I was planning on a DIY installation of these upgrade shocks. It has been a long time since doing a rear shock install, so I started the prep to do so slowing and thoroughly.

I looked at a couple YouTube videos, the first one I could tell that it stopped and started like part of it was cut out of the video. It was which I verified in the second video


see the tools required at 4:25 and 7:12 bottom mounting bolt installation.

Then I had a flash back to doing this long ago, when I had problems seating the bottom of the shock due to the limited space below the vehicle (not in a shop with a lift). The vehicle had to be jacked up dangerous high to enable space for the pry bar. I am glad I realized this and have punted the DIY, I could have gotten creative like my brother recommended, using some bailing wire to hold the compressed shock at just the right length to fit the bottom mount.

I don't tolerate the shoulder blade walk and exerting myself in all kinds of weird positions as well as I use to, as I turn 65 next month.

 

I found it easier to put the bottom in the hole then pull down the shock body to guide it into the top hole.

 

Install one side, kinda line up the otherside, cut the strap and catch it with the bolt or punch. It expands slow.

Did it about a year ago last and thats how I remember it always being done.

The hardest part is getting the motivation to go out there and do it.

 

My brother who drives a lifted Grand Cherokee with larger tires recommended that I have the boots toward the top mount. To prevent damage to them by debri. He goes off roading in the mountains of Wyoming where he lives. My application is a lot less, that of being able to pull my future 5,500 lb camper out of a camp ground after a heavy rain, when it may get all muddy. Surprisingly the Bilstein shock installation instructions don't say anything about a desired shock orientation. https://cart.bilsteinus.com/shock-33-253190.html

I don't know if the orientation makes a difference or not, do any of you know?

 

Hey, Bilstein specifically recommends the boots down. That’s the proper way to mount them.

 

it's not the boot that defines orientation, rather the Bilstein sticker on the shock should be oriented so you can read it.

 

Which puts them boot down. I called and spoke with them when I installed on my old truck since they don’t say.

They said boot down, which, yes, orients the stickers to be facing the right direction.

 

Agreed, the labeling should be legible in it's installed state. It seems to vary by shock brand, type. Most of the shock for serious off roading have the boots oriented to the top, likely for the reasons my brother indicated of being exposed to less potentially damaging debris.

 

I have a long square shank screwdriver and I use it a stop for the lower end of the shock. If I end up a little low it also acts as a pry bar to finagle the lower end of the shock into place.

 

I did instal these on my previous truck. Was simple with hand tools, didn’t remove the wheels or need a jack.