Bilstein 5100 rear shocks - why don't they fit?

[superman3043]

I did had trouble installing the rear 5100 too as I expected it to fit exactly. Then I tried to put the stock shocks back on and it was not sliding on either so I knew the angle of the axle was off enough that it won't go back on unless you strong arm it. Which I did by putting the lower end first and then force the thread up top into its hole. Not the way I expected it but worked out just fine.

How has this worked you for you. My 5100's are not longing up either and I feel like I'll damage them if I force it. RCC springs not installed yet.[/QUOTE]

How I normally install rear shocks is slide the upper stem in and start the nut so that it's just loosely hanging. Then I try to hang the axle pin inside the lower eyelet, so that it's just barely started. Then with a floor jack underneath that side, I'll slowly start jacking the axle up and tapping the eyelet with a rubber mallet, so that it seats as you raise the axle. I've done a LOT of these and it works like a charm every time. Give it a shot. Hope it helps. Good luck.

Oh side note. You SHOULD install the springs first. It's a lot harder to get the coils in with the shocks installed.

 

[duffdog]

I could not get my lift shocks on until I removed the rear sway bar. Hopefully you are not trying to do this with the factory sway bar still installed? I just chucked mine in the trash since it has no function after a lift.

 

[morecoffee70]

How has this worked you for you. My 5100's are not longing up either and I feel like I'll damage them if I force it. RCC springs not installed yet.

.....

Oh side note. You SHOULD install the springs first. It's a lot harder to get the coils in with the shocks installed.[/QUOTE]

Hi superman3043, it worked out great. I did install the springs first. I just tried the shock fitment/alignment first. (I love my spring compressor.)
I had to position the compressor differently on each side and inserted the compressor it at the lowest coil near the axle.

I did have to flex the shocks a bit however it all worked out just fine. The truck looks great and rides great.

I also installed new polyurethane sway bar bushings front and back.
The front had to be trimmed a bit to allow the sway bar to be indexed the same as the original the cut end facing the back of the truck. I didn't tighten the rear sway bar until the truck was fully on the ground.

Alignment coming in a few days after I have about 2 or so miles on the setup
to allow it to settle. I did notice it has a less turn in effort than before which makes it a little more loose fitting This should be helped with New upper control arms for +camer improvement.

 

[superman3043]

.....
Hi superman3043, it worked out great. I did instal the springs first. I love my spring compressor. I had to position it differently on each side but got them in and although I did have to flex the shocks a bit it all worked out just fine. The truck looks great and rides great. I also installed New Polly sway at bushings front and back. Alignment coming in a few days.

Glad it worked out for you!

Info on that spring compressor? It looks neat. I've only been able to use these Macpherson Strut style compressors with moderate success on rear coils. I own one of these Clamshell style compressors and this thing has been a worthless piece of junk. Besides the big shop style, I've not been able to use much on front coilovers.

 

[morecoffee70]

Glad it worked out for you!

Info on that spring compressor? It looks neat. I've only been able to use these Macpherson Strut style compressors with moderate success on rear coils. I own one of these Clamshell style compressors and this thing has been a worthless piece of junk. Besides the big shop style, I've not been able to use much on front coilovers.

This thing works really well and its a beast I had no fear at all that it could not handle the task. It's a 34lb. kit.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NH7GNP6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[superman3043]

This thing works really well and its a beast I had no fear at all that it could not handle the task. It's a 34lb. kit.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NH7GNP6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Awesome. Looks nice. Thanks for the info.