I got around to installing my bilstein 5100s on the truck this saturday. After 136000 kms (80k miles), the originals were in need of replacing.

Other than a bit of corrosion on the bolt threads that made some of the nuts hard to remove there were no problems. The rears were just a couple of bolts each. The fronts required the purchase of 2 sets of spring compressors and a 30mm impact socket. I had everything else on hand. My electric impact wrench took the lower nut off after a bit of hammering. The springs are 3/4 inch thick and had all 4 compressors bowed. Rides much better now.

 

I'm considering installing these instead of a spacer level but compressing the springs makes me nervous.

 

^^ I took the stock struts out, took them and the Bilsteins to Pepboys and they put the old spring on the Bilsteins for $50. It was very easy this way.

 

That's not bad. I didn't even think about taking them somewhere.

 

I changed mine out also and don't recommend using the rental compressors. After seeing all four compressors bowed I changed my mind. I brought my new and old struts to my dealership. They compressed and changed for me. Pep Boys in my area wouldn't touch them.

 

maybe a stupid question but do you have to clock the springs so they fit in the top and are lined up for the bottom bolt?

 

Not a stupid question.. I learned the hard way..yeah, pay attention to the relative orientation of the studs to the bottom mount.

 

Did mine today. I agree with using 4 spring compressors, had to borrow a second set from a buddy, if you work all 4 evenly more than enough to do the job. 52,000 and factory struts were done, one would not even extend when compressed. Had a 2.5 leveling kit installed, removed and used the top notch for max lift on the bilstein's, rides better and have more clearance around the spring area compared to the leveling kit. Easy install if you have the tools. Front to back was perfectly level with the leveling kit, 3/8" lower in front with the bilstein's, just a comparison if you are on the fence for which way to go.

 

My first one lined up without me thinking about it...luck? On the second one I was rotated 90degrees out, but even with the spring tension on the shock, you can rotate the hole to line up. I stuck a bar in the hole, stepped on the spring and rotated the bar quite easily to line up. The spring has to sit in the seats in the proper way top and bottom but the mounting hole can be rotated. I didn't have another vehicle to get them done elsewhere and had read about them being compressed with 4 compressors. I bought the lisle type, but had to grind the inside of the u-bolts slightly to clear the 3/4" spring diameter. worked fine though.