So I installed the rears with no problem, and the fronts are coming along, but I cannot seem to get the bottom of the front struts back into the LCA. The LCA is preloaded and I cant seem to find a way to get the bottom end of the strut to go into its place (there is about a 3/4" lip that I cant get it to go up and over).

These are the steps I followed to get the front strut out (as found in the instructions):
(a) Remove front wheel.
(b) Detach speed sensor wire from shock assembly
and disconnect it from the speed sensor. (Fig 4-1)
(c) Remove bolt holding lower end of shock absorber.
(d) Remove engine room side covers.
(1) Remove 4 clips from each side.
(e) Loosen the lock nut of the front shock absorber.
(Fig 4-2)
NOTE: Do not remove the lock nut.
(f) Remove the 3 nuts on the upper side of the front
suspension support. (Fig 4-3)
Note: Lower arm bushing preload will not allow the
shock assembly to fall.
(g) Remove the 2 bolts from the front lower ball joint.
(Fig 4-4)
(h) Pull shock assembly from the vehicle.



Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

i had to use a pry bar and my buddy pryed the LCA down so i could slide it in. to be more specific he had to use his whole weight, he actually stepped on it. the IS suspension is pretty stiff from factory. hope this helps..

 

did you have the front sway bar disconnected as well?