Bilstein 5150's and replacement struts.

[wrenchin hobo]

Any of you guys that have these know if I need any special fasteners or anything of the like when installing these on the Jeep. I'd like it all to go smooth.

I do have the RK 3.5" lift. If that makes any difference.

Thanks guys.

Justin

[06blkhemi]

I would also like to change out my struts and shocks. I think the fronts are to short with the 2"spacer lift,backs definitely are though !!

[07JeepXK]

The HD Bilstein struts are a direct replacement. For the you just need a few bolts and several 1/2 inch washers. If you search on jeepcommander.com you will find a parts list i posted from Sept 2009 when I replaced mine. I cant remember off hand the exact bolts I used.

[07JeepXK]

Did the research for you this is what you will need for the rear 5150's:

(4) M12x1.75x80mm approx. 3" long
(10) 1/2 inch washers for those bolts

The bottom of the shock needs two washers on each side of the eyelets. Top should just need one on each side. As long as there tight you wont have any issues.

[wrenchin hobo]

So I missed your info yesterday.

Install went well, except the click, click from the rear shocks.

I'll replace those fasteners and spacers I added this coming weekend I guess.

Thanks for the info, that'll save lots of time and effort on the trial and error of "just figure it out" that I normally go with.

J

[superacerc]

I had the click click on the rear as well and it was the bolt moving around lightly on the top of the shock when taking and releasing loads. I bought two 1/2" nylon bushings and put them on the outside of the bolt and then used my impact to drive them down and flatten them out so they act as a washer. When i put them on they fit inside the hole on the body(the outermost thin hole) on the top of the bolt and when i smashed it down with the impact it did a pop rivet kind of move and flattened on both sides of the metal to keep the bolt from moving around in the hole. Haven't had the clickety clack anymore.

[Spigot]

Finally installed my Bilstein 5150s I've had for 3 months. Man, what a difference. Right side is clicking slightly. I only used 2 washers on the bottom though. My bad, didn't see this thread before now.

Is it me or does the metal on the top bracket seem somewhat soft? I have two washers up there, but as I tightened the bolt, it sucked the bracket in a bit. I'm just worried that it is weak now and may crack.

[07JeepXK]

Yes, the metal up top where the shock mounts is somewhat soft. I just took off my Bilstein 5150's about a week and a half ago because they were blown and they did quite a number on the metal up there. Since the eyelets are so small compared to the OEM shocks, I had to pry the metal back out to fit my ne Old Man Emu shocks up there. Same thing for the bottom.