Torque Settings - Front Strut Replacement

[Horhay7]

Hi guys, I was hoping someone might have this information. I'm going to be attempting to swap out the original rancho shocks in the front with Bilstein 5100s, and wanted to know if anybody has the torque settings for all the bolts involved in the job? Having a hell of a time trying to find any information and I don't have a Helm manual to help me. Can anyone help?

[newdude]

Lower shock bolt: 37 ft.lbs.

 

Upper shock nuts: 37 ft.lbs.

 

Wheel: 140 ft.lbs.

 

On 4WD vehicles, the front shock absorber assembly can be removed by bringing the assembly downwards as far as possible into the opening in the front lower control arm and then tilting the assembly clear of the front upper control arm. After clearing the front upper control arm, the assembly can then be lifted back upwards and outwards to clear the front lower control arm and front wheel drive shaft.

 

[Horhay7]

hmm I didn't think by looking at it, it would even be possible to take out that shock without at least removing the link and possibly an control arm. That sounds like it can be done with a little patience. Has anybody done that without removing those other parts?

[bdbake01]

I did it this weekend. Not too hard. The only thing you need to remove besides the wheel is the sway bar link. And the Bilsteins come with new nuts for the lower shock mount, and a different torque setting. 27 I think, it's in the paperwork. As for the top nut (also, comes with a new nut), I think it's 19 ftlb, but who cares cause there's not a chance in *^%$ that you can get a torque wrench on it.

 

I think you could actually do it without removing the wheels if you were a masochist.

[bdbake01]

FYI, if you decide to raise the front by 3 or 4 notches, a small pry bar will be most helpful to get the bottom of the shock back onto the lower A arm perch. Raising it up makes the entire assembly longer by up to 1.86", so you'll need to drop the lower arm down lower in order to get the assembly back in. I needed to convince it juuuust a tad with a pry bar in order to get it in on the 3rd notch. A sturdier man than I could probably get it in without.

[Horhay7]

Thanks for the tips. I'm thinking of putting the Bilstein one notch up from stock, just for a little less rake but not too bad. Hopefully won't much trouble. Appreciate the help. Now if this damn weather will just cooperate here in the NE

[bdbake01]

One last thing. Probably I borrowed a set of strut compressors from the local Advance and while they did work, it's alllll that they wanted. But careful, and don't attempt this with any cheap Harbor Freight spring compressors. If you don't have an impact wrench for the compressing, be prepared to wear your arms out. May wanna bring a beer.

[dp2826]

Found this the other day looking for torque specs.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/155408-factory-torque-specifications/?hl=torque+specs

[Horhay7]

One last thing. Probably I borrowed a set of strut compressors from the local Advance and while they did work, it's alllll that they wanted. But careful, and don't attempt this with any cheap Harbor Freight spring compressors. If you don't have an impact wrench for the compressing, be prepared to wear your arms out. May wanna bring a beer.

oh boy, sounds like I have a fun install ahead of me

 

 

Found this the other day looking for torque specs.

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/155408-factory-torque-specifications/?hl=torque+specs

That's perfect, definitely will come in handy