Installed rear Bilstein’s

[1pt21gw]

First thing I did within 2 weeks of buying mine, and that was 3 months ago.

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[ryyck]

How difficult was the install in the front?
What height to you choose on the front to level the truck?
Was the rear raised at all?

Thanks in advance.

 

[FatalException0E]

Fronts on...ride is level...feels like a truck now. Had some issues with install though...first spring compressor would not fit between coils, took to a Big O tire store who said they could do it...their wall mount compressor didn't have enough reach and couldn't compress enough. Finally rented the "tool of death" and it worked perfectly. It feels much better leveled...smoother ride overall, and looks great with the Nitto Terra Grappler 285/65/R18 tires. Having alignment done Thursday...did not realize that not all shops will align with coil over struts.
By the way...fairly complex swap for a non-mechanic. Over 6 hours of actual work...and it rained half way through so my butt was soaked...LOL!

That looks great! How much lift did you do on the front to get level? You didn't do any lift at all on the back, right?

 

[FatalException0E]

I installed mine, and I could tell the difference by the time I turned out of my driveway!

I have some notes for those who, like me, are amateur wrench-turners:
1) SETUP - chock your front wheels. You can get cheap plastic chocks for a few bucks at auto parts stores. And this should go without saying, but JACK STANDS! Never ever EVER get under a vehicle that's supported only by a jack! And wear safety glasses...there's gonna be dried mud and gunk under there that will fall in your face.
2) Remove your right rear wheel and the spare. You'll appreciate the few minutes you spent doing this later.
3) The nuts have clips so that they don't spin when you're turning the bolt, but the top and bottom nuts are not the same. Don't mix them up.
4) Attach the top of the new shock first. You can compress them by hand, but they decompress fast. Get a monster flat blade screwdriver between the bottom shock eye and the axle bracket to help maneuver the eye in to place to get the bolt through. Whichever side you start on, the second shock will always be more difficult to compress..."for some reason". ?
5) Most important - YES, YOU CAN DO THIS. Like I said, I'm pretty inexperienced, and working alone it took me an hour and a half total including setup and clean up...and learning some of the above items the hard way.

Oh, and if you're listening to headphones while you work, it is a lot harder to figure out where dropped nuts end up...don't ask how I know.

 

[Spiritfish]

That looks great! How much lift did you do on the front to get level? You didn't do any lift at all on the back, right?

No lift on the rear but used the entire potential on the fronts...just shy of 2.5 inches.

 

[Spiritfish]

Just had the alignment done...the mechanic inspected my install and deemed me worthy of a cup of coffee! Said everything was "right and proper." The only thing that needed significant adjustment was camber as it was very positive. Now it has a very slight positive, imperceptible with the naked eye. Here is truck parked next to a Toyota 4x4 that has had significant front end suspension work done. The Toyota is running Nitto Terra Ridge tires while mine is on Terra Grappler G2.

 

[Racket]

First thing I did within 2 weeks of buying mine, and that was 3 months ago.

You just need a sexier exhaust now. ?

 

[1pt21gw]

You just need a sexier exhaust now. ;-D

It's many items down the list. Have my sights on the Magnaflow single exit. How do you like yours?

 

[Racket]

It's many items down the list. Have my sights on the Magnaflow single exit. How do you like yours?

I'm very happy. It's not obnoxius. It would have been that or MBRP. The stainless is (I think) a different quality with the alternative.

 

[jblc]

Just got the set as well.
1) In another thread there were part numbers for additional nuts/etc needed. If I'm not doing a lift (just upgrade), do I need new nuts/fasteners?

See post 21 here

2) My set didn't come with instructions; not sure they should have or not, though stage3 seemed to say it should.

Are the factory installation instructions good enough?
Or what did people use? I don't want to just guess on torque etc

 

[Spiritfish]

Just got the set as well.
1) In another thread there were part numbers for additional nuts/etc needed. If I'm not doing a lift (just upgrade), do I need new nuts/fasteners?

See post 21 here

2) My set didn't come with instructions; not sure they should have or not, though stage3 seemed to say it should.

Are the factory installation instructions good enough?
Or what did people use? I don't want to just guess on torque etc

Watch the Stage3Motorsports video on YouTube about the Bilstein's going on an F150. It's not exactly what you'll be facing but pretty close. Use factory torque settings when reassembling. Also, the stock shaft boot needs to be modified...it calls for cutting with scissors 1.5" from bottom. The Bilstein instructions do not specify if you are to use the factory bump stop (orange foam cone under boot), I did and can't tell if it made a difference.

 

[jblc]

Thanks, but the Bilstein video just creates more confusion
The video says to keep factory bolts/nuts when replacing the rear shocks.
BUT, the manual says "Remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower nut and bolt."

The Bilstein kit didn't include rear shock fasteners.
Do people but separate new fasteners?

 

[EJH]

Do people but separate new fasteners?

I reused them on my Fox rears. I was going to buy replacement bolts and nuts, but one or the other was on national backorder (per Levitown Ford). I had no issues reusing them.

 

[Racket]

Just got the set as well.
1) In another thread there were part numbers for additional nuts/etc needed. If I'm not doing a lift (just upgrade), do I need new nuts/fasteners?

See post 21 here

Are the factory installation instructions good enough?
Or what did people use? I don't want to just guess on torque etc

For the fronts I went ahead and purchased new Ford nylock bolts (Eibach install) if Bilstein isn't including them either I think it's prudent.

I don't know why they don't unless something in their instructions or warranty mentions it to shield them from liability.

I had a shop put my fronts on for me so I could have the alignment checked/corrected.

 

[Markbe35]

Has anyone here ordered from Essex Distributors in Canada? Looking to order a pair of Bilsteins for the rear and their name keeps popping up in searches.

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