[HOW TO] Install Bilstein 5100 Front Struts on a 2015-2022 Chevy Colorado & GMC Canyon

This video shows how to install an assembled set of Bilstein B8 5100 shocks into my 2019 GMC Canyon. These will fit pretty much any 2015-2022 Colorado or Canyon (not ZR2's). These struts utilize several components from OEM GM front struts that you can transfer from your original struts or a donor set like I did. I set my struts on 1.9" of lift. I also installed an Icon Dynamics sway bar relocation bracket and longer sway bar end links to move the sway bar forward to accommodate the new struts.
Below are the measurements of my truck at Stock | Leveled
Driver Side Front: S-34.5" | L-36.375" (gained 1.875")
Passenger Side Front: S-35" | L-36.875" (gained 1.875")
Driver Side Rear: S-36.2 | No Change
Passenger Side Rear: S-36.5" | No Change
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Bilstein B8 5100 RHA strut part number: 24-292702
I bought mine from www.bilsteinlifts.com
Also available here: amzn.to/2YDEaHz
Icon Dynamics Sway Bar Relocation Bracket: amzn.to/3P3JRYm
Prothane 19-419-BL Sway Bar End Links: amzn.to/3VyDYoA
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Mechanics Prybar Set: amzn.to/3Uwuk4s
Coil Spring Compressor: amzn.to/2TJy3zV
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Strut Assembly Video: • [HOW TO] Assemble Bils...
Rear Shock Installation: • [HOW TO] Install Bilst...
Rear Shock Skids Installation: • [HOW TO] Install 589 F...
These struts are adjustable for various ride heights, using a snap ring and Bilstein's seat adapter. Using parts from the factory strut assembly, you can swap over everything you need to assemble the new Bilstein unit to install on your truck.
Ride Height Settings:
1st Notch - Factory Height (no lift)
2nd Notch - 0.7" Front Lift
3rd Notch - 1.3" Front Lift
4th Notch - 1.9" Front Lift
5th Notch - 2.6" Front Lift (Some Models*)
*NOTE: 2wd gas and 2wd/4wd diesel models should not use the 2.6" setting per Bilstein manufacturers instructions.
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For reference:
Rear Shock part #: 24-265874
Rear Shocks available Here: amzn.to/2vbVLuC
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Here are some older Install videos for 2015+ Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon
Front Strut Install: • [HOW TO] Replace Front...
Rear Shock Install: • [HOW TO] Replace Rear ...
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0:00 Introduction
0:07 BILSTEIN B8 5100 RHA STRUTS
0:12 2019 GMC CANYON ALL TERRAIN
2:42 Remove the sway bar end link
3:01 Remove lower strut mount bolts
3:06 Remove tie rod end link
3:10 TBD - Unbolt Upper Control Arm
3:24 Remove strut tower nuts
4:06 Sway bar bracket bolts - 10mm
4:39 Longer bolt goes toward the rear of the vehicle
5:33 Watch for the tie rod thread spinning
6:49 Breaker bar helps to loosen the bolt
9:20 A long prybar helps to line up the lower strut bolt
15:40 Reinstall the skid plate
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16:16 Rear shocks in a separate video Check video description

[@fondupot]

In case you missed Part 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/noClYnmFgdKZmpI

[@glenherbert7606]

Always well made videos. Very informative. Keep up the great work

[@fondupot]

Thanks Glen! Much appreciated

[@gnesmond]

Just put these on my 19 Colorado. Your old video on them helped me install them. They are great struts. Way better than oem. I did the 1.9 inch lift. I wish it was a 2 inch lift. There is still a hair of rake. Great video as always though.

[@fondupot]

Thanks for watching!

[@danieljespersen89]

I am trying to decide between the 1.9 or the top setting of 2.6 for my All terrain model. to get a level ride maybe a 1.9 inch + stock rear, or a 2.6inch lift with a 1inch rear? What are your thoughts? i would like a level ride or a bit under, but certainly not having the "squatting" look of having the front higher than the rear. also have you heard of any performance/safety issues with having the highest setting ?

[@fondupot]

I didn’t want to go too high but cause that might require new upper control arms. I did the 1.9” and added a 1” block and I have some rake. But I also have a heavy tailgate tool box that brings the rear down some. 1.9” should get you level, anything more and you would probably squat.

[@gregsobek722]

That's definitely my next project. Hate the rake look of my truck. As always very informative video. Have a dandy weekend buddy!

[@fondupot]

Yea truck looks much better now that’s its level. Thanks for watching. As always!

[@gregsobek722]

@@fondupot how is the ride ?

[@fondupot]

Better. More controlled dampening compared to the stockers.

[@gregsobek722]

@@fondupot but is it a harsh ride or smooth ?

[@fondupot]

Smooth as glass. Vastly better than stock.

