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Bilstein Shock Install & Ride-Height Setup Guide for Roxor

Wade LaLone |

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:

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

  1. Park on a flat, solid surface. Engage the parking brake.
  2. Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels before lifting.
  3. Jack up the Roxor from the frame (not the axle) and place jack stands under the frame rails at all four corners.
  4. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
  5. Remove all four wheels and set aside.

Step 2: Remove the Front Shocks

  1. Spray the upper and lower shock mounting bolts with penetrating oil and let soak for 5–10 minutes.
  2. Support the front axle with your floor jack to prevent it from dropping when the shock is removed.
  3. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt (18mm) first, then the upper mounting bolt (21mm).
  4. Compress the old shock by hand and slide it out of the mount. Note the orientation — the new shock installs the same way.
  5. Repeat on the opposite front corner.

Step 3: Install the Front Bilstein Shocks

  1. Position the new Bilstein shock with the reservoir (if applicable) oriented correctly — refer to the included instructions for your specific model.
  2. Insert the upper mounting bolt and thread it in by hand.
  3. Align the lower mount and insert the lower bolt by hand.
  4. Torque the upper bolt to 55 ft-lbs and the lower bolt to 65 ft-lbs.
  5. Repeat on the opposite side.

Step 4: Remove and Replace the Rear Shocks

  1. Support the rear axle with your floor jack.
  2. Spray the rear shock mounting bolts with penetrating oil.
  3. Remove the upper mounting bolt, then the lower. Slide the old shock out.
  4. Install the new rear Bilstein shock — upper bolt first, then lower.
  5. Torque upper to 55 ft-lbs, lower to 65 ft-lbs.
  6. Repeat on the opposite rear corner.

Step 5: Reinstall Wheels and Lower the Roxor

  1. Reinstall all four wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.
  2. Raise the Roxor off the jack stands, remove the stands, and lower to the ground.
  3. 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.

  1. Park on a flat, level surface with the Roxor unloaded.
  2. Measure from the center of the wheel hub to the bottom of the fender lip on all four corners.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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