Rancho Shock Install

[CarFreak146]

I'm tryin to install Rancho 5000's on my 94 Explorer.... and why I have posted this in the 911!! Forum is because, I"m goin on a wheeling trip tomorrow moring, and need these on tonight.

So anyway.... the part number on the front ones (the set I'm having trouble with) is RS5029 which is a replacement for the RS5019 that the Rancho parts catalog gives.... well the lower mounting eye had a sleeve in the bushing, which is normal on shocks, but if you're fimilar with the 94 Lower mounting point for the front shocks, there is a sleeve there already that if part of the bolt the the lower mounting eye of the shock mounts too.... so I removed the one from the Rancho.... now, when that happened, the hole in the rubber bushing got smaller b/c the sleeve was pressed in there, and I've managed to get the threaded part of the bolt through the hole in the bushing, but I can't for the life of me get the sleeve into the bushing.... has anyone had any experience installing there Rancho 5000's on their 1st gen explorers and had this problem, or knows a way that I could get these one there???

As this forum states, its for emergencies, and I REALLY consider this to be one, so anybody that could help me out will get great respect from me forever (as if that's really a reward. haha)

Thanks for your help guys,
--Ryan

 

[Mbrooks420]

Did you try any wd-40 or other lube? Twisting it in with a socket/air ratchet?

 

[CarFreak146]

yeah, tried WD40, tried grease, tried twisting, tried it all, except, I"m getting ready to try to drill out the hole in the bushing just a LITTLE bit bigger and see if that helps.

--Ryan

 

[Mbrooks420]

I don't think I'd try to drill it. Maybe a die grinder with a fine burr bit.

 

[CarFreak146]

well, I tried it, and it still didn't work.... I dunno what I'm gonna do now.

--Ryan

 

[Mbrooks420]

Did you try pressing them in with a jaw type puller?

 

[CarFreak146]

Yeah, I did, and it didn't work.... I think they sent me the wrong shocks.... I'll update in a couple days.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I would assume they did also. Mine were on a second gen, but I had no problem doing them in the driveway with limited tools.

 

[CarFreak146]

Problem solved, wrong part numbers, goin to pick up the right ones in a few minutes.
--Ryan

 

[Flash]

I just finished fitting Nissan Patrol shocks on my '96 Explorer 4wd.

Wasn't easy but they were less than 1/2 price and work great.