While not a detailed how to thread, its just a few pictures and some basic info. On a previous thread I was looking for Bilstein 4600's and used the advice on the board and got a set from Rockauto. Very happy with their website, prices and shipping. Got a great deal and the shipping was much faster than expected. 468 C$ shipped to my office.
Rear shocks on this platform are easy. No need to remove wheels, spare or even jack it up. While new shocks are hard to compress to get that last bolt in, it can be done with some muscle.
The fronts are time consuming but straight forward. 5 hours from setup, install, cleanup, test drive, oil change and even throw in 2.5 gallons of DEF in my truck. Vehicle is up on jackstands, wheels off. Remove the pinch bolt on the upper CA to drop the spindle/knuckle down. While it may not be necessary to remove the tie rod ends, it is easy to do and allows more movement of the spindle. To gain a little more drop in the LCA, I drop all 4 bolts holding the sway bar up. Again, it may not be necessary but its easy to do. Then unbolt the pinch bolt on the bottom of the strut. Spread the gap with a punch and hammer. Smack the strut arm (not sure of the term) with a hammer and it will eventually work its way below the strut.
Now you remove the 2 bolts on the strut tower to drop out the strut. I bought a cheap coil spring compressor in 2014, for about 40$ all in. Works like a charm. Just use it wisely. Its a simple unbolt and swap for the new struts and reverse for their install. I use a floor jack to raise the LCA up as I wiggle the strut into its arm. Everything gets a nice dose of antiseize aswell.
Night and day difference with the new 4600's in place. No more dancing over washboards.
Rear shocks on this platform are easy. No need to remove wheels, spare or even jack it up. While new shocks are hard to compress to get that last bolt in, it can be done with some muscle.
The fronts are time consuming but straight forward. 5 hours from setup, install, cleanup, test drive, oil change and even throw in 2.5 gallons of DEF in my truck. Vehicle is up on jackstands, wheels off. Remove the pinch bolt on the upper CA to drop the spindle/knuckle down. While it may not be necessary to remove the tie rod ends, it is easy to do and allows more movement of the spindle. To gain a little more drop in the LCA, I drop all 4 bolts holding the sway bar up. Again, it may not be necessary but its easy to do. Then unbolt the pinch bolt on the bottom of the strut. Spread the gap with a punch and hammer. Smack the strut arm (not sure of the term) with a hammer and it will eventually work its way below the strut.
Now you remove the 2 bolts on the strut tower to drop out the strut. I bought a cheap coil spring compressor in 2014, for about 40$ all in. Works like a charm. Just use it wisely. Its a simple unbolt and swap for the new struts and reverse for their install. I use a floor jack to raise the LCA up as I wiggle the strut into its arm. Everything gets a nice dose of antiseize aswell.
Night and day difference with the new 4600's in place. No more dancing over washboards.
