Chevy S10 need shocks - Bilstein or something else ?

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

Check your receipt. I think you got Bilstiens.

Ha good one 👍

[rfuerst911sc]

Fed Ex tracking says the shocks will be delivered on Wednesday . Looking forward to installing these .

[JackDidley]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Fed Ex tracking says the shocks will be delivered on Wednesday . Looking forward to installing these .

I did my fronts today. Not too bad of a job. Rears will be here Thursday.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

I did my fronts today. Not too bad of a job. Rears will be here Thursday.

The rear shock top mount bolts look like a long extension is needed to reach . At least 12 " if not 18 " to be able to get some oomph on a breaker bar or ratchet . I may use the battery impact to break them free .

[JackDidley]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

The rear shock top mount bolts look like a long extension is needed to reach . At least 12 " if not 18 " to be able to get some oomph on a breaker bar or ratchet . I may use the battery impact to break them free .

Yes, I took them off yesterday. 3 out of 4 shocks were bad. Long extension for sure. My gas tank is in the way a bit. I took the wheels off for more working room.. Makes it easier to get a wrench on the bolts.

[rfuerst911sc]

Yeah between the 2 post lift and removing all 4 tires I expect a relatively easy swap . Not much visual rust and reassembly will include anti seize on the bolts .

[JackDidley]

Rear shocks came today. Sort of a pain to install. Just had a hard time getting the nuts on the top end. Not much room and I dont have all my fingers so it was difficult but I got it done. The ride is exactly what I wanted smooth in front and stiff in back. Probably too stiff for most but now I think it will haul a heavier load with no problem.

[RANDY P]

My S10 2wd extended cabs chewed thru Monroes <20K miles and they always felt underdamped. Had I kept the truck it would be on Bilsteins

[rfuerst911sc]

Fed Ex tracking shows my order is loaded and being delivered today . We are bracing for hurricane rains so probably won't get to install these until the weekend . Today will be a win if they get delivered , are undamaged and are the right parts .

[JackDidley]

Have faith. They will be fine. I just hope the weather will not be bad for you.

[Rusty Heap]

I love to watch suspension dance.


https://www.facebook.com/reel/1027188669018506

[rfuerst911sc]

Fed Ex just delivered , happy to report all four shocks are in perfect condition . All hardware is there also . Now have to get past tomorrow's prediction of 6 - 8 inches of rain 🙄 .

[JackDidley]

6-8 inches is insane. Stay safe dude.

[Steve Carlton]

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

6-8 inches is insane. Stay safe dude.

Local news this morning has revised rainfall potential estimate to 6 - 12 inches with isolated 15 " totals !!!! We are in the mountains so no flooding of our home is possible . But local creeks/streams could wash out roads especially dirt or gravel roads . The storm moving 10 - 20 miles east or west can make a huge difference in winds and rain potential . All schools/colleges closed today and tomorrow . This storm is ugly . Stay safe everyone .

[rfuerst911sc]

Installed the Bilsteins today . All four shocks that were on it were very weak . They were an off brand . The fronts were very easy to remove/replace especially with a 2 post lift .

The rears are a bit of a pain the top mounting bolt facing the frame is VERY tight getting a socket on it . I had to use 1/4 " drive to get on it . Tough to get any torque on 1/4 drive but I got both sides done . The other top mounting bolt there is clearance for a 1/2 " drive .

I have been wrenching for 50 years and never ran into the problem I had with the passenger side rear Bilstein . The metal sleeve molded into the lower shock eye was too small of an ID to fit over the shock stud .

At first I cleaned up the stud with a wire wheel thinking it had crud on it . Nope . Ended up drilling a 9/16 hole in the shock sleeve . It didn't take much metal off so it looks like it was a defective sleeve . Everything is assembled with anti seize .

Took her for a spin the difference was huge which I expected because the old shocks needed Viagra 😁 . The truck before felt floaty , now it feels planted and solid . But not harsh but I only took a 20 mile ride on good twisty roads . Another item checked off the list . Next is cooling fans , only one is currently working .

[pwd72s]

Was waiting for the test drive...thanks!

[JackDidley]

I had a hard time with the back ones too. Ive put about 75 miles on it now and its a big improvement over the worn out shocks. Its still a short wheel base S10 with big tires but I am ok with it.

[rfuerst911sc]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

I had a hard time with the back ones too. Ive put about 75 miles on it now and its a big improvement over the worn out shocks. Its still a short wheel base S10 with big tires but I am ok with it.

It worked out great for both of us , can't beat that !

[pwd72s]

The fans may be more problematic than the shocks. Problem with the fan or in the relay, wiring, or temp. sensor. Good luck with the detective work.