I replaced the factory shocks on my truck last night. I went with the Bilstein 5100 and what a difference it makes. The 2 front OEM shocks were toast at 13k. They compresses so easily and would not return. I ran out of time last night and am trying to replace the steering stabilizer tonight. I took the bolt of both ends, but the end with the stud seems stuck. Do I have to turn this end out, or should it just tap out. From looking at the replacement it looks smooth, but it will not let go. Tried tapping it with a punch from underneath. Any ideas?

 

I used a 5# sledge and whacked it a couple of times and it came loose. You really need to hit it...like a boss. Some guys used a puller. Some guys heat it first. Up to you, but hitting it as hard as you can with a normal hammer isn't going to break it free. You need some muscle or a BFH

 

I used a gear puller, lots of tension on it, a few taps with a hammer, and it pops off.

You may want to soak with penetrating oil for a while and go the BFH route but make sure you don't damage the pin for the new stab.

 

i also swapped the Stock FX4 "Fanchos" for a set of 5100's. It made a huge difference having real shocks not just dampeners. Swapped the steering stab also. Steering is slightly more stiff and does not give as muchfeedback. thumbs up from me all the way around. I used a pickle fork and a BFH, had no issues. Pickle forks are under 20 bucks. Pick one up and whackit.
good luck,
Dave

 

Thanks for the help everyone. I rented a gear puller from the local auto parts store and had it out in 10 seconds! The allen shaped head on the bottom of the bolt was confusing me. I even tried to turn it with an 8mm thinking it was somehow threaded on the inside. Anyone have an idea why the bottom of the bolt looks like an allen wrench? The new Bilstein is just threaded.

I am so pleased with the new setup. Its like someone repaved all of the local roads overnight! Rock on.

 

Those of you that put the 5100's on, did you buy the "racing series"? I am looking at bilsteins but unsure exactly which ones. I also saw the "bst heavy duty" and thought that might work. Any suggestions??

 

I cant only vouch for the racing series. I saw the heavy duty, but have no experience with them. Here are the Bilstein numbers for the shocks I purchased. They are for a factory truck with no lift. Front - 24-186018 Back - 24-186025

 

Thanks gmhorse, those are the ones I was looking at. Good to know that they make that much difference.

Maybe they will "repave" the roads near me soon.

 

I have the same shocks on my truck, huge improvement.