/frame to supply some rear end drop. That way you barely have to compress the shocks to get them in the mounts. Now for the shock being too wide... I would say its most likely the mount being compressed when the shock was previously torqued down which will squeeze the mount again the shock.

 

I live life on the edge, so when I replaced mine I installed the top of the shock with the strap still around the strap, then cut the strap and pushed the bolt through the bottom of the shock as it was extending.

 

I don't need to live life on the edge. I'm capable of compressing a shock with muscle.

 

^Touche^