So I finally got my new bilsteins shocks in and am ready to install them but...They came in not compressed. Should I be concerned? I'm thinking that is I jack up the side to be worked on, I can install them by letting the tire hang all the way down.

 

I just did mine today. Was a bit of a pain but a 4x4 block and a 2x4 levered them into place. Once its in the lower housing you can pry it into place.

I have a tera flex spring leveling kit and got the 0-2 inch lift shocks. I jacked the rear until the brake lines were tight and it still was not high enough to slip the shocks in. I guess I need to deal with that issue next.. CM

 

Thats the exact lift and shocks that I have. I'm kind off thinking I should just have the local garage install them.

 

Try removing the brake line holding brackets and disconnect the sway bar links. Then lower the entire axle with the stock jack via the diff (jeep is on jack stands on the frame), should give you enough room. You then raise the axle to reconnect the swaybar links and compress the shocks.

 

These write-ups have some detailed info with pics. hope they help
http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-...ation-write-up
http://project-jk.com/jeep-jk-write-...ation-write-up

 

I've never installed the Bilsteins, but I have installed the stock sport, Rubicon, and OME nitros just by attaching the top mounts and pushing up by hand into the axle mount. I'm no Hulk or anything, but none of these shocks were that hard to compress by hand.

 

I just installed this way when I put on my Teraflex shocks a couple weeks ago. Honestly it was pretty easy. Took me just over an hour for all four. I would have been done sooner if I wouldn't have removed the front tires when doing those 2 shocks.

 

so i really wanna get y new shock onto my jeep. I got some new bilsteins that are NOT compressed. I have acess to most hand tools and a nice place to install them. I have basic mechanical skills. Do you think I can do this by myself or am I over my head here??? I cant not have my jeep down do to stupidity.

 

You should be able to do this yourself. Attach the top shock mount then compress it by hand to fit the bottom mount in.

 

You should be able to. I am not figuring what you mean by compressed. You should be able to push the rod in.