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Replacing front struts

Do you really need to pop the ball joint?

Replacing front struts

Postby BigRedZ71BigRedZ71 is online! [OP] » Feb 03 2012, 3:46am

I'm going to be installing some Bilstein 5100's in the next two weeks or so and have noticed on all the videos I've seen that people have been popping the ball joint and loosening the sway bar. I had my wheels off over the weekend and thought there may be just enough room to undo the three nuts on top and the two bolts on bottom of the strut assembly and I may be able to coax it out. Any ideas thoughts?
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Re: Replacing front struts

Postby ASTE25 » Feb 03 2012, 4:24am

I'm not sure about on the Silverado's, but I have done just that on other vehicles I have put struts on.
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Re: Replacing front struts

Postby SLCCHEVY » Feb 03 2012, 5:35am

Even if you have to loosen up the ball joint and sway bar its really not that big of a deal. Be prepared, the ball joint nut is an 18mm, get a ratcheting open ended wrench, it will make it a snap!
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