Shock installation problem

[993500]

Installing new Bilstein front 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks 24-016971 11BIL36577365684 (with E4-WM5-Y217A00 BILSTEIN FRONT SHOCK MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS) and having a very difficult time following the directions. I need to know what "TYPE" I have for the shocks. Already reached out to Bilstein, but still a little confused. They emailed me a picture of a close up of how to install the grommet and retainer (unlabeled and not telling me what "type it is"). BUT looking at their printed instruction chart that came with the actual shocks (it refers me to the OE) - it could be the "type 2" or "type 37". When I removed the old ones, they were installed like "Type 2", but the previous owner installed quite a few things wrong.

So I wanted instructions directly from Chevy - the only install information I could find in the manual doesn't show a close enough picture of how the grommet and retainers should face. Is there any other place I could find how to correctly install these according to Chevy?

 

[Schurkey]

I don't have a 2WD GMT400 to look at; never worked on one. I'm making guesses based on what I've seen on other GM/Domestic vehicles.

However, either I'm missing something--and I've been over those instructions twice--or they don't list the mounting I'd expect to see.

Type 2 is close, but both bushings would be the same, having the knob that goes against and fits into the metal of the shock mount. Same for 37--only one of the bushings has the "knob" that fits into the hole in the metal of the shock mount.

38 is pretty close, but the metal washers are upside-down. Should be cupped around the rubber bushings instead of cupped away from the rubber. At least both bushings have the knob instead of just one.

Photos of the parts you actually have? IN FOCUS, nicely cropped, please.

 

[GoToGuy]

The type 2 drawing is the most common method. If the parts you have are those parts. The outer washers are installed as to form a clamshell to capture the bushings. The one bushing whether installed on bottom of top has a ring raised area fits into the flange the shock tube attached to.
Follow drawing type 2, trucks are simple beasts. Don't overthink it.

 

[993500]

I don't have a 2WD GMT400 to look at; never worked on one. I'm making guesses based on what I've seen on other GM/Domestic vehicles.

However, either I'm missing something--and I've been over those instructions twice--or they don't list the mounting I'd expect to see.

Type 2 is close, but both bushings would be the same, having the knob that goes against and fits into the metal of the shock mount. Same for 37--only one of the bushings has the "knob" that fits into the hole in the metal of the shock mount.

38 is pretty close, but the metal washers are upside-down. Should be cupped around the rubber bushings instead of cupped away from the rubber. At least both bushings have the knob instead of just one.

Photos of the parts you actually have? IN FOCUS, nicely cropped, please.

I actually have the shocks installed, but the truck is riding rough, so I decided before I take the wheels off again, I'd figure out what I installed wrong. I have them installed like "Type 37" except the bottom outer washer is cupped upward, like Type 2 - see my artwork attached - Photo #1. I did this because that's how the previous shock had been installed - Photo #2.

The stock photo of the bushing and washers is exactly what I was sent from Bilstein - labeled by me - Photo #3.

 

[GoToGuy]

So, it makes more sense, right, the washers form a capture, or clamshell. That's the most common way the stud end shocks were installed.
How rough ? Ever owned truck before? Trucks ride rough, especially if there old. It's not perfect, but it's not a passenger car. Compare to other trucks not your Lexus, Genesis, GTR, Hemi Cuda' .

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

I think this is a NIT but I'll say it anyway...

Since these shocks generate their most force on rebound (i.e., they compress relatively easily), I would be inclined to put the large washer and rubber bushing at the top where they'll be subject to the rebound forces.

The smaller washer and bushing, now on the bottom, would bear the compression forces.

 

[993500]

So, it makes more sense, right, the washers form a capture, or clamshell. That's the most common way the stud end shocks were installed.
How rough ? Ever owned truck before? Trucks ride rough, especially if there old. It's not perfect, but it's not a passenger car. Compare to other trucks not your Lexus, Genesis, GTR, Hemi Cuda' .

By rough I mean, theres a small difference in driving compared to the old shocks (which were completely dead) and these new ones. I replaced the rear shocks with Bilsteins earlier this summer and felt a huge difference.

 

[GoToGuy]

The rear and front are two different animals. The front is most of the time the weight that it is. Whereas the rear or cargo area is a balancing act of empty smoothish ride and the ability to carry heavy loads without dragging its butt down the road. Good quality shocks , in good condition are primary for smoother ride when empty, or you get boing, boing bounce.