Part One: The Shocks
These new 5100 height-adjustable shocks from Bilstein feature multiple snap-ring grooves to provide different spring seat positions, allowing height adjustments from 0 to 2.5 inches. The shocks feature specific split digressive valving, high-gas-pressure monotube technology, as well as zinc-plated bodies. They are rebuildable and come with a lifetime aftermarket warranty. The company also offers companion rear 5100 shocks with matched valving, so we picked up those so our truck would have a nice, uniform ride.
1. After Ryan from Streetshock...
1. After Ryan from Streetshock secured the truck on four jackstands and removed the tires, he started ripping out the strut assembly. To get the strut out, he had to remove the sway-bar end links and tie-rod ends.
2. The upper ball joint has...
2. The upper ball joint has to be disconnected. A little persuasion with a hammer did the trick after the nut was loosened.
3. Because this truck has...
3. Because this truck has a strut-style suspension and it's at full droop, Ryan can remove the lower strut bolt without fear of a spring shooting out.
4. The upper arm bolts were...
4. The upper arm bolts were also loosened so the control arm would swing up and out of the way much more easily.
5. With everything disconnected,...
5. With everything disconnected, the three nuts above the strut assembly were removed, allowing the strut to come out.
6. Before dismantling the...
6. Before dismantling the strut, Ryan put a few alignment marks on it so the new shock didn't have to be rotated under the spring pressure. Because of the three bolts on top, you can't just spin the shock to line up the lower eyelet, so these marks are a huge time-saver.
7. With his trusty pneumatic...
7. With his trusty pneumatic spring compressor, Ryan collapsed the spring to relieve the pressure so he could remove the upper nut.
8. With the snap ring in the...
8. With the snap ring in the highest position (2.5 inches of lift), the new Bilstein shock slipped right into the spring. He had to compress the spring a little bit more before he could install the upper nut.
9. The strut assembly was...
9. The strut assembly was reinstalled, and everything was hooked back up.
10. A large drift can be used...
10. A large drift can be used to move the eyelet around just enough to slip the lower bolt in if there's a problem lining it up.
11. The rear shocks were simple:...
11. The rear shocks were simple: Remove the old, install the new. Time to move on to the rolling stock.