Front Shock Replacement

[Dilatory]

I've got an 06 1500 4x4. It's Shocks inside the coil configuration (I only mention this because I have no idea if there's any other configuration) Can anyone give me any pointers on replacing the shocks? Ive got some brand new Bilsteins I want to put in but I was just hoping someone could give me a run-down on how to do it so I don't mess anything up.

 

Thanks in advance for reading/responses.

[Jsdirt]

Sounds like your referring to struts - not sure how the 06 is, but if the spring strength is anything close to the NBS '07 & up, you'll need one HEAVY duty spring press to get it out of there without either breaking the press or losing an arm. I just did mine. My "heavy duty" press bent without the spring moving a fraction of a millimeter!!

 

I removed both strut assemblies & brought them to the local dealer along with my new Bilsteins. $90 later & no injuries, I re-installed them in the truck. Best upgrade yet.

[Dilatory]

I think this may be a visit to a shop. I was under the impression that you didn't need to mess with the springs too much xD

Thanks for the reply.

[Jsdirt]

I thought just the NBS Chevy 1/2 ton trucks had struts ... not sure there.

 

If it's just a regular coil spring setup (doubtful on 4x4), the shock will slide out the bottom no problem. If it's a strut, the spring needs to be compressed in order to remove the top nut from the assembly -- if you remove that nut without compressing the spring, REALLY BAD things will happen to your body if your anywhere within 5' of it. More than likely it would kill you - it certainly has the power to!

[Dilatory]

Thanks again for the reply I don't suppose you could help me out with a differentiation between the two styles? A picture of each would be awesome.

 

If it's safe to remove Ill definitely do it myself but if its a potentially life and limb sort of endeavor its off to a shop.

[Jsdirt]

Strut ('07 Silverado):

 

 

Traditional shock - hard to see in this pic, but you can see the bottom of the shock bolted to the bottom of the lower control arm on this vintage car. It runs up through the center of the spring ... but like I said before - I highly doubt this is what you have:

[Jsdirt]

More strut pics for you:

 

You can remove the strut assembly all in one piece safely - just don't try to disassemble the strut from the spring.

 

 

 

[Dilatory]

After pulling the wheel off I realized I'm a retard and imagined there being a spring there. Just the strut/shock .. I wish I knew what I was talking about.. xD .. I can look at it and see how it should go together or what it's purpose is but my terminology is lackluster to say the least.

 

In any case I have one side done, Ill try and get a picture.

[scz71864]

i was reading this and saying, if you have an 06, you dont have a strut. The gmt 800's have a different set up than the 900's. You can change those shocks in your driveway with hand tools.

[Dilatory]

Yeahp. Fronts are done. Been screwing around Plasti-dipping the front wheels and I'm gonna do the rear shocks momentarily.

[Jsdirt]

i was reading this and saying, if you have an 06, you dont have a strut. The gmt 800's have a different set up than the 900's. You can change those shocks in your driveway with hand tools.

 

Torsion bars ... right?

 

I remember when I first bought my '07 I commented on how I'd never seen struts on a truck before. Didn't think it was done before then - at least not to my knowledge.

[Dilatory]

http://imageshack.us...willimbury.jpg/

http://imageshack.us...willimbury.jpg/

 

They were kind of interesting to get on, I had the control arm bottomed out and I had to turn the wheels as needed to get the top in and then turn it the other way to get the bottom bracket on.

Second one took me a grand total of 10 minutes.. first one was more like 40 figuring out aforementioned maneuvering.

[Jsdirt]

Yep - torsion bars, no springs. Same setup as my '89 S10 Blazer.

 

Glad you got it taken care of. Piece of cake compared to struts ... and cheaper too.