🔧 Struts - Vehicle-Specific Note

Your Silverado does not use front struts. The front suspension uses control arms and coil springs, and the rear uses separate shocks. If you were aiming to replace the rear shocks, that is a different repair.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck with jack stands; never work under a truck supported only by a jack.
• Keep clear of the rear suspension while removing shock bolts.
• No battery disconnect is required for rear shock replacement.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Ratchet
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Penetrating oil

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts if you need extra access, but wheel removal is usually not required.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the rear

• Use a floor jack to lift the rear axle enough to unload the shocks slightly.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.

Step 2: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use an 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower shock bolt.
• Penetrating oil helps on rusty hardware.

Step 3: Remove the upper shock bolt

• Use an 18mm socket or 21mm socket to remove the upper shock fastener.
• Pull the shock out of the truck.

Step 4: Install the new shock

• Position the new shock in place and start the upper bolt by hand.
• Install the lower bolt and snug both fasteners.
• Torque the shock fasteners to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Repeat on the other side

• Replace shocks in pairs for balanced ride and handling.

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✅ After Repair

• Lower the truck and bounce the rear lightly to settle the suspension.
• Test drive and listen for clunks or rattles.
• Recheck the shock bolts after the first drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $170-$280 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.