Thanks to a number of previous posts, I decided to give Bilstein a try and knew that although I had the tuff Country 2.5 leveling kit, all I needed was the Bilstien HO standard shocks. I'm not too fond of the baby blue coloring of the boot, but I can live with it. In order to install the fronts, I removed the tire and installed the new shock boot down, bottoms first. Pulling the top of the shock down to meet the upper mount post was pretty easy. No special tools needed, just a crescent wrench an metric sockets. The rears were a bit more difficult. I should have removed the spare tire in order to give myself more room. The rear shocks go in boot up, top first. I had to use some WD40 to get the shock grommet to slide on the top mount bolt. The spare tire made this a bit difficult as there was not alot of room to wiggle the shock. The rear shock has banding to prevent expansion. Fortunately, the lower shock hole was nearly lined up with the lower bracket hole and I was able to cut the band with one hand and quickly install the lower bolt with the other. I actually missed the process on my last shock and needed my son to help slide the bolt in while I pushed the shock up. The rear shocks are much more difficult to compress than the fronts, especially on your back, with dirt falling in your face (glasses a must). Overall a 2 beer job. Perhaps just one if the spare is removed. The job was undoubtedly easier because of all the great posts I read prior to starting! I haven't driven much since the install, but at this point, the Bilsteins seem very comparable to KYB Monomax that I had on my 99'.

 

Welcome to FTE.

The first thing I have to say is, I will not do a job unless it is a 4 beer job. Now with that out of the way, congrats on a job well done. Even if it was only a 2 beer job.

 

I'll second welcome to FTE, we have a great group of folks, which has a very extended knowledge base, on just about any subject.

 

Congratulations on the shocks Rich...and congratulations on your first posting. Welcome to the FORUM!!!

 

Congrats on the install and description. I dropped the spare but i jacked the truck to align the bolts. Very happy with the ride and welcome to FTE, pop in anytime....

 

I respectively disagree! I think if you removed the spare it would be a six pack job!!! We were just ______ with our early 99's spare tire at work the other day and it took about two hours to make it go back up. The stupid *** cable was all kinked and everything was pretty much rusted up. It SUCKED! (that is what Wisconsin road salt will do for you) Btw, we never would have been able to get it down on the side of the road. We used just about every tool in the shop including the fire

 

Welcome to FTE. You'll have to post back after you get a few more miles on her to follow up and tell us how you like the ride.

There's a lot of good information on here. Gland you found something to help you out.

 

Yea- Welcome and congrats on the install - Let us know how they do as Im thinking @ some new shocks all around as theyre original.