prenticect
Active Member
So I know there are a few threads on these shocks and I am still installing them at this exact point in time. But I wanted to share things I learned, especially for anyone with the rear self-level shocks. (Yes Bilstein says this is not a direct replacement, I apparently missed those words initially).
The fronts not bad at all, don't be afraid to use the 3lb hammer on the tie-rod. The 1lb does more damage than moving. Most to all the videos on the front are a little off as I do not have 4x4, so don't deal with the axle, but you still need to disconnect from 3 points. This is only due to the fact that Ford pressed the bolts into the shock. Putting in the new one SUPER easy as did not need the extra ~3" for the bolt sticking out.
The rears, with the shock I have (FYI in my opinion the self-load-level whatever are crap, they never worked...ever). So you basically need to buy a complete NEW shock assembly to replace the shock itself. Now, here is the trick. You can only get the Ford Shock as it bottom spring bracket is removable. Many others are welded to the shock. If you look to get a non-ford one and match the diameter, it is possible it is not wide enough for the shock. Another post pointed out that order the one from BIlsein it is not right for this truck. THe part number for the factory shock is AL1Z-18125-C. FYI, this shock is $100 a piece. Now that you have the bottom, time for the top. Guess what, the whole top part will not fit either, so now you see to get another whole shock to get the top parts (top bracket and rubber support). You have two choices, but the parts from ford, Ford does not sell a fully loaded shock like this; you have to part it all out. I did the math and it is cheaper to buy aftermarket shocks to get the top brack, rubber and spring itself. I do not 100% know if the spring would have worked, I just got tired of shopping. If you have time to shop this all out you will do better than me, I had to deal with what was in stock where ever it was.. My truck was jacked up and everything torn apart. Lesson learned, read this if you are swapping those types of shocks. You need to replace everything. IF if all that cost is worthwhile for you.
I did these shocks to get the lift cheaply (yes I know the joke there). I raised the snap ring to the highest point. I will post a before and after pic once I am completed, hopefully tomorrow.
I hope this helps some... any questions, please ask I can give all kinds of detail more if needed.
The fronts not bad at all, don't be afraid to use the 3lb hammer on the tie-rod. The 1lb does more damage than moving. Most to all the videos on the front are a little off as I do not have 4x4, so don't deal with the axle, but you still need to disconnect from 3 points. This is only due to the fact that Ford pressed the bolts into the shock. Putting in the new one SUPER easy as did not need the extra ~3" for the bolt sticking out.
The rears, with the shock I have (FYI in my opinion the self-load-level whatever are crap, they never worked...ever). So you basically need to buy a complete NEW shock assembly to replace the shock itself. Now, here is the trick. You can only get the Ford Shock as it bottom spring bracket is removable. Many others are welded to the shock. If you look to get a non-ford one and match the diameter, it is possible it is not wide enough for the shock. Another post pointed out that order the one from BIlsein it is not right for this truck. THe part number for the factory shock is AL1Z-18125-C. FYI, this shock is $100 a piece. Now that you have the bottom, time for the top. Guess what, the whole top part will not fit either, so now you see to get another whole shock to get the top parts (top bracket and rubber support). You have two choices, but the parts from ford, Ford does not sell a fully loaded shock like this; you have to part it all out. I did the math and it is cheaper to buy aftermarket shocks to get the top brack, rubber and spring itself. I do not 100% know if the spring would have worked, I just got tired of shopping. If you have time to shop this all out you will do better than me, I had to deal with what was in stock where ever it was.. My truck was jacked up and everything torn apart. Lesson learned, read this if you are swapping those types of shocks. You need to replace everything. IF if all that cost is worthwhile for you.
I did these shocks to get the lift cheaply (yes I know the joke there). I raised the snap ring to the highest point. I will post a before and after pic once I am completed, hopefully tomorrow.
I hope this helps some... any questions, please ask I can give all kinds of detail more if needed.