Upgrade Your Roxor's Suspension: Bilstein Shock Installation Guide
Stock Roxor shocks get the job done, but if you're running trails, hauling loads, or just want a more controlled, planted ride, upgrading to Bilstein shocks is one of the best bolt-on improvements you can make. Bilstein's monotube design delivers consistent damping whether you're crawling at 2 mph or hammering a dirt road at 40. This guide walks you through a complete front and rear shock replacement, plus ride-height setup tips to dial in your stance.
Choose the Right Bilstein Set for Your Roxor
Diesel Freak carries three Bilstein shock configurations — pick the one that matches your current suspension setup:
- Bilstein Shocks for Roxor – Set of 4 — Best for stock-height Roxors with no lift. Direct OEM replacement with a serious performance upgrade.
- Bilstein Shocks – w/ Factory Roxor Lift – Set of 4 — Matched for Roxors running the factory lift kit. Correct valving and travel for lifted geometry.
- Bilstein Shocks – OEM Stock w/ Leveling Kit – Set of 4 — Designed for stock Roxors with an aftermarket leveling kit installed.
Not sure which applies to your rig? Check your current ride height and whether you're running a factory or aftermarket lift before ordering.
Tools Required
- Floor jack and jack stands (minimum 2-ton rated)
- 18mm and 21mm sockets
- Torque wrench
- Breaker bar
- Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or equivalent)
- Pry bar
- Tape measure (for ride-height check)
- Safety glasses and gloves
Step 1: Safety First — Lift and Support the Roxor
- Park on a flat, solid surface. Engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels before lifting.
- Jack up the Roxor from the frame (not the axle) and place jack stands under the frame rails at all four corners.
- Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
- Remove all four wheels and set aside.
Step 2: Remove the Front Shocks
- Spray the upper and lower shock mounting bolts with penetrating oil and let soak for 5–10 minutes.
- Support the front axle with your floor jack to prevent it from dropping when the shock is removed.
- Remove the lower shock mounting bolt (18mm) first, then the upper mounting bolt (21mm).
- Compress the old shock by hand and slide it out of the mount. Note the orientation — the new shock installs the same way.
- Repeat on the opposite front corner.
Step 3: Install the Front Bilstein Shocks
- Position the new Bilstein shock with the reservoir (if applicable) oriented correctly — refer to the included instructions for your specific model.
- Insert the upper mounting bolt and thread it in by hand.
- Align the lower mount and insert the lower bolt by hand.
- Torque the upper bolt to 55 ft-lbs and the lower bolt to 65 ft-lbs.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
Step 4: Remove and Replace the Rear Shocks
- Support the rear axle with your floor jack.
- Spray the rear shock mounting bolts with penetrating oil.
- Remove the upper mounting bolt, then the lower. Slide the old shock out.
- Install the new rear Bilstein shock — upper bolt first, then lower.
- Torque upper to 55 ft-lbs, lower to 65 ft-lbs.
- Repeat on the opposite rear corner.
Step 5: Reinstall Wheels and Lower the Roxor
- Reinstall all four wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Raise the Roxor off the jack stands, remove the stands, and lower to the ground.
- Torque lug nuts to spec (typically 85–95 ft-lbs for Roxor).
Step 6: Check and Set Ride Height
After installing new shocks, always verify your ride height before hitting the trail. New shocks may sit slightly different than worn stockers.
- Park on a flat, level surface with the Roxor unloaded.
- Measure from the center of the wheel hub to the bottom of the fender lip on all four corners.
- Compare front-to-rear and side-to-side. Variance of more than 1/2" side-to-side warrants a closer look at spring condition or mounting.
- If you're running a leveling kit, confirm the front sits level with or slightly higher than the rear — this is the target stance for most Roxor setups.
Break-In Period
Bilstein monotube shocks don't require a formal break-in, but expect the ride to feel slightly firm for the first 50–100 miles as the seals seat. Avoid aggressive off-camber or high-speed rough terrain for the first few outings and let the shocks settle in.
Pro Tips
- Replace in pairs or sets. Mixing old and new shocks creates uneven damping. Always do all four at once.
- Inspect bushings while you're in there. If the factory shock bushings are cracked or collapsed, replace them before installing new shocks.
- Re-torque after 500 miles. Suspension fasteners can settle after initial use. A quick re-torque check keeps everything tight.
Shop Bilstein Shocks for Your Roxor
Ready to upgrade? Diesel Freak stocks all three Bilstein configurations for the Roxor — matched to your exact suspension setup so you get the right valving and travel from day one.