I just received my two front Bilstein replacement shocks in the mail and am going to install them myself. Seems like a pretty straightforward procedure, but are there any pitfalls?

The Bilstein instructions show a picture of a hammer hitting the stem of the shock ...is that a procedure that needs to be done? As far as I know, you unbolt the lower retaining bolt/nut and then unscrew the stem nut to remove the old shock, then reverse the process to install (using new bushings and washers). Am I missing something?

Also, the shocks each come with two steel sleeves. I know that one must be hammered into the lower mount hoop bushing, but does the other mount vertically on the stem to protect the two upper bushings? ANy info is appreciated.

-Mike

 

Mike,

Unscrew the stem nuts first, then the lower retaining bolts, remove shock. Reverse the process to install.

As for the steel sleeves, I'm not sure. Never had them before. Hopefully someone else can shed some light on it, or you could try calling a Bilstein dealer / where you purchased them from.

-Ben

 

Thanks Ben, I figured it wasn't too hard. I'll ask Bilstein about those sleeves, but I bet they are to protect the bushings.

-Mike

 

Took about 20 mins per side in the front and the ride is amazing!!
Pics:





I can't wait to get the rears done...shocks are on the way.

-Mike

 

One more. The extra sleeve was actually a different I/D sleeve for the lower bushing.

 

...the way it currently looks. 6" Fabtech suspension lift with 4" block in the rear, 16x10 Mickey Thompson Classic II's (new, larger lightening holes), and 35" Nitto Terra Grapplers.



I still can't get over how incredible this thing rides with new Bilsteins up front!! The Fabtech shocks aren't even close to being as nice!! I wish I had changed them sooner...

-Mike

 

Where did you order those, i need a set front and rear?

 

I got mine through Rocky Mountain Suspension (RCD). Their website is www.rockymountainsusp.com...awesome customer service!

What setup do you have? The shocks I ordered are specifically for my setup (which would be the exact same as anyone else with a 6" Fabtech suspension lift/4" rear block). I called Fabtech direct and got compression/expansion data for shocks required on their lift and then called Bilstein direct to get the proper shocks to cover the application I had.

I will post all the data for my shock setup when I get the rears done...should be helpful to those who want the proper Bilsteins given they have the same lift as I do.

The fronts are BE5-6526-H5, the rears are different. Standby, I will post all the data soon.

-Mike

P.S. In case you are wondering, the dust boots are pulled too far down on the shocks in the photos...makes it look like they are extended already. Trust me, they aren't (note how little of the shock is showing below the boot...I've since moved the boots back up where they belong) .

 

Looks good Mike! Glad to see it worked out well for you.

-Ben

 

Yes i have the same set up as you, Fabtech 6 inch lift, except i have the 315-70-17 on mine, so the shocks should be just fine i would think...