Bilstein 4600 installation
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Bilstein 4600 installation
Quick question. When installing front strut assembly is it mandatory to remove lower ball joints? I'm replacing front and rear today and was planning the job. Rear shocks are simple enough. I'm just curious what I'm getting into on the front assemblies. Any feedback appreciated.
Thanks!
Thanks!
#2
Removing lower ball joint is NOT necessary. It will probably help to LOOSEN (not remove) LCA to frame bolts so you can spread the control arms. May need to loosen axle nut (if 4WD) for more wiggle room.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Levinz11
Removing lower ball joint is NOT necessary. It will probably help to LOOSEN (not remove) LCA to frame bolts so you can spread the control arms. May need to loosen axle nut (if 4WD) for more wiggle room.
#4
has left the building
Watch some YouTube videos if you haven't already started.
There are a lot of them out there showing different options, none of which are removing lower ball joints.
There are a lot of them out there showing different options, none of which are removing lower ball joints.
#5
Senior Member
I had to remove the upper ball joint, disconnect sway bar links and disconnect steering knuckles.
Even then getting the factory struts out was a challenge. Passenger side came out ok with a pry bar under the strut.
Drivers side I ended up cutting the lower mounting bolts off the strut with a sawzall to get it out. Soft metal, they cut through easy.
The Bilstein struts went in pretty easy.
If you find the upper mounting studs aren't clocked quite properly put a bar though the bottom eye and you can twist the shock.
Even then getting the factory struts out was a challenge. Passenger side came out ok with a pry bar under the strut.
Drivers side I ended up cutting the lower mounting bolts off the strut with a sawzall to get it out. Soft metal, they cut through easy.
The Bilstein struts went in pretty easy.
If you find the upper mounting studs aren't clocked quite properly put a bar though the bottom eye and you can twist the shock.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by 45Colt
I had to remove the upper ball joint, disconnect sway bar links and disconnect steering knuckles.
Even then getting the factory struts out was a challenge. Passenger side came out ok with a pry bar under the strut.
Drivers side I ended up cutting the lower mounting bolts off the strut with a sawzall to get it out. Soft metal, they cut through easy.
The Bilstein struts went in pretty easy.
If you find the upper mounting studs aren't clocked quite properly put a bar though the bottom eye and you can twist the shock.
Even then getting the factory struts out was a challenge. Passenger side came out ok with a pry bar under the strut.
Drivers side I ended up cutting the lower mounting bolts off the strut with a sawzall to get it out. Soft metal, they cut through easy.
The Bilstein struts went in pretty easy.
If you find the upper mounting studs aren't clocked quite properly put a bar though the bottom eye and you can twist the shock.
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Ok! I quit. Way more than I bargained for. I'm making an appointment at a suspension shop. Nota DIY job for me. Back shocks, pretty easy, fronts are another story. Thanks for the feedback.
Last edited by srb1194; 03-12-2020 at 04:57 PM.
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