Replacing Front Leveling Block

[reardiff]

I currently have a 2-inch leveling block on the bottom shock mount in the front and thinking I want to go down to either 1.5 or 1 inch instead.  Is this as easy as unbolting and sliding the old one out and new one in? Or will the shock drop down and have to fight it to get it back in with loosening tie rod, sway bar, etc. I'd rather do this myself, if it's literally unbolted, take old one out, then slide new one in. But if requires more effort I may just have someone, do it for me than fight with it.  I watched them put on what's in there in now a few years ago, and looks like they loosened things up quite a bit to get enough room. 

[mikeyk101]

If you don't feel confident or mechanically inclined, my suggestion is to let someone else do it. And just a fyi, you mentioned it was done a few years back. Last year I decided to ditch my Rough Country 2" level and OEM struts in favor of different struts. Mine had been installed for a few years. When I went to remove those lower strut bolts, I had problems with a couple of them snapping in half and also getting stuck in lower control arm because of rust. It was a major PIA to get it done. It was definitely a lot more involved than just removing lower bolts and swapping out those blocks with new ones. 

[reardiff]

Thanks - now that you mention that the reason I'm wanting to change for a lower one is last week had a new set of all 4 shocks/struts put on - Bilstein 5100's. But now it sits about 3/4 of an inch higher. No idea why since it was on the lowest setting which should have been stock height. Maybe it will settle after driving a bit? But the bolts should be free. I was on the fence prior to this, but now it just bugs me and just think I'd like to go down about an inch or so. or maybe it's an excuse to go up a tire size and fill the gap in that way ; ) 

[David Bodine]

How are those bilstein 5100 shocks? I'm hoping to switch to the 5100 and improve the rough ride in city and highway.

[MikeBMW]

This is not a response for me but I have installed 5100 Bilsteins all around.
I have the fronts set to 0.85" of lift and I easily go over a railroad crossing with much less bouncing than I've ever experienced.
I'd highly recommend them. JMO

[reardiff]

I agree with MikeBMW. There was a very noticeable improvement in ride quality, although what they were replacing was stock with 85k miles and leaking in the rear, so most likely anything would have been an improvement.  But overall couldn't be happier, like said above going over things like railroad tracks or dips in the road or those rough expansion joints are where you notice it most.  I'd also highly recommend as well.  Now I just have to get the ride height dialed in where I want it.