How straight forward is shock replacement?

Arkangel · March 28, 2021

Thinking about ordering up some Bilsteins, Im new to trucks coming from mostly sports cars, is this as simple as removing a few bolts and bolting in the new shocks?

Just want to make sure im not missing something before i order them up and tackle it in the driveway

thanks!

unit · March 28, 2021

You should fill out your signature so we know what you're driving. The job is straight forward on a pickup with a few caveats. A lift helps but it's not mandatory. Bilsteins are gas filled shocks and require some force to compress the shock enough to put the bottom bolts into place when installing them. The bolts need to be tight but not overly so. Check out a couple of YouTube videos to get a better idea about what you're doing. It's not rocket science!

Arkangel · March 28, 2021

10 minutes ago, unit said:

You should fill out your signature so we know what you're driving. The job is straight forward on a pickup with a few caveats. A lift helps but it's not mandatory. Bilsteins are gas filled shocks and require some force to compress the shock enough to put the bottom bolts into place when installing them. The bolts need to be tight but not overly so. Check out a couple of YouTube videos to get a better idea about what you're doing. It's not rocket science!

Thanks for the reply

I’m in a 2020 Sierra 2500 AT4

Couldnt find any on the 2020+ replacement, just wanted to make sure nothing major changed from the previous gen

Edited March 29, 2021 by Arkangel

unit · March 29, 2021

There isn't much change. I suspect they are longer because the truck sits so much higher. Probably a little more expensive too. I have the Rancho shocks on my Z71, most do, and I like them. For an OEM shock they ride well and give good bounce control. Rancho's get a lot of negative reviews for a poor ride but that's not my experience so far. I doubt they will last like a Bilstein shock but I'm going to drive them a see just how long they hold out. I googled for 2020 Silverado 2500HD shock absorbers and it looks like Bilstein and Fox both have shocks available for these trucks.

kylant · March 29, 2021

straight forward. 3 bolts on the fronts, 2 on the rears.

the 2020+ trucks have less travel shocks than the 19-below for some reason. Bilsteins seem to need shocks spacers, so just make sure you get the correct ones.

the driver side top nuts are a pain because a big wiring harness runs right next to them. the clearance is tight, but doable

Arkangel · March 29, 2021

38 minutes ago, kylant said:

straight forward. 3 bolts on the fronts, 2 on the rears.

the 2020+ trucks have less travel shocks than the 19-below for some reason. Bilsteins seem to need shocks spacers, so just make sure you get the correct ones.

the driver side top nuts are a pain because a big wiring harness runs right next to them. the clearance is tight, but doable

Spacers even if I am not leveling? I am looking at the B8 5160 specifically