DIY Bilstein 5100 Ride Height Adjustable Install

[reiter284]

Is there a write up or how to on installing the shocks yourself? I searched the forums and couldn't find anything. I am sure it is straightforward. But I always like to see a write up and torque specs for everything would be great as well. Also, does anyone have info on when these will be available again? They appear to be backordered everywhere.

[nadrojcote]

I dont think there is a how to on it.

 

 

1. Jack up vehicle and put on jack stands

 

2. Loosen/remove sway bar links on both sides.

 

3. Use a flat screw driver to pry plastic wire holders off top nuts. Remove 3 top hat nuts from the top of your shock/coil assembly

 

4. Remove two bottom nuts from the bottom of your shock

 

5. Push bottom of the shock back to get it to fall down through the lower control arm, then pull the top up and out

 

6. Use spring compressor to compress coils.

 

7. Remove top nut holding the shock onto the top plate and pull shock out of the coil assembly

 

8. Repeat in reverse to install

 

It's the same as in this video as the 2007-2013 have very similar suspension. In this video they remove the three top nuts from within the engine bay, on my truck I was able to remove them from the wheel well.

 

 

Torque specs for:

specs are in red:

Front Upper Strut Bolts: 37 ft.lbs

Front Lower Strut Bolt: 37 ft.lbs

Upper Ball Joint Nut: first pass 37 ft.lbs, second pass 90-110 degrees

Steering Linkage Nut: first pass 26 ft.lbs second pass 85-105 degrees

Sway Bar Nut: 17 ft.lbs

Rear Lower Shock Bolts: 85 ft.lbs

Rear U-Bolts: first pass 59 ft.lbs, second pass 130 degrees

Thanks !!!

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/155408-factory-torque-specifications/

[reiter284]

thanks for the write up. great info.

[jeff_94]

Just ordered 2 sets today on ebay for a good price. Only a couple left. Still sold out just about everywhere

[reiter284]

Thanks for the heads up. Ordered fronts/rears yesterday off ebay as well thanks to this post. $360 free shipping no tax.