[@stevenhzoll7057]

These are great on all four corners. Yes, they are a noticeable upgrade. I have a 2017 Z71, love the truck. Not so much the transmission M5T 29900 miles extended factory coverage warranty. Truck has been sitting at the selling dealership for three weeks waiting on parts . All I want for Christmas is GM's latest, greatest, maybe it won't shake the truck apart torque converter.

[@fondupot]

Yea I had them on my 2017 before as well. Issues with your manual 5 speed? I didn’t think the manual transmission had issues.

[@stevenhzoll7057]

@@fondupot Sorry about the confusion . M5T is the RPO code for the 8 speed automatic transmission, also known as the 8L45.

[@fondupot]

Gotcha. My 8 speed has been fine. Have you swapped the fluid?

[@stevenhzoll7057]

@@fondupot The dealership that it went to (were I bought the truck) diagnosed it as the convertor. I had expected that the flush with the new juice would have been suggested . GM's got class action lawsuits against them about this trans, 8L90 as well as the 8L45. The extended warranty people danced around for about week before they gave the ok. Now we are waiting on a converter. Supposed to be genuine GM . I left the truck on Nov 29. See what happens . I will keep you posted. Thanks for the videos !

[@fondupot]

Yea I knew about the lawsuit. But I didn’t know if it had any traction. Good luck getting the new converter. Stinks that you have to wait that long. My 8 speed has been great in both my trucks.

[@jorgerd3606]

Very profesional vídeo, thank you much, blessings…

[@fondupot]

Cheers thanks.

[@Astro_cytoma]

I love your videos! ❤ I am doing this to my 2019 GMC Canyon Denali on Friday or Saturday. Are you still a fan of the 2 inch setting? I've heard some people claim that it rides better using the one lower (1.55) or even the stock level setting.

[@fondupot]

Yea I like the 2” setting. It rides just fine I think. Thanks so much!

[@Bigmikeydeez]

Thank you for the great video ! Had a question: are the factory upper control arms sufficient for these, or would you recommend replacing with something beefier? Thanks again !

[@fondupot]

I think if you want to use the tallest setting you should get beefier control arms. But on the 2” setting that I’m using. Stock arms are ok. Thanks for watching.

[@TheSilver9r]

Great video, so thorough! Just a few questions, maybe I missed it but did you have to use the relocation bracket for the sway bar because of the lift or is there another reason? Are the sway bar linkage rods longer to accommodate the lift or is the stock length ok for any lift? Can the lift be adjusted on the struts in place or do they have to be removed? I notice your truck is ~.3" higher on the passenger side rear. Mine is a full .5" and was like that from new. It is visibly higher looking from the rear and I always wondered why. I assumed due to the fuel tank being on the drivers side but not sure and local dealer had no clue either. I first noticed it when I had mud flaps installed and the dealer screwed up and the right side is about .5" higher than the drivers side, so that makes it a full inch higher than the drivers side from the ground. I just installed Bilstein B6s on the rear and plan to change the fronts in the near future and was considering a slight lift to level the truck off. B6 Heavy duty version was what was recommended for my diesel Canyon, can I put the B8 5100 on the front without issue?

[@fondupot]

The sway bar bracket helps because when adding a level the factory location might clank on the springs. The new end links are slightly longer to accommodate the new sway bar location. Yea I call it the chevy lean, I think it’s mostly from the fuel tank and driver being on the same side. I don’t see why B8’s won’t work up front, should be a good combo. Thanks for watching.

[@opprometheus]

Thanks for this. I went with the RC Loaded Strut assembly (shock and coilover). To be installed in a week or so. Thanks for the heads up about the sway bar end links and drop bracket. Appears to be a fairly straightforward procedure. Did you get the truck aligned afterward?

[@fondupot]

Yes. You definitely need an alignment afterwards. I got mine done at a local shop. I’d say drive it 10-15 miles before aligning it so the front end can settle somewhat. Thanks for watching!

[@ResponsiblePledge]

How has the overall function been thus far (since you made this video) regarding the ride of the truck with that plate (as opposed to just buying a new sway bar)? Do you have regrets/concerns? Have you noticed a difference in the handling at high speeds on the highway?

[@fondupot]

Truck is solid as a rock on the highway. No issues at all.

[@edb4428]

How do you like the ride now with the Bilstein shocks?

[@fondupot]

It’s a little stiffer. But overall a more controlled ride.

[@042452]

I am looking into doing this to my recently purchased 2017 Colorado Duramax none of the installers I have talked to said anything about the sway bar Relocation or extensions can you explain?

[@fondupot]

You can run into clearance issues when running the stock sway bar location. The brackets push the sway bars forward to give better clearance with leveling kits and what not. It’s not 100% necessary but if you developed a clunk from the sway bar hitting the springs this will alleviate that.

[@042452]

@@fondupot thanks

[@Soto-kt1bz]

Hey I got the same struts installed and a few days ago the bolt came off where my ball join was I got a new upper control arms should I get a new sway to help out the lift?

[@fondupot]

Was the upper ball joint loosened during install? Sounds like it wasn’t torqued correctly