Replacing shocks?

[CarlsX]

I am considering replacing the shocks all the way around on my '06 97X. Anyone done this themselves yet? Surprised these Bilstein shocks seem to be worn out already at 69K mi., but it bounces around a lot on rougher roads...

The backs look easy enough, but unsure about front. Not struts, but they are different that other typical truck shocks like my Tahoe has. Are the difficult to get off? Doesn't look like you'd need to re-align front end if I am correct...

Best place to buy OEM shocks? Thinking www.rockauto.com would be a good place to start?

[deepblue]

Most people feel the Bilstein's are the overwhelming first choice. The replacement Bilstein are better than the stock units.

http://www.ajusa.com/ has them for $59 & free shipping.

Some people like Shockwarehouse with a coupon code.

Here is a good write up on the install...
http://www.trucktestdigest.com/TTDfe...ockInstall.htm

I am in the process of doing mine. The rears took about 20 minute... piece of cake.

Haven't got to the fronts yet, Waiting for July when I have some time off.

I would also suggest getting new strunt mounts for the front.
The KYB SM5395 Strut mount kit... Amazon has these for $26

[CarlsX]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the tips here! Just browsed over that writeup for right now, but seems fairly straight-forward to me. I do have a local shop I work with that can swap out the springs on front for me.

I think I'll start out with the rears just as you did, but don't don't to wait to long for the fronts. Important to keep them in balance I'm sure! Thanks again!

[CarlsX]

Just a quick update... Replace all my shocks and stuts this week with Bilstein HDs and very happy with results! Rides as good as she looks now!

Bought the rear shocks from AJusa and installed myself. Piece of cake! Followed with front struts from Shockwarehouse as they were a few $ cheaper and wasn't impressed with delay in AJusa shipping.

Decided to have a local shop install the fronts though as I just didn't have the time or tools... They only charged me $120 for the labor though, and alignment wasn't necessary as it did not change the camber. So that was well worth it!

All in all I spent about $350 for complete project and it rides fantastic now. Still has the firm sporty feel, but doesn't shake and pound when you hit the cracks or bumps in the road.

[CarlsX]

Here is a couple quick cell phone pics I took while replacing the rear shocks. The old shocks didn't really feel that differnt by manually compressing them once removed, but sure ride different. No special tools required to replace these 2, just 18mm box end I believe. Ratcheting box end came in handy to speed up process...






finshed result...