Bilstein shock swap - installation questions

[4WDTRK]

I'm considering swapping over to Bilstein shocks and getting rid of my Rancho 9000's. I'm all over the place with the Ranchos and just don't care for the ride.

I haven't replaced shocks myself on this truck and I'm wondering the level of difficulty to do it myself? I know the rears are usually easy, how about the fronts? I'd just be working with a basic floor jack and jack stands. If it's labor intensive or a real PITA I'd probably just take it to a shop. I just don't have the time to bang knuckles all day.

Finally, if anyone could give me the correct Bilstein part numbers for front and rear that would be great. I just have a key lift/level w/ Z71 rear springs (no spacers).

Thanks!

 

[richs1]

I'm considering swapping over to Bilstein shocks and getting rid of my Rancho 9000's. I'm all over the place with the Ranchos and just don't care for the ride.

I haven't replaced shocks myself on this truck and I'm wondering the level of difficulty to do it myself? I know the rears are usually easy, how about the fronts? I'd just be working with a basic floor jack and jack stands. If it's labor intensive or a real PITA I'd probably just take it to a shop. I just don't have the time to bang knuckles all day.

Finally, if anyone could give me the correct Bilstein part numbers for front and rear that would be great. I just have a key lift/level w/ Z71 rear springs (no spacers).

Thanks!

Very easy. I did it with basic tools in about 30 minutes. Shock numbers are:
Front 24-186643
Rear 24- 187237

I believe those are correct. They are for 0-2.5 inches of lift which should be fine for what you have. I bought mine from 4 wheel parts online, they helped me get the correct ones, give them a call.

 

[4WDTRK]

Very easy. I did it with basic tools in about 30 minutes. Shock numbers are:
Front 24-186643
Rear 24- 187237

I believe those are correct. They are for 0-2.5 inches of lift which should be fine for what you have. I bought mine from 4 wheel parts online, they helped me get the correct ones, give them a call.

@richs1 this helps me out...thanks much!

 

[Scottydoggs]

a air gun if you have one makes short work of them bolts. back ones are kinda large too.

the top nut up on the front shocks i used a vise grip to hold the rod under the mount, then took the nut off. as it loosens up you'll need to re adjust and re clamp the vise grip.

 

[4WDTRK]

a air gun if you have one makes short work of them bolts. back ones are kinda large too.

the top nut up on the front shocks i used a vise grip to hold the rod under the mount, then took the nut off. as it loosens up you'll need to re adjust and re clamp the vise grip.

@Scottydoggs thanks for the tips...these all help a lot...I'm going to try to do this next month. Really hoping the ride improves over the Ranchos!

 

[ladorn45]

Super easy. For the rear i used ratchet straps to compress the shock helped when bolting it to the rear

 

[Scottydoggs]

Super easy. For the rear i used ratchet straps to compress the shock helped when bolting it to the rear

i used a large screw driver to pry the bottom of the shock up then popped the bolt in.

 

[4WDTRK]

Super easy. For the rear i used ratchet straps to compress the shock helped when bolting it to the rear

@ladorn45 Great idea! Thanks!

 

[4WDTRK]

i used a large screw driver to pry the bottom of the shock up then popped the bolt in.

@Scottydoggs Good idea, sounds like the top mount is always first in the rear.

 

[Scottydoggs]

i tossed in a set of air bags after the fact, firmed up the body roll.