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Purchasing a used vehicle can be a scary thing. When was the last time the oil was changed? Was the truck abused? Are all questions that run through the mind of a new used vehicle owner.
On Big Red, our 1992 Chevrolet Silverado K1500, those exact questions ran through our mind. We did our standard prepurchase inspection and test drive when we bought the truck, but now it was time to pull the wheels off and start looking around.
Big Red was seeing more and more dirt, with old worn out shocks the ride was not very comfortable.
The first part we wanted to start with was the shocks. One of the easiest parts to swap out and feel a difference right away. A jack, jack stand, and some simple hand tools can get the truck riding down the road on a softer ride.
Since the truck came with a lift kit, we could not replace the shocks with factory replacements, but had to look at shocks that could handle the lift. For this, we went with Bilstein 5100 series shocks (Front PN 33-061399, Rear PNÂ 24-067379).
The Z71 edition on this model Silverado came from the factory with Bilstein shocks. The front shocks use the specific GM OEM upper mounted providing the proper spacing and an exact fit. The rear shocks also use the OEM GM mounting which provides a right fit. The upper mount uses a cast vulcanized crossbar that won’t allow any side to side movement.
“The 5100 series shocks feature a 46mm Monotube Design ensures consistent fade-free performance,” Shane Casad of Bilstein explained. “Patented digressive piston provides velocity sensitive damping which instantly reacts to changing road surface conditions. As well the dampers feature OEM quality bushing and mounting hardware allows for a perfect fit with improved durability with a zinc plated finish for resistance to harsh elements.”
“These dampers are tuned for a 1988 to 1998 GM pickup with a four to six inches of lift,” Casad continued. “The front shocks are mounted body up in order to clear the control arm, at full droop. Many kits on the marker have an issue with shock clearance.”
Getting The Shocks Installed
We started with the rear of the truck since we did not need to drag the floor jack out of the garage. Under the truck, we could see the bolts for the shocks and in a matter of a couple minutes, we had the factory shocks out. Getting our new 5100 series shocks installed was just as simple as it was to remove them.
Before (left) and after (right) with our new 5100 series shocks.
Up front is where it got interesting, not difficult, but came across one big reason we felt a soft frontend. Upon removing the wheel and the shock it was obvious on the issue. The lower shock bushing was nonexistent as well as the shocks were installed upside down.
Comparison between the old and new front (left) and rear (right) shocks.
Our K1500 is four-wheel-drive and the shock body on the bottom side was hitting the CV axle. The shock needed to be installed with the shaft on the bottom, we did this when we installed our Bilsteins.
Upon removal of the old front shocks, we could see why we had such a rough ride.
With the front wheel off, we also took time to clean the wheel wells and suspension components. After reinstalling the wheels it was off for our first test drive. Just pulling out of the driveway we could immediately tell the difference as the truck rode more comfortable than before.
Water and soap, with a little elbow grease, can make a huge difference on a used vehicle.
The 5100 series shocks are made in the US and feature a lifetime warranty. For more information on Bilstein’s products, be sure to visit its website.
