Replacing Suspension Shocks and Steering stabilizer. H2 Hummer upgraded Bilstein 5100 series Shocks!

This video shows you what I did to remove and install suspension shocks and the steering stabilizer shock/dampener. Removing your OEM shocks can be a choir sometimes. Mine were installed back in 2003 and have almost 200 hundred miles on them. just a few tools are required for this install: some basic wrenches, sockets, a good old adjustable wrench, and for the steering shock: a tie-rod removal tool (aka: pickle-fork,) a good hammer, and maybe a little torch for expanding the metal for removal assistance .
Of course power tools help but not required to get the job done sooner and with less effort.
Always use safety measures first before getting under your Hummer.
Bilstein is known for quality and has been making performance shocks for many years.
I have used them before on my H3 Hummer, so it was an easy choice when it was time for the H2 Hummer to get new shocks.
Feel free to post your comments/questions down below. Lets Chat!!
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Thank You again for watching, and if you like to see more videos like this please head over to my channel and you can find other videos on Hummer related repairs, How-To, and other various videos that might peak your interest.
More videos on the way about Hummer repairs and up grades!
I'll be revisiting water intrusion in the cab, and more after market lighting products also.
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Specific part numbers for the shocks and steering damper used in this video:
Set of 2 B8 5100 Front Shock Absorber (24-186735) Collapsed Length: 11.30" (287.0mm)
Extended Length: 15.76" (400.2mm)
Finish: Zinc Plated
Reservoir: No
Body Design: Smooth Body (Non-Coilover)
Body Diameter: 46mm
Set of 2 B6 4600 (stock ride height)Rear Shock Absorbers(24-185912
B8 5100 rear shocks are for 5” lifts
B8 5100 Steering Damper (33-174525)
Collapsed Length: 12.83" (326.0mm)
Extended Length: 20.08" (510.0mm)
Finish: Zinc Plated
Reservoir: No
Body Design: Smooth Body (Non-Coilover)
Body Diameter: 46mm
Video recorded with: iPhone 13 pro
Video editing: iMove and KZbin Studio
Music credit: Sport Rock & Workout by Infraction
inaudio.org/tr...
#hummer #bilstein #h2 #michaeled #howto #diy #shocks

[@paulguerrero972]

I did the same thing, Bilstein 5100 all the way around with BFG KM3 35". Took it to Windrock Park and it was Awesome!!!! Love my H2!!!!

[@MichaelEd]

I’ve heard talk about Windrock Park via hummer forums, it sounds like a great place for adventuring. I would hope to visit there on day. Sounds like you had a great time and your rig preformed like a champ!! Thanks for sharing your great story. *Hummer Owners Like Nothing Else.🤙

[@jaeha171]

Love to see the hummer h2 work. I’m hummer h2 owner too. I love my hummer h2!

[@MichaelEd]

Thanks Jae!! Hummer owners Like Nothing Else. 👍

[@jamesh6195]

What specific brand and type of steering damper shock do you use? Where can i get these 5100 bilstein front and rear shocks? What coil springs ( to replace air suspension) do you recommend that goes along with these bilstein shocks? Thanks for the info..👍

[@MichaelEd]

@@jamesh6195 The steering damper is the same brand, time stamp 10:24 is where I started the uninstall and install of the old oem and new bistein steering dampener. I also added the part numbers to the shocks down in the description. James I got my set of bilstein shocks and steering damper on eBay. Here is my link to where I purchased mine: www.ebay.com/itm/143520147015?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=LI3mP9UzREK&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=jMJYchhTRuG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY What year is your Hummer James? As far as coil conversion from air bags, I haven’t done that one. Sry. I still got mine on bags.

[@alpha2047]

Planning on doing all 5 bilstein's plus a leveling kit on my 05 H2 this spring also some 37's I can't wait. Great review

[@MichaelEd]

Thanks for chiming in Alpha204. Those 37’s are going to look good under your rig. I’m running 37x13.5 nitto trail grablers with little rub when full lock mounted on a set of 20” rims. Not sure if your rig is set up for off-road, pavement stunner, or a mix of both like mine, but I know you’ll be happy with the out come. Hummer, “Like Nothing Else.” 😎✌️

[@wesleygeorge3882]

Thank you very much! As a 2004 H2 owner I find a lot of the time you're alone on a lot of stuff when it comes to mods upgrades and fixes. I'm refurbishing my H2 and building out to be and overland adventure rig with solar, water big lithium bank comms etc. id like to put new shocks on it but I'm wondering if I cant get slightly longer springs for it and do a more real type of lift. Then at the front just turn the torsion bars up a bit. Not sure yet. I think that only lifts the front by 2" or so. I may go with a full lift put I don't want to have to use huge spacers in the springs. I always thought that was a bit silly. Aren't you missing out on a chance to have actual more travel? Just short of what they call a long arm lift I suppose is the real deal. I require further education on H2's and their shocks and lifts.

[@MichaelEd]

An Overland Hummer sounds like a great rig to have! Not sure how much more of a lift you’ll need, Hummers are already well equipped to handle most terrains, unless you get extreme. Yeah turning torsion keys is about a extra inch or two.

