How to Install Bilstein 5100 Shocks on F150 (8 Steps)

Your truck can be on or off the road. Furthermore, the BILSTEIN 5100 shock absorber ensures a smooth, controlled, and comfortable ride.

So, want to know how to install Bilstein 5100 on f150?

First, unplug the negative battery terminal. Then remove the wheel. Next, remove nuts from the top of the shock mount along with the sway bar and brake line bracket. Discard the ball joint nut and factory shock too. Lastly, replace the shock and place it in the assembly.

More info is needed. So, If you have time please read the article till the end.

Steps to Follow to Install Bilstein 1500 Shocks On F150

These steps are proper guides to install Bilstein 1500 shocks on F150 trucks. Here are some tools you’ll need to install Bilstein-.

Ratchet with a different type of socket (Socket Box)
Floor jack
Jack stands

21mm lug wrench
24”+ cheater bar
30mm box wrench

22mm box wrench
2 sets of 2 strut spring compressors
4in Extension,

17mm box wrench
hammer
19mm box wrench

6mm hex wrench

Got the tools? Then you can check out the steps. The steps below are very detailed-

Step 1: Unplug the Negative Battery Terminal

First, disconnect your negative battery terminal using a ratchet with an 8 mm socket. You have to do it to protect your electronic power assist steering or EPAS.

Step 2: Remove the Wheel

Lift the truck with a floor jack. Then place a jack stand as wide as possible from the center frame of the truck.

After that remove the wheel with a 21mm lug wrench and set it aside.

Here are some floor jacks that we are suggesting to you.

These will assist you in removing the wheel.

Step 3: Discard Three Nuts from Shock Mount

Take the ratchet out with a 15mm socket now. It may appear challenging at first. It is because there will be few wires in the way.

Now, you might be looking for a ratchet with different types of sockets. Then we recommend 2 two of the best available ratchets-

Anyway, while removing the nuts, be very careful. If it won’t come off easily, try using any type of lubrication. Pour some drops of lubricant on the nuts to make them easier to remove.

Step 4: Remove the Lower Shock Mount Bolt

Now, you can break the bolt out without holding the nut. But after the first few twists, you’ll need the box wrench.

You will need a wrench box for this step. So, we recommend you some best wrenches-

You can buy any of them.

Now, take off the bolts with a ratchet with a 27mm socket. After that, use a 30mm box wrench and 24”+ cheater bar. These tools are essential for taking off the bolts.

Step 5: Discard Sway Bar and Brake Line Bracket

The sway bar can be removed from either the top or bottom. To remove the sway bar, grip the 18mm nut. Then, at the same time, ratchet the center post.

Now, protect the spindle from dragging on the brake lines. Remove the little bracket to which the brake lines were attached with a ratchet with a 10mm standard socket.

Step 6: Take Out the Ball Joint Nut

Begin by removing the nut from the ball joint that joins the upper A-arm and spindle.

This nut is quite tight and requires some effort to remove. But using WD-40 surely helps. To remove it, you’ll also need a 22mm box wrench and a floor jack.

After you’ve removed the nut, dislodge the taper. That is what holds the components together.

Hit the control arm with the rubber mallet until it pops free. And use the floor jack to support the spindle and lower the A-arm.

Step 7: Take Out the Factory Shock

Now, use the lift to lower the lower A-arm/spindle as far as possible. Make sure that no brake lines are being tugged on.

Next, you will discover that it is better to dislodge the bottom of the shock from its mount. Because the bottom of the shock is as close to the braking rotor as possible.

Now, have a companion press up on the upper A-arm to clear it. After that, pull the top of the shock out of its seat. It could take a few attempts.

Step 8: Replace the Shock and Place It in Assembly

The step is to uniformly distribute the four spring compressors around the spring. By the way, you might want to build your own spring compressors. Nevertheless, they should be evenly tightened.

It will take some time to get them all down. However, you must keep going until you feel the spring move within the assembly.

Once the spring is free, break free the top nut. Take it out while holding the hex head in place with the 8mm socket.

Discard the top shock seat, spring, and bumper after removing the nut. Then, with a few light hammer blows, remove the bottom shock seat.

Put it against the bottom of the cover now. Insert the replacement shock into the bottom shock mount.

Then tap the new shock a few times to ensure it’s equally placed against the seat. Examine the alignment of the spring with the shock seats.

Then the spring weight would keep it in place just fine. After you’ve tightened the nut, remove the spring compressors.

And that’s all!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are the Bilstein 5100 shocks any good?

Answer: The Bilstein 5100 shocks are designed to provide more wheel travel and better handling. They are long-lasting and can be utilized off-road.

Question: Is the Bilstein 5100 only suitable for lifted trucks?

Answer: The Bilstein 5100 series is the only option for lifted trucks. Except for a few exceptions, all Heavy Duty shocks are exclusively intended for use on stock height trucks.

Question: When should I change my Bilstein shocks?

Answer: Some shock absorber manufacturers recommend replacing them after 50,000 miles. Although this is more for their benefit than for yours.

Conclusion

By now we hope you know how to install Bilstein 5100 shocks on f150. The above steps will help you to install it properly.

Good luck!

Author
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Rob Dahm

My name is Rob Dham. I am the founder & managing editor of greaseandgears.com. I am trying to offer invaluable insights and solutions to everyday vehicle-related challenges.