Question about installing Bilsteins

[Bill Lins]

Installed my Bilsteins today (98 2500 2wd). When I removed the OEM front shocks, I found the upper bushings were plastic (nylon?). I went ahead & installed the new rubber bushings that came with the shocks, but I'm wondering if I should have used the plastic bushings instead.



Also, the Bilsteins have about an inch less downtravel than the OEM's did- will this hurt anything?

 

[Bill Lins]

ttt

 

[TowPro]

On my 98 I used all the bushings the bilstein box. Don't recall if they were different lenghts, but I do recall having a hell of a time trying to hold the shock up while attaching the lower bolts, man that gas sure applies some pressure.



I think I did mine with the tires still on.

 

[tractorface]

Interesting

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=71873



There thread above relates to your problems.

 

[TPCDrafting]

When I did mine, it was easier to take the tire off and I left the plastic shipping strap on that held the shock squished down. I used the new bushings and haven't had any problems.

 

[Bill Lins]

Originally posted by tpcdrafting

When I did mine... I left the plastic shipping strap on that held the shock squished down.

No shipping strap on mine. They were fully extended in the box. You WILL build muscle compressing them!