why are you taking the shock out. you don't have to do that. stop wasting your time with that. Here is what you have to do. First go to auto-zone or advanced auto parts i prefer auto-zone. rent for free their McPherson strut compressors 2.(you will need 3 compressors) you will need 2 jacks. remove tire, support the frame of the truck just on the flat even part of the truck(just behind the drives side wheel. lift it up one side only at a time. then use the second jack and install it under lower control arm. jack up the control arm until all the weight is on that jack, and the spring is semi compressed.(note. the other jack holding up the truck will be off the frame) install the spring compressors. i used 3 for saftey. compress the spring as much as it will go but be carefull it is very dangerous, so be safe about it. install a ratchet strap to the spring and tie it off to the shox tower, SLOWLY let the jack down in the control arm until it is safely all the way down. make sure the spring compressors are holding. take a rubber hammer and thunk the blue collar up (mine was a bitch) until you can see the ring of the middle perch. then slide the clip ring up. After that is complete use the jack to raise the control arm until it supports the weight. Then remove slowly the compressors. and your done with the first side. don't forget the alignment when you completed. good luck and hit me up if you need anymore info. the only reason i could see you taking it out would if you were using a wall mounted spring compressor or a calm style compressor. you can do it easier with it in the truck.