[@rorymclean7545]

Awesome video, about to the exact same thing this weekend. Thanks

[@MichaelEd]

Thanks Roy!! I hope it all goes well.🛠️ Don’t forget to hit them with some penetrating a oil before you get started. ✌️

[@rorymclean7545]

Well I definitely took the advice of the penetrating oil for the removal process of the front shocks especially, but removal of that top nut on the shock took awhile 😂

[@MichaelEd]

@@rorymclean7545 indeed, especially if all you got is a wrench. There are a lot of threads on those front shocks.⏳😅 Thanks for updating us on how it went.👍 I got one or two other videos releasing soon, and then it’ll be another Hummer video, (tackling the rear air bags,) so until then I hope you enjoy all my other videos. ✌️ *Hummer Owners like nothing else! HummernatioN 🌎 W_I_D_E

[@rorymclean7545]

So as you know from my last message, I replaced all the shocks. But tomorrow I want to replace the steering stabilizer, I have the bilstein one like you did. After I change that out I want to get an alignment done, but did you have any issues after you changed yours out? I read that other people had issues with steering/pulling to one side after changing that out?

[@rorymclean7545]

I just removed the air bags suspension and put in coil springs, we are happier with that decision

[@dowyacht]

Thanks

[@MichaelEd]

@@dowyacht 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@markg3305]

How do you like these so far more long term? Im about to put new shocks on my h2 also still debating on these or fox

[@MichaelEd]

Very satisfied with them! I’ve used Bilstein’s on my H3 I had before and very impressed. Haven’t tried Fox brand, but from people’s testimony, I would feel confident in them as well. Bilstein shock have always but worth the price, make sure you get the shocks that best suit your needs/wants for your rig. I think you’ll be happy with either brand. 5100 series are my choice pick for Hummers. I like the look of them and how they preform. Fox series I’d have to try their 2.0 with remote reservoir. Pricey, looks nice, but you’d be the only who knows unless you have a lift installed. Some people reported that fox seems little bit softer ride compared to Bilstein. My opinion for Stock Hummers: Bilstein all the way.👍 Thanks Mark for the awesome question. Good luck on your choice.

[@rcast9022]

how did you know that the shocks need changing?

[@MichaelEd]

I my case it was life span of the shocks. Shocks don't go out all at once; they deteriorate over time. Some show failure by leaking fluid and leaving oily like residue on the outside the shock. Sometimes poor handling is noticed also is another way of knowing. Examples are: bouncing, nose diving when stopping, leaning more than normal when turning, squatting. I had about 190k miles on mine, and like other maintainer items on the vehicle (tires, oil, spark plugs,brake pads) you should replace them to maintain proper performance, and safety.

[@rcast9022]

@@MichaelEd thanks man! hoping to see more of your videos

[@MichaelEd]

@@rcast9022 there is a nice variety of videos posted on my channel. Stop in and check-’em out. More videos coming soon.👍 Thanks for watching and for commenting

[@miguelmendez0126]

Great Video Michael By any chance do you know the the part#’s for your shocks I’m trying to get the same ones for my Hummer H2 Thanks Please let me know! 👍

[@MichaelEd]

Check down in the description section below the video. I’ve posted the part number, part name and specs on the shocks I stalled. If your ordering from third party vendors, cross reference items at Beilsteins web site to make sure. ✌️

[@miguelmendez0126]

@@MichaelEd Thanks Michael

[@adamburns2452]

So my air bag is collapsed took it out yesterday and it started jumping around wondering what the best route to go springs or shocks and will I need to replace airbag and pump

[@MichaelEd]

@@adamburns2452 not really a “best route” on choosing between bags and springs. The question is what are you and what do you want. Each option has pros and cons. I prefer air bags because the ride is more comfortable, the towing is better (bags will level your rig out when hitched up), and in my opinion my rig is more versatile in use with air bags. Down side for me is bags are a maintainer item, hoses my leak, and compressor could quite operating. It’s a pricey little item if your replacing with OEM. Springs *in my opinion* (take that with a grain of salt) and only from what I’ve heard and read are a quick semi permanent fix (kinda a one and done deal), but….. your rigs ride height is static, comfort might not be as nice, and towing (saggy rear end) is more limited. You also have to deal with and/or figure out how to get the air suspension light to go out on your dash afterwards. That my take. If your compressor still works fine, don’t replace it, just the leaky, old, cracked, air bags. It’s fairly easy. 👍

[@calebdriscoll9329]

Question! Looking at ur condition yours is so much better than mine😆😔😢 mines ready to be put to bed but did your steering have some play in it? And did that steering stabilizer help it?

[@MichaelEd]

Great question Caleb, and thanks for the compliment. I try and maintain and service it as required to help make it last as long as possible. Pushing 200k miles so far. As for having playing in my steering, I do not have any extra play. I’ve had most of the steering and front suspension replaced in the last few years. Everything is still pretty tight. The steering stabilizer shock doesn’t help with slack, it help reduce wheel wobble and helps the steering to feel stiffer. With it the stabilizer you steering might be a little to responsive and you could experience wheel wobbling and or choppiness. If your having slack issues I would look at your steering components for excessive wear. Tie-rods, wheel hubs, ball joints, pitman and idler arms. If those aren’t the problem you could check the steering shaft and last that I can think of would be check you gear box.

