I just got my Bilsteins in the mail last night and have a few questions before I start the install:

1. Have any of you done it leaving the wheels on? It looks like I can reach everything fine without having to remove them. Since my truck won't fit in my garage, it will be a big pain to get it on level surface, jack up, etc.

2. The Bilstein instructions are terrible with all the pictures and half of everything in German. From what I can tell it's remove the bottom bolt of the OEM, then the top, then reverse the order on the installation?

3. The rear shocks came with a strap on them to keep from expanding during shipment. Is there a way to use this in the install or just cut it off before you start?

 

Rear shocks were easy. Cut the straps then install. Front would be a major pita with wheels on. Basically remove the old hardware and shock then installation is the reverse of removal. For the top nut on the bilstein use a 6mm hex device to keep it from turning. I used a ratchet wrench on the nut. Dont over torque as the 6mm hex device fits into a thin sidewall and can split. Also the bilstein hardware works great.

 

1. Yup, no need to take them off, turn wheel right to replace front left shock, turn it left to replace front right. It's easier to get to the shocks without the tires on, but definitely doable with them on (and saves time!).

2. I don't think the order matters, but I removed the bottom bolts first, then when unbolting the top, I made sure the crappy stock shock hit the floor and rolled down the driveway into the street.

3. I don't think there's so much resistance on those that you couldn't manually compress it if you needed to.

Spray 'em with some PB Blaster, will make life much easier.

 

I didn't take my wheels off. I didn't pay attention to the instructions...just started stripping off nuts and bolts. I left the straps on the rear shocks. They were perfect to the length they needed to install. Tightened up all hardware, cut the straps, lowered the truck off the jack (and jack stands). Test drove with huge smile...

 

Absolutely no need to remove any wheels. Turn the front wheels left or right depending upon which shock you're changing. The steering stabilizer video show the process pretty well.

 

Ok,

I just ordered:

1 - [CS-FHMS-08] Carli 08+ Ford High Mount Steering
2 - [24-186025] Bilstein 0-1" lift rear 5100 shock absorber Ford F250/F350 4WD
2 - [24-186018] Bilstein 0-2" lift front 5100 shock absorber Ford F250/F350 4WD

I can't wait to get these items to start the suspension change out.

Shipping to Alaska is a pain in the wallet.

 

You will not be disappointed. I recommend you find a test drive route to take immediately before and after. You are going to love the ride...it will blow your mind!

 

This is what I'm hoping for

My big concern is the cold weather on the shocks.

I will just keep the Factory shocks as a back-up set. This way if I come across any issues from the cold weather to the Bilsteins, I have something.

 

We aren't Alaska cold in Wisconsin, but we see some low temps. I had Bilsteins on my last two trucks and didn't have any issues. I would think you are ok.

 

Good to know

Thanks SavageNFS

 

look what just showed up


unfortunately, they only sent me one though

 

lol...you'd be the luckiest man ever.

 

im still feelin pretty lucky that the dealer let me drive off with the truck

 

I feel pretty lucky as well when you put it that way!

 

kid you not, i remember thinking it as i drove off. it was a surreal drive. but then again id been up almost 40 hours for work and had a snafu with financing at the dealer, which turned the event into a 6 hour ordeal.