Shock exchange

[JochenWoern]

Getting ready to pull the trigger on a set of BILSTEIN 4600 Series for my 2004 Yukon SLT, 4x4, stock height.

Truck is stiff as a rock and you can feel just about any pot hole on the road, so I am hoping this will greatly improve my ride as I am still running the original shocks at 130K miles.

QUESTION:
- As I will do the install myself, is it easier to get the old shocks out/new shocks in with the truck on leveled ground/surface, or is it easier to jack the truck up and put some stands under it so there is no (or at least only slight) pressure on the shock.

I have no access to a lift, but have all the other tools needed to do this at home in my garage, so any helpful hints or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[YukonXL04]

When I did my front shocks I did them on level ground. You can compress the shocks with your hands. I do recommend to remove the front inner fenders, it made the job much easier. For the record I do not recommend Monroe shocks, I am ready to yank mine out and put my worn out stock ones back in. They are way to soft. But if your looking for a softer ride they may work for you.

 

[JochenWoern]

When I did my front shocks I did them on level ground. You can compress the shocks with your hands. I do recommend to remove the front inner fenders, it made the job much easier. For the record I do not recommend Monroe shocks, I am ready to yank mine out and put my worn out stock ones back in. They are way to soft. But if your looking for a softer ride they may work for you.

Many thanks.

As mentioned, I am going with BILSTEIN 4600.

 

[JochenWoern]

ANYONE else have some tips?

 

[YukonButICanToo]

Here's a good how-to video...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G64q9nFyO3A

 

[Danzigman]

This one is a little better.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYGBTL_04tI

 

[Screwd up 6]

Its pretty easy if you have the strength of a 6th grader to compress the shocks haha. Truck does not have to be lifted at all to do it.

 

[JochenWoern]

Its pretty easy if you have the strength of a 6th grader to compress the shocks haha. Truck does not have to be lifted at all to do it.

Thanks Justin as well as all others for the input, greatly appreciated.

 

[Stein2088]

I cant say much for the front shocks but I did my back shocks on a "Semi" level parking lot. I didnt have to jack it up until the passenger side. I would suggest getting your front end aligned after you do your swap.