Installing Bilstein shocks

[BigBlue_08]

I bought Bilstein shocks for the front and rear of my F-350, and I am wondering what size top nut is on the front shock is.

[jlint1988]

Originally Posted by BigBlue_08

I bought Bilstein shocks for the front and rear of my F-350, and I am wondering what size top nut is on the front shock is.

im not sure i will be needing this info soon also.

[BigBlue_08]

It turns out that its a 21 MM nut.
I got the old shocks out, and just as I suspested the driver's front shock was completly dead, along with the passenger front shock, the rears were also just about dead. Man what a difference in the ride now.
Tools that I neede to instal the Bilstein shocks were:
1 3/8 drive ratchet
1 7mm hex head socket that is 3/8
1 19mm gearwerench ratchating werench.
time to get out your bottle jack, to push the lower part of the shock up into the mounting bracket, as the Bilstein's are very stiff.
You have to hold the shock stud with the 7mm hex head socket, while you tighten up the 19mm nut.
also be careful not to cross thread the lower shock bolts on the front shocks.
I didn't catch it on the passengers side, but I cought it on the drivers side, so I had to get a new bolt and nut from the dealership.
For the rear shocks do not cut the straps off of the shocks tell you have them bolted up, as you will not be able to push it back up to bolt it up.

[jlint1988]

Originally Posted by BigBlue_08

It turns out that its a 21 MM nut.
I got the old shocks out, and just as I suspested the driver's front shock was completly dead, along with the passenger front shock, the rears were also just about dead. Man what a difference in the ride now.
Tools that I neede to instal the Bilstein shocks were:
1 3/8 drive ratchet
1 7mm hex head socket that is 3/8
1 19mm gearwerench ratchating werench.
time to get out your bottle jack, to push the lower part of the shock up into the mounting bracket, as the Bilstein's are very stiff.
You have to hold the shock stud with the 7mm hex head socket, while you tighten up the 19mm nut.
also be careful not to cross thread the lower shock bolts on the front shocks.
I didn't catch it on the passengers side, but I cought it on the drivers side, so I had to get a new bolt and nut from the dealership.
For the rear shocks do not cut the straps off of the shocks tell you have them bolted up, as you will not be able to push it back up to bolt it up.

good info thanks, i will be putting all new shocks on my truck in the next 5000mi. my truck is starting to ride like a pup wood truck.

[DeuceFifty]

How many miles do you have?

[jlint1988]

Originally Posted by DeuceFifty

How many miles do you have?

Im at 75000 on the original ones from the factory.

[Evil Eye]

Originally Posted by BigBlue_08

For the rear shocks do not cut the straps off of the shocks tell you have them bolted up, as you will not be able to push it back up to bolt it up.

Probably the most useful bit of information in this whole thread! I found out the hard way!

BTW, thanks for all the other information. I'm sure that others will find it very useful. BTW, how do you like the ride now?

[raptorsrock19]

Maybe be a silly question but how do you know what length of shock to buy? Also what series did you get?

[CT Performance, Inc.]

We can get you the correct Bilsteins for your truck..PM if I can help.

[strivingfirst]

For the rear shocks do not cut the straps off of the shocks tell you have them bolted up, as you will not be able to push it back up to bolt it up.[/QUOTE]

Yes you can... wimp But seriously, what series shock did you get and what length? I ask because i have an extra new set of the 5150 series, but i think they are too long
I bet they ride great too!! I really need to do the swap. Great info on your write up thx

Dom