- Dec 12, 2011
- 4,659
Replacing front struts
- Thread starter gmcman
- Start date
ScarabEpic22
Member
- Nov 20, 2011
- 728
You can do it that way if you're desperate, on my 02 thats the only way I can get the strut assembly out because Ive seized the shock yoke on the LCA. If you can though, a pittman arm puller makes short work of the LCA<->shock yoke and its a lot easier because you dont have to push the LCA another inch or so out of the way to get the bottom of the shock out.
- Dec 12, 2011
- 4,659
So I replaced the struts yesterday, sorry I didn't get any pics since I was in a rush to accomplish the task. I removed the bolt on the sway bar link allowing the LCA to drop down enough so the yoke would slip out of the bottom of the shock tube. That sucker wouldn't come out of there no matter what i tried. 
I used a pry bar to open the yoke, I could spin the shock around but it wouldn't move past the slot where the bolt passes...likely due to corrosion. So....off to the parts store since my pickle fork is at my dad's house so after a few good whacks it came off.
On my way to drop off the struts to get the springs swapped....I picked up the strut mounting kits from NAPA and they had 2 in stock. I get there and one had been returned after being previously installed....
...so off to the other side of town to get the other one. All is good and I definately recommend the Bilstein HD's, much improved ride. 
I used a pry bar to open the yoke, I could spin the shock around but it wouldn't move past the slot where the bolt passes...likely due to corrosion. So....off to the parts store since my pickle fork is at my dad's house so after a few good whacks it came off.On my way to drop off the struts to get the springs swapped....I picked up the strut mounting kits from NAPA and they had 2 in stock. I get there and one had been returned after being previously installed....
...so off to the other side of town to get the other one. All is good and I definately recommend the Bilstein HD's, much improved ride. 
TB360
Member
- Dec 29, 2011
- 169
gmcman said:So I replaced the struts yesterday, sorry I didn't get any pics since I was in a rush to accomplish the task. I removed the bolt on the sway bar link allowing the LCA to drop down enough so the yoke would slip out of the bottom of the shock tube. That sucker wouldn't come out of there no matter what i tried.
On my way to drop off the struts to get the springs swapped....I picked up the strut mounting kits from NAPA and they had 2 in stock. I get there and one had been returned after being previously installed....
Billsteins are great shocks. SS Front shocks are actually Bilsteins...
Wooluf1952
Member
TB360 said:
Actually, all our OEM shocks are Bilstein shocks. But in name only. Kind of like a generic shock with the Bilstein name.
The Bilstein company sold out long ago, and they make relatively crappy units for OEM installations, and others that are worth what you pay for them for aftermarket upgrades. They're counting on folks remembering them as a quality operation, and they're really whores like everybody else. Sometimes you get what you expect from the professionals, and other times you get the clap.TB360 said:
How many hours labor does your typical shop charge to replace the front struts? I did the rear shocks myself, but don't have the tools or determination to tackle the front. Thanks.
RedEnvoyDenali
Member
- Dec 4, 2011
- 520
MrFrodo said:
It's not really that hard except for releasing the spring to install the new shock. This is not hard either BUT it can be dangerous if you are not careful, there is a lot of stored energy in the springs. I bought a set of spring compressors and worked slow and deliberate. No Problems. However you can always take the units to shop and just have them replace the shocks in the springs and then reinstall the units.
One suggestion is to also replace the upper rubber mounts since they have been in there probably as long as the shocks. I used Shock Warehouse and was very satisfied with both Price and Service.
Here is set of how to instructions that I used to do mine. I would also plan on at least 1/2 a day, longer would not hurt either just in case.
Strut and Shock Install - Truck Test Digest
Read these over and then make the decision.
Clockman06LT
Member
- Dec 14, 2011
- 11
