2016 Sierra - Bilstein 4600's installed

[TJay74]

After having to wait for another set of the front shocks to be sent out due to shipping damage I was finally able to install the fronts on Monday. I had already put the rears on, they only take about 30 minutes total on your back in the garage floor. The front though, oh the fronts took about 2.5 hours to put them on.

 

I will share some things I learned along the way.

 

-The strut mount can only go on one way, it is "clocked" per say. This will save you some time. After wrestling with the first one I marked the second one and it went way faster.

-The lower strut mount that goes to the lower control arm is "clocked" as well, make sure the "Bilstein" logo is facing out and the mounting tabs are in line with the bolt holes

-It can be done with a spring compressor from Advanced Auto, just takes time. Wear safety glasses and take your time.

-Spray the upper strut retainer bolt with penetrating oil along with the sway bar endlink. Those are the only ones that seemed to have rusted slightly.

 

Now I wont say the rides is exceptionally better but it is noticeably firmer and more in control versus the faux pas "Rancho" shocks. I wouldnt say drop everything to get this done, but I would put it on your 2-3 year of ownership maintenance work for sure.