I was going to install the Bilstein 5100's over the weekend only to find out I don't have an 1 1/16" socket for the lower shock bolt. Fine no problem simple enough tire goes back on. Second attempt I got the nut off the bolt but it's still got tension on it. I read the other thread on here about compressing the spring to get it out but I don't think I have room. I think you compress the spring for disassembly and reassembly of the strut. Not to get it out of the truck. I think the lower A arm is supposed to be unbolted and dropped. But now I'm thinking I may have trouble compressing the strut to get the A arm back on? I thought I was going to be able to do this myself but.....like I said 2 strikes already. Anybody done this and have install tips? I'd hate to take it apart and not be able to get it back together.

 

I got a quote today for $150.00 labor, sometimes its worth it to just pay someone else. And I actually like to turn my own wrenches.

 

Yeah it's just that I had planned on doing it myself. I like to get in there and wrench around a bit. It's not nearly as simple as it seems it should be. More than just a shock replacement. But like you said it may be worth just paying to have it done. If you have it done just remember you may need to readjust your headlights and I read you need to have the alignment checked.

 

$150 is pretty damn good. I paid $300 for 5100s front and rear and a 1.5" AAL + alignment

 

I just found out that on Readylift.com they have some instructions for installing their strut extension which I would think should be similar to the 5100's. Also there are special instructions for a 4x4 needing a 12mm 12pt bolt that I don't remember seeing when I had the wheel off. I doubt I have one of those.

 

what i did when i leveled my truck is to put a jack under the lower a arm and jack it up alittle to take the tension off the bolt and tapped it out. and to put it back in i put the strut in the top and then jacked the lower arm up to the shock. dont forget to undo your ball joints and torsion bar so the brake and spindle move freely and so should have no problems.