Help with shock installation

transform · 11-05-2009, 10:06 PM

I'm new to this site and was wondering if there was any instructions available that shows/describes how to replace front & rear shocks on 2005 Crew Cab, 4 x 4 w/Off Road Package. i just got mine, but the Ranchos are pretty much shot. bought some Bilsteins after seeing others here recommend them, but a little nervous about doing the job myself, although it doesn't seem too hard, I just don't know what to expect. anyway, if someone can point me in the right direction, that'd be greatly appreciated.

m1key · 11-05-2009, 10:26 PM

Here this should help thx to BB

Installation of SAW's, Traction Bars, UCA's and Cambolts

transform · 11-06-2009, 06:34 AM

thanks M1Key..and to B&B. very helpful indeed, although i still have 1 ignorant question. if i'm just replacing the f/r shocks, on the front, does the front shock just unfasten from the bottom bolt and then 1 top bolt and slip through the coil, or do i have to take unfasten the 3 coil bolts AND the top shock bolt to switch it out? i know, basic stuff, but if you don't learn something new everyday, what like a life?

SATXTITAN · 11-06-2009, 08:04 AM

DO NOT LOOSEN THE CENTER NUT ON TOP OF THE STRUT WHILE THE SHOCK IS STILL ON THE TRUCK..!!! YOU WILL GET A FACE FULL OF TITAN SPRING!!

You need to remove the "3" nuts on top of the coil bucket and the bolt on the bottom of the strut to remove the strut assembly completely from the truck. Then use a GOOD QUALITY spring compressor to compress the spring before disassembling and replacing the strut. Use a wall mounted spring compressor or go rent "2" sets from Autozone. Its free to rent but you have to leave a $55 deposit for each set. Use both sets on each spring to compress it. Make sure you take note of the top hat position when reassembling to make sure the holes line up with the coil bucket mounting holes. When reinstalling the new stut on the truck it helps to use a floor jack to lift the lower control up to reinstall the lower bolt on the shock. GL..!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by transform

thanks M1Key..and to B&B. very helpful indeed, although i still have 1 ignorant question. if i'm just replacing the f/r shocks, on the front, does the front shock just unfasten from the bottom bolt and then 1 top bolt and slip through the coil, or do i have to take unfasten the 3 coil bolts AND the top shock bolt to switch it out? i know, basic stuff, but if you don't learn something new everyday, what like a life?

bestatchess · 11-06-2009, 08:36 AM

You can also unbolt the old coilovers and take them to a shop with a professional spring compressor machine and have them swap in the new shocks.

Pops · 11-06-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bestatchess

You can also unbolt the old coilovers and take them to a shop with a professional spring compressor machine and have them swap in the new shocks.

Definitely!!!! The rentable spring compressors are often too weak for our springs and can potentially kill someone, most professionals strongly recommend not using them on our springs and some of them can show you scars of why not to.

**yamatitan** · 11-07-2009, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SATXTITAN

DO NOT LOOSEN THE CENTER NUT ON TOP OF THE STRUT WHILE THE SHOCK IS STILL ON THE TRUCK..!!! YOU WILL GET A FACE FULL OF TITAN SPRING!!

You need to remove the "3" nuts on top of the coil bucket and the bolt on the bottom of the strut to remove the strut assembly completely from the truck. Then use a GOOD QUALITY spring compressor to compress the spring before disassembling and replacing the strut. Use a wall mounted spring compressor or go rent "2" sets from Autozone. Its free to rent but you have to leave a $55 deposit for each set. Use both sets on each spring to compress it. Make sure you take note of the top hat position when reassembling to make sure the holes line up with the coil bucket mounting holes. When reinstalling the new stut on the truck it helps to use a floor jack to lift the lower control up to reinstall the lower bolt on the shock. GL..!!

My freind took the center nut off when installing my procomp lift the spring didnt go anywhere cause the truck was jacked of the ground. There was no pressure on the spring since it was pretty much fully extended anyway. We just put the bott back in the bottom of the shock and jacked up the lower control arm to compress the spring enough to put the bolt back on. Really was pretty simple.

transform · 11-08-2009, 08:14 AM

Well, thanks to ALL for your replies and advice...all of it valuable and appreciated. i was gonna give up and just let a mechanic do it, and then i realized that the Bilstein's are a strut, with coil over it...in essence, a complete unit. go given that i'm going to assume that if i take off the existing struts with the 3 top coil bolts and the shock bolt (and of course the bottom shock bolt) that i don't need to worry about getting a face full of spring or having to rent a spring compressor, etc., etc. just jack her up, off with the bolts and existing set-up, on with the Bil's, and i'm riding on clouds.....???

SATXTITAN · 11-08-2009, 10:46 AM

I would not try to seperate the spring from the shock while the shock is still on the car, thats my opinion. Meaning not removing the center nut on top of the shock mounting hat. I have used the AutoZone spring compressor loaner tool plenty of times and can attest that they are plenty strong enough. Although I do recommend using two sets per shock as a precaution. If you don't want to disassemble them your self, take them to your local automotive repair shop and have them swap them out for you. I know there is a way to change the shock without using a spring compressor, but I chose the safe route. I'm a strong believer of "better safer then sorry". Its your truck and your life, do what you please. If you have any doubts just take it to a prefessional or have a fellow experienced forum member in your area help you out. I would really hate to see anyone getting hurt over a task thats so simple. GL

Quote:

Originally Posted by transform

Well, thanks to ALL for your replies and advice...all of it valuable and appreciated. i was gonna give up and just let a mechanic do it, and then i realized that the Bilstein's are a strut, with coil over it...in essence, a complete unit. go given that i'm going to assume that if i take off the existing struts with the 3 top coil bolts and the shock bolt (and of course the bottom shock bolt) that i don't need to worry about getting a face full of spring or having to rent a spring compressor, etc., etc. just jack her up, off with the bolts and existing set-up, on with the Bil's, and i'm riding on clouds.....???

Pops · 11-08-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SATXTITAN

.... I have used the AutoZone spring compressor loaner tool plenty of times and can attest that they are plenty strong enough. ...

It depends on how they are used and maintained. We had 4-compressors on the spring and the ones I had were a bit worn and were bending something fierce.

nismotitan08 · 11-08-2009, 09:53 PM

I only used 1 set with no problems, I happen to own these but if u can rent 2 pair I would recommend it!!