I am considering purchasing a set of Bilsteins but I have one small problem, I have ever installed shocks on a vehicle. This looks to be very straight forward however in my experience, if it looks straight forward it is most likely not. I have looked in the DIY section and did not see anything relating to this install. Can anyone give me some tips or guidance on this install. Any input will be appreciated. Edited by: Rookiew/Dmax

piece of cake.


front


bottom: standard bolt and nut, 18mm ?


top: 10mm nut, I think, and drop the shock through the bottom.


rear: two nuts/bolts, done.


You will have to compress the shocks which is not hard, reversing the process to install but everything will be self explanatory when you start.

One of the simplest tasks on earth!

When you guys install the Bilsteins, do you "purge" the shocks by compressing and extending the shocks through their full range of movement a couple of times prior to installing. It's been 20+ years since I have installed shocks. Just wondering if that practice still exists today.

Leave the ties on the shocks as you install them and cut and remove once the nuts and bolts are in place. Don't try to purge them unless your in the need for some good exercise and frustration.

I just put RS9000X's on my '01 a couple weeks ago, very simple. I took off the front tires, made it simple. Rears, I just slide under the truck and stuck both of them in, in less than 10 min. fronts took about 15 min. per side taking off the tires and all.


Bilsteins are very stiff when installing, I put a set on my old '92 chevy. I would recommend putting the bottom bolt in before cutting the plastic strap on the front ones, unless you like to wrestle with them.


Just my 2 cents worth http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif

Related question:


I have the "green keys" to level my truck. Don't worry--I won't start another debate by claiming the ride is better than it was with the torsion bars cranked to an equal height. ; )


However, my ride is still not where I want it. Someday, I may do a lift (4" or so) and choose a good brand with bilsteins. In the meantime, I have a question:


If I go buy bilstein shocks now and install them with the green keys, will my ride quality improve? If so, I'm all over it. Then, if/when I lift someday, I'll just buy a kit without shocks, as I'll already have them.


I don't want to spend money on new shocks if it's not going to help my rough, loud, (and sometimes bouncey) ride.


Thanks in advance.


~Terel

Terel,


I installed the green keys and bilsteins about 2 weeks ago. You should feel a big improvement over OEM. I noticed as soon as i pulled out of the driveway. no more extended bouncing.


I added H2 rims and tires last weekend. Picked up a spare H2 rim/tire yesterday from the local Hummer stealer. Replaced the OEM spare with the H2. I did have some concerns about it fitting under the truck. It was tight but it does fit, although the tire touches the rear (jackpot), just glad it doesn't touch the exhaust. After all of those mods, the front end was aligned this morning.


I am extremely pleased with the mods, not gonna touch the 'green key' debate.


Good Luck,


tbzdmax


2003 Silverado 2500 HD CC D/A Edge Juice/Attitude j & j wheel 2 wheel running boards bilsteins Green Keys H2 chrome rims/tires