right or wrong way to install Bilstein 5100's

[CRutledge]

I just got my truck back from having all new shocks installed. I noticed the shocks in the rear are positioned with the smaller shaft end mounted to the axle and the larger tube end mounted toward the bed of the truck. Is this correct? The fronts are mounted opposite with the smaller shaft end up and the larger tube down. I assume this is because how the mounting brackets are designed on the dodge that the shock can go either way???



thanks

 

[RonD]

Front and rears mount the same way, the main shock body is on the lower side

 

[BFoughty]

sounds like they put yours on upside down.

 

[NavyDood]

Some shocks are designed to run either way. I believe bilsteins can be run upside down. I wouldn't do it on a daily driver though. They should be mounted normal.

 

[CRutledge]

The rear shocks are mounted upside down. Not sure why they did it this way. Also the black rubber sleeves are not on any of the shocks. Also they confirmed that they put these shock son my truck ( BE56681H8 Front) ( BE56647H1 Rear) instead of the ones for a 6" lift. The shop claims that they installed them correctly so i guess if something goes wrong then they will be seeing me again.

Some shocks are designed to run either way. I believe bilsteins can be run upside down. I wouldn't do it on a daily driver though. They should be mounted normal.

 

[04blackcherry]

Mine came with dust boots. Same shocks. Sometimes if allowed, you mount the shock upside down to keep moisture and dirt from running down the rod. I have heard it will lubricate the rod better also. Don't know if it true on shocks, but upside down makes the air struts on the canopy last longer. Mine are mounted rod up.

 

[CRutledge]

Well thats good news i guess. I also noticed on the rear shocks, that only about 2-3 inches of the rod is exposed. is that normal?

Mine came with dust boots. Same shocks. Sometimes if allowed, you mount the shock upside down to keep moisture and dirt from running down the rod. I have heard it will lubricate the rod better also. Don't know if it true on shocks, but upside down makes the air struts on the canopy last longer. Mine are mounted rod up.

 

[MVenditti]

Well thats good news i guess. I also noticed on the rear shocks, that only about 2-3 inches of the rod is exposed. is that normal?[/QUOte

That seems too little. With a load or going over rough terrain they may bottom out. You should check part number and see if it's right for your lift.