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I am about to replace my factory shocks with Bilstein. Does anyone have any tips or pointers that I should be aware of, or just follow the directions? Thanks
Replacing factory shocks?
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Hmmmm....let me take a stab at it for you, as I am about to replace my shocks with Bilsteins HD ( 2002 Sequoia).
First off - you need a floor jack and sturdy jack stands.
The rear tube shocks are fairly standard in that there is a large bolt on the bottom and a top bolt. Clearance for the top bolt is tights- but appears sufficient.
The front shocks are inside a coil spring. You need a spring compressor - or as some have suggested, remove the unit and take to a shop to have the spring compressed and shock removed/replaced.
How handy are you with tools and working around a car/truck ? If you are, then this job does not appear too tricky.
I plan to finish the front with a fresh alignment.
Good Luck ( I know I left a lot of the details out - depending on your experience, you should be able to figure out by just doing a visual look over)
First off - you need a floor jack and sturdy jack stands.
The rear tube shocks are fairly standard in that there is a large bolt on the bottom and a top bolt. Clearance for the top bolt is tights- but appears sufficient.
The front shocks are inside a coil spring. You need a spring compressor - or as some have suggested, remove the unit and take to a shop to have the spring compressed and shock removed/replaced.
How handy are you with tools and working around a car/truck ? If you are, then this job does not appear too tricky.
I plan to finish the front with a fresh alignment.
Good Luck ( I know I left a lot of the details out - depending on your experience, you should be able to figure out by just doing a visual look over)
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Do you HAVE to compress the springs in order to remove the front shocks?
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Also make sure the rear ones are properly inserted into the top mounts and the nuts threaded square and tight. I had one strip out twice, so that the shock came loose, and had to replace the unit because the thread was stripped. Getting to the top mounts is a PITA. But the Bilsteins are a great upgrade.
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I am planning on installing the rear shocks tomorrow and the fronts on Wed. I rented a spring compresser from Advance Auto for a fully refundable deposit. Do you have any tips getting the top nuts off the rear shocks? Also, what does PITA mean? Thanks
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PITA- Pain In The A$$.
also, anytime any front suspension work is done, an alignment should be done.
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I tried to replace my factory shocks today, and yes, it was totally a PITA. I gave up after about 4 hours of trying to remove my old ones. I lifted the rear on jack stands and couldn't get the top nut off either shock to save my life. I sprayed pb blaster and wd40 and still couldn't break the stud off. I tried twisting the shock with a wrench on top, and nothing. So I put my wheels on and tried the front. I made a huge mistake by only lifting the side of the car i was working on. By doing this, the bottom bolt of the front shocks won't come on or off evenly. You definitely should raise both sides of the front. Once I realized this and moved on, my spring compresser wouldn't fit the spring correctly and I completely gave up. I am considering taking to the dealership and letting them curse and swear at Toyota designers.
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How would you describe the difference in the Bilsteins over factory? Just curious because my new shocks are still sitting on the floor.
I am familiar with Bistein HD's as well as Koni Adjustable shocks - I have them both installed on other vehicles.
I just installed Bilstein HD shocks on all four corners. My 2002 Seuoia came with Tokiko shocks - they were still in good shape after 80K miles.
The difference is very suttle - and certainly the ride is nowhere close to being too firm. What I think I notice is less of a "floating" feeling over bumps.
I am pleased - but actually wish the ride was a bit more firm.
I just installed Bilstein HD shocks on all four corners. My 2002 Seuoia came with Tokiko shocks - they were still in good shape after 80K miles.
The difference is very suttle - and certainly the ride is nowhere close to being too firm. What I think I notice is less of a "floating" feeling over bumps.
I am pleased - but actually wish the ride was a bit more firm.
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So you are saying that the Bilsteins make the ride smoother or stiffer? Rougher over potholes or smoother? Do you like the factory Tokiko shocks better? Sorry, but I couldn't understand your description and I am deciding whether to resell my Bilsteins or install them. Thanks
Hmmm....the ride change as I said is suttle to me.
What I "seem" to notice is less wallowing or bouncing. The ride over potholes is a litle firmer- but not something you would notice.
Then again- I like a firm ride. For me the change was marginal. The best aspect is the vehicle does not bounce around as much - in fairness, this is what I got the Bilsteins for.
What I "seem" to notice is less wallowing or bouncing. The ride over potholes is a litle firmer- but not something you would notice.
Then again- I like a firm ride. For me the change was marginal. The best aspect is the vehicle does not bounce around as much - in fairness, this is what I got the Bilsteins for.
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Check out Bilstein shocks, Bilstein PSS, Koni, BOGE, Eibach, K&N and other name brand suppliers in case your local distributor tells you that Bilstein doesn't make a shock for this vehicle (that's the line I got here - ).
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