Shock Install

THEREED · June 21, 2016

I want to enhance my trucks ride quality so I am thinking of putting Bilstein 5100's on. Looking for less body roll and bouncing over bumps. I currently have 2014 CC AT 5.3 on stock wheels and tires. I figured I would start with the rear as they are cheaper and easier to install and then put the fronts on later assuming I can notice the difference over stock. To install the rear shocks can I simply do it with the truck sitting on the ground? Just want to make sure there is no need to jack up or take weight off springs. Seems easy for rear but just want to check...

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thearizonacowboy · June 21, 2016

I want to enhance my trucks ride quality so I am thinking of putting Bilstein 5100's on. Looking for less body roll and bouncing over bumps. I currently have 2014 CC AT 5.3 on stock wheels and tires. I figured I would start with the rear as they are cheaper and easier to install and then put the fronts on later assuming I can notice the difference over stock. To install the rear shocks can I simply do it with the truck sitting on the ground? Just want to make sure there is no need to jack up or take weight off springs. Seems easy for rear but just want to check...

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Loosen bottom shock mount bolts. Place jack directly under shock body and raise jack up slightly to remove pressure from bolt to allow easy removal. Lower jack. Remove top shock mount bolt (nut is welded to frame). Remove shock. Mount new shock to top mount. Using the jack under shock body, jack it up until it is compressed and the shock body hole is lined up with the mount hole to allow easy installation of bottom bolt. Tighten top and bottom bolts. If you don't have a torque wrench just snug up the bolts, they're not going anywhere. Rinse and repeat.

When you want to tackle the front it's not bad at all. I can help walk you through it as well

THEREED · June 21, 2016

Awesome! Thanks and will do. I do have a torque wrench, what are the specs?

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Zachlovesfood · June 21, 2016

When I replaced mine, I didn't use a jack or anything. Once you loosen the bottom bolt, if you just wiggle it the bolt will slide out. The top nut is welded onto the mounting bracket, so all you have to do is slide the bolt out once loose.

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gabekalp · June 21, 2016

no need for a jack, you can easily compress it with one hand...

fondupot · June 21, 2016

You might experience a "see-saw" effect going over bumps if you only replace the rear shocks. Since the 5100's are valved differently than the OEM fronts.

Might as well do them all at once.

Zachlovesfood · June 23, 2016

You might experience a "see-saw" effect going over bumps if you only replace the rear shocks. Since the 5100's are valved differently than the OEM fronts.

Might as well do them all at once.

I initially installed the rear shocks only and drove around for a few weeks. I was waiting on the fronts to come in the mail (they were backordered). From what I remember, I still experienced a noticeable improvement in the trucks ride. It made me all the more excited to get the front shocks in the mail haha.

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cbrsilv15 · June 23, 2016

I did my tears on my s10 on the ground. No jacks. Silverado should be the same.

Eli · November 15, 2019

I put a sag on my truck so my rear looks stock height or a inch less than stock do I put lowering shocks or do I put on stock hieght shocks because my lift shocks are leaking and I don’t know what I should replace them with?