[@calebdriscoll9329]

@@MichaelEd thanks for the advice. I’m sure the steering wheel shaft bolt could potentially need to be tightened as well. It’s a pain to take care off. Reminds me of a pup. I wish I can remove all the rust and refurbish it. Can have somebody do it but it’s so expensive

[@MichaelEd]

@@calebdriscoll9329 wire wheel and some fresh paint and it outa come out pretty nice. You can do it, just going to take some time and effort. 👍

[@washoevalley]

I have a stock 2003 H2. Can I use the 5100s in the front like you did or does it require a lift? The bilstein site says "Fits vehicle with 2-2.5" front lift or torsion key lift", I wonder if that also means it will fit if it doesn't have a lift? Assuming the rear 4600s are fine without a lift. I think I have the original shocks and I'm almost at 200k miles and the ride is really wobbly now.

[@MichaelEd]

Yes, you can use the 5100 series in the front. I don’t have a lift on mine, but my torsion keys are adjusted to level the hummer.

[@washoevalley]

@@MichaelEd 👍

[@jesseparadis6141]

Whats the part number for steering stabilizer shock i need one ?

[@MichaelEd]

Part number is: 33-174525 I got mine from eBay. 👍

[@mandoerives7707]

Hi Michael so my air springs and my shocks gave out it’s dropped low from the rear. I’m going to replace them, I have a 2003 hummer h2 and I think it has 3 or 3/12 lift, what springs would you recommend and do you know if the 5100 bilstein would fit all around? Thank you for the video

[@MichaelEd]

If you swapping air bags for springs, I’m not sure which springs to recommend. I’m still running air bags on mine. Yes the Bilsteins should fit all the way around. If in doubt check the total length on Bilsteins web site for proper travel.

[@mandoerives7707]

So I finally took out my struts and damper, turns out I have 5 inch lift and Monroe brand strut and damper. Going to take it tomorrow to get measured to order bilstein 🔥🔥

[@MichaelEd]

@@mandoerives7707 5” lift!! You’ve got that rig standing tall. Do you have 37” or 40” tires under it?

[@michaellockhart8770]

did the steering stabilizer help tighten up your steering? mine is a little loose

[@MichaelEd]

A steering stabilizer reduces the side-to-side motion of the tires to improve the handling and ride quality. It didn’t really tighten the steering. I have replaced front end components and never really experienced loose steering with my Hummer. If your steering is loose, like you move left to right and your wheels stay still, then you might wanna check your all your steering components for wear and slack. Hubs also.

[@mlockhart08]

@@MichaelEd thank you for the advice. I really appreciate it.

[@paullavallee6579]

Michael will those shock set up work on my 2003 hummer h2

[@MichaelEd]

Yes, that’s what year mine is. No issues here.👍

[@96blingin]

Hello, When I enter your rear part number it comes up as a B6 shock. Not the B8.

[@MichaelEd]

Kevin thanks for catching that!! I’ve got it corrected. 👍

[@96blingin]

@@MichaelEd sorry to bug... that number that is updated is the same as the front shocks. when searched the front pair comes up.

[@MichaelEd]

@@96blingin no no your not bugging. My description was off originally. I had the right part number at first but when I was typing it in I was switching back and forth between screen and put in the wrong description B8 5100. The rears are a B64600 like you stated previously. Reason for that is B6 4600 is stock oem height and the B8 5100 is for 5” lift in the rear. I hope I got this straight. Man I really appreciate you spotting my error.

[@96blingin]

@@MichaelEd Makes sense now. LOL! Im in the process of buying shocks and narrowing down my decision. How is the ride?? How is it on bumpy roads? Currently on ProComp shocks and theyre trash!

[@MichaelEd]

I agree I had ProComp on my Z71 and regretted that with-in a week. I’ve had Bilstein before on my H3 and they were great! With over 190k miles on my H2, I knew what shocks I wanted and I knew from previous experience what I would be getting. Yes they may cost more but Bilstein is dang good quality, all has been and still is. *no they don’t do sponsor my channel, though I wish they did. That would be epic for me. lol They do great, as expected from Bilstein!! I’ve heard a lot from H3 owners commenting about the ride being stiffer, but for me they did great on my H3 (with a torsion key lift,) and my now H2 stock. Like I stated in the video, the ride feels good and with the extra travel bilstein includes compared to stock GM shocks, I don’t have to worry about over extending them if I go off-roading. 👍👍 I haven’t tried fox brand, but I know bilstein is great quality and I’m sure from word of mouth and product reviews fox makes a dang good shock as well. Do your research, choose what best fit your needs and wallet, and go with it. That’s what I prefer to do and show others that they can do it also. Nothing better than reaping the rewards from get your hands dirty and accomplishing your goals.

[@Dan-mh9bq]

I have same H2 as your but 2006 model stock, no lift. I have heard blistine 5100 is for little lift like 0-2”, and 4600 is for stock not lifted. Is it still ok for me go with 5100 for my hummer ?