Help - Problem W/bilstein 5100's

[cduke123]

I need some help. I ordered a set of (4) Bilstein 5100's for a 2002 GMC Yukon XL. The problem is that it seems something is missing. The lower end has an inverted 'U' bracket just like the OEM shocks have, which is not a problem. The upper end, however, is only a threaded bolt. There is a hardware packet w/5 small pieces, but something is not quite right b/c I don't know how they will attach. I am a hurry b/c my vehicle is on jackstands now and I was ready to install the shocks.

 

Am I missing something or is this how they are supposed to be? It so, how do they attach?

[2007VictoryRed]

Dose the new shock look like the ones on the truck? If not you got the wrong ones. They have to look the same and mount the same way.

[cduke123]

No, not at all; however, the Bilstein rep at the factory told me that they were the ones that I need. I am replacing the stock Autoride shocks, so they will look different anyway, but I don't understand what the long threaded bolt is supposed to do. My only thought is that it might screw inside the dol body, but I am not replacing Bilstein's w/Bilstein's. I am replacing OEM shocks with Bilstein's.

 

My next thought is to call Bilstein when they open to see what is wrong.

[2007VictoryRed]

If it is 1500 Half ton these shold be the part numbers

Front- F4-BE5-6500-H0

Rear-F4-BE5-6501-H0

 

If it is a 2500 3/4 ton

Front-F4-BE5-6081-H0

Rear-F4-BE5-6501-H1

 

I pulled these numbers of off the Bilstein Website.

They should look like this.

Hope I helped.

[2007VictoryRed]

I drew a Quick Picture Hope this helps.

[cujo8]

Sounds like 2007VictoryRed has you covered, but I have a related question about Bilstein shocks. From what I read the 5100 series are designed for lifted trucks, but I've read on this site that some people are using them on non-lifted trucks. Is there a performance difference between the 5100 series and the ones they sell for non-lifted trucks to make these folks run the 5100's on their non-lifted trucks? I'm getting ready to order some Bilsteins and I just want to get the best ones for my stock ride height 2006 Sierra 1500 4x4. Thanks.

[cduke123]

VictoryRed. Thanks for the help. I am going to call Bilstein this morning. That drawing puts me at ease quite a bit b/c I was afraid that I was missing something, but those parts are there. I have not taken the front shock off, only the rears and did not know that it mounts that way.

 

As far as the 5100's, they have greater travel. My vehicle is not lifted, but went w/the 5100's at the recommendation of the Bilstein rep.

[cujo8]

VictoryRed. Thanks for the help. I am going to call Bilstein this morning. That drawing puts me at ease quite a bit b/c I was afraid that I was missing something, but those parts are there. I have not taken the front shock off, only the rears and did not know that it mounts that way.

 

As far as the 5100's, they have greater travel. My vehicle is not lifted, but went w/the 5100's at the recommendation of the Bilstein rep.

 

So what hardware are you missing? Depending on what you're missing you may be able to get what you need from a hardware/autoparts store to get you back on the road or even reuse something from your old shocks. I'm sure Bilstein will help you out, but I'm not sure how long it will take them. When I order my shocks I will be sure to check my order before I start the project. There's nothing I hate worse than be in the middle of a project and find I don't have everything I need and especially if it's something that was supposed to be included in the kit.

[2007VictoryRed]

Sounds like 2007VictoryRed has you covered, but I have a related question about Bilstein shocks. From what I read the 5100 series are designed for lifted trucks, but I've read on this site that some people are using them on non-lifted trucks. Is there a performance difference between the 5100 series and the ones they sell for non-lifted trucks to make these folks run the 5100's on their non-lifted trucks? I'm getting ready to order some Bilsteins and I just want to get the best ones for my stock ride height 2006 Sierra 1500 4x4. Thanks.

Like you say for lifted trucks, When you order those they have you measure the lengh of the shock from bolt to bolt setting on the level ground. They changed the lengh of the shock, it got taller, so they need a custom shock. They do have just replacement shocks for your truck I would stick with those there ment for your truck.