I decided on using Eibach's Pro-Truck Stage 1 over the Stage 2 (with threaded coilovers) because the head tech rep at Eibach claimed the Stage 2 is rougher on the road. I ordered directly from Eibach, and got the kit in about a week. If anyone is doing this install on a 4x4, the correct part number is E80-27-011-02-22. Ensure you get that part number, as the spring rates are different for 2 and 4wd, but that won't stop companies from trying to sell you the wrong part. Three companies tried that with me, which is why I ordered directly from Eibach.
I was very skeptical of this kit, but have liked Eibach's products in the past so I felt like while it might not be as good as high-end kits, I wouldn't regret it. Another big motivating factor was the fact that Eibach claimed all I needed was to remove the upper strut mounts from the stock struts and put them on the Eibach kit. The time savings from doing that by buying a new pair of upper strut mounts and isolators so I didn't have to take apart the stock struts sounded great.
When I opened the box, I quickly learned that what one of the techs told me about only needing upper strut mounts was incorrect. I called and requested the head tech help representative, and he told me that they couldn't source the lower strut mount from the manufacturer without buying a pair of new shocks and that is not cost-effective. While I agree with that, I purchased this kit partially because I wanted to just uninstall the old struts and toss them in a corner for re-installation later. At this point, I was already too invested emotionally into this to return them.
I decided to add the awesome Readylift Upper Control Arms (UCA's) to the install to help with ball joint angles after the upgrade. The Eibach head tech rep said this wasn't necessary but would help, so I decided to install them. I ended up buying a whole Readylift 2" front level kit from TireRack because I got the whole kit on sale and shipped for $33 less than the cheapest price I could find for just the UCA's. Added bonus, I can now sell just the Readylift 2" spacers to make a little cash.
Install began. This is my first time doing a suspension install not in a shop and on a rack. With the Big Red SUV jackstands I bought and the Daytona crossbeam adapter for my 3-ton Daytona jack, it wasn't too bad and I felt comfortable doing what I needed to do.
I started with the fronts and it only took ~20mins to remove the first shock. As I mentioned before, I wanted a quick install and with the misinformation from Eibach, that wasn't happening. I removed the first shock and used cheapie coil spring compressors to do the job.
Stock shock left, Eibach right
Note the paint pen cross on the stock shock. This needs to line up with the tallest part of the triangle on the upper strut mount and centered with the opening for the lower shock mount.
I used my trusty 40-year-old Blue Point rubber mallet to hammer off the lower strut mount and the metal cap on the stock shock. This process was way easier than I thought, but that's probably because the shocks are pretty much new.
I seated the aluminum collar into the lower strut mount and installed it with the adjustable C-clip in position #2, which Eibach claims is for a 2.6" front lift.
Here's a pic of the cheapie spring compressors. They were sketchy at best and I felt pretty uncomfortable using them with the Eibach springs. They seemed fine with the stock springs though. Note, I installed all of the stock coil wraps, bump stop, and left the stock dust boot on the upper isolators.
Ignore my dirty fingerprints, lol
I installed the new struts on the front and installed the Readylift UCA's. The UCA's were incredibly easy to install.
I was very skeptical of this kit, but have liked Eibach's products in the past so I felt like while it might not be as good as high-end kits, I wouldn't regret it. Another big motivating factor was the fact that Eibach claimed all I needed was to remove the upper strut mounts from the stock struts and put them on the Eibach kit. The time savings from doing that by buying a new pair of upper strut mounts and isolators so I didn't have to take apart the stock struts sounded great.
When I opened the box, I quickly learned that what one of the techs told me about only needing upper strut mounts was incorrect. I called and requested the head tech help representative, and he told me that they couldn't source the lower strut mount from the manufacturer without buying a pair of new shocks and that is not cost-effective. While I agree with that, I purchased this kit partially because I wanted to just uninstall the old struts and toss them in a corner for re-installation later. At this point, I was already too invested emotionally into this to return them.
I decided to add the awesome Readylift Upper Control Arms (UCA's) to the install to help with ball joint angles after the upgrade. The Eibach head tech rep said this wasn't necessary but would help, so I decided to install them. I ended up buying a whole Readylift 2" front level kit from TireRack because I got the whole kit on sale and shipped for $33 less than the cheapest price I could find for just the UCA's. Added bonus, I can now sell just the Readylift 2" spacers to make a little cash.
Install began. This is my first time doing a suspension install not in a shop and on a rack. With the Big Red SUV jackstands I bought and the Daytona crossbeam adapter for my 3-ton Daytona jack, it wasn't too bad and I felt comfortable doing what I needed to do.
I started with the fronts and it only took ~20mins to remove the first shock. As I mentioned before, I wanted a quick install and with the misinformation from Eibach, that wasn't happening. I removed the first shock and used cheapie coil spring compressors to do the job.
Stock shock left, Eibach right
Note the paint pen cross on the stock shock. This needs to line up with the tallest part of the triangle on the upper strut mount and centered with the opening for the lower shock mount.
I used my trusty 40-year-old Blue Point rubber mallet to hammer off the lower strut mount and the metal cap on the stock shock. This process was way easier than I thought, but that's probably because the shocks are pretty much new.
I seated the aluminum collar into the lower strut mount and installed it with the adjustable C-clip in position #2, which Eibach claims is for a 2.6" front lift.
Here's a pic of the cheapie spring compressors. They were sketchy at best and I felt pretty uncomfortable using them with the Eibach springs. They seemed fine with the stock springs though. Note, I installed all of the stock coil wraps, bump stop, and left the stock dust boot on the upper isolators.
Ignore my dirty fingerprints, lol
I installed the new struts on the front and installed the Readylift UCA's. The UCA's were incredibly easy to install.
