installing control arms with 5 inch lift

[nrambo]

ok this lift is kicking my . i bought a 5 inch rough country lift with 4 inch blocks. im trying to install the lower control arms now. my factory ones were a little over 18 inches. they are gone now and im trying to install the new ones. they are adjustable and go down to 18 inches. the problem is the factory ones are off the truck and no matter what position my axle is in ive only got 17 inch or smaller gap????? its like the bottom of the axle rolled towards the back of the truck. and the upper control arms are still on is that causing the problem? so any help on fitting the control arms in would be appreciated. and btw it says to start with lower control arms at 20 inches long.... well im way off

[Idaho1]

What about either raising the truck frame/lowering the axle until the right gap is achieved if possible with the upper arms on? Or remove the upper arms and then raise the frame or lower the axle.

[DustinB]

is the truck on the ground??
that's the easiest way. just roll the axle forward until you get the right length.
i know it's hind-sight, but you should've chocked the wheels so the axle couldn't move backwards

[PullU2]

This why I always do one side at a time.

[nrambo]

the wheels are off the frame is supported by jack stands and the axle is on jacks that roll but the axle wont budge its like the front driveshaft is holding it back or it could just be the upper control arms. so it wont hurt anything if i take the upper control arms off the same time the lowers are off im thinking thats my only option??????

[sredish]

Try disconnecting the driveshaft, it may be causing it to roll backwards. If it was on the ground, I'd say get a come-a-long and apply gentle tracking on it to gain a litle more gap bur not a good idea on jacks. Maybe put the tires on and get it on the ground so you can get a little more forceful.

Maybe put a jack under the pinion and see if by jacking it at that point, it will roll forward some as it lifts. I imagine it'll take a lot of roll to get an inch though.

[nrambo]

I got it by using a come a long. the control arms springs and shocks are all in now just waiting on my new steering box. and gonna do the back Sunday.

[sredish]

I gotta put my control arms in myself; it's just too friggin hot for me to get motivated. I have gears to put in as well, those might be next week.