I see this thread is older, but wondering if anyone has installed the Bilstein 4600s on newer WK2s? Specifically speaking, I have a 2018 GC High Altitude that needs new rear shocks and am really leaning towards the 4600s as an aftermarket replacement.

 

I have the Bilstein 4600 on the rear of my 2017 Overland with air suspension and like them a lot. Better in every way.

 

Good to know! Thanks, TomS.

 

Have the Bilstein 4600's rears on my 2015 Limited with Quadra lift, easy fit. Tackling the fronts with Arnott/Elibach units tomorrow. Other than putting it in "park" lowing I was also going to use Alfa OBD to transfer nitrogen from the strut to the reservoir. Does anyone know if this gives you additional clearance for removing the strut? Wondering if I'll still have to remove the axle nut. Any input? Thanks.

 

Assuming yours is like my 2012 Grand Cherokee, I think evacuating the nitrogen does give you more clearance but not enough and I still had to remove the upper ball joint so I could pivot the steering knuckle away and slip the axle out. Evacuate the nitrogen before you jack it up though because (it seemed to me) that the system needs that force to help push the nitrogen out of the shock and into the reservoir. I installed Suncore brand front shocks and the first set was junk. They sent me a second set and they seem fine. So I have experience doing this twice! On the second time around, I went ahead and replaced the upper ball joint since I had the shock out. Went with Moog and all seems good.

I just had a wheel hub bearing start to hum, so I am in the process of replacing it with a Moog one. After trying unsuccessfully for several hours to remove the hub, I gave up and ordered a replacement steering knuckle which is probably good so I will have a new lower ball joint. I also decided to replace the inner and outer tie rods while I am this far into it and will need an alignment anyway. I purchased all of the parts plus new dust covers from Rock Auto for around $550 for both sides.

Here is a picture of my current progress on the left side. Have not started on the right. ~120k miles.

 

Good info, I appreciate it. Hope it's straight forward, we'll see.

 

Fortunately, I didn't encounter any of your problems and the replacement went okay. Alfa OBD program worked great with no loss of nitrogen.

 

I used the Bilstein 4600s on my 2017 hemi Overland. Would definitely recommend.

 

Been feeling lately like the rear end of my 2014 Summit has some worn bushings. Took it to a dealer that didn't find anything wrong after 4 days . I decided to replace the rear shocks for the hell of it since my Jeep has 130k miles, so went with the 4600s based on the results from this thread. Only driven about 30 miles with them, but they feel basically the same to me as stock. But at least I have new shocks now. Not sure if it did anything for the 'worn bushing' feeling yet.

On a similar note, I decided to replace the upper shock mounts for the hell of it. Good thing I did because mine were insanely rusty. The lower section that holds in the bumpstop and the plastic shock shaft protector was completely rusted through to the point where there were pieces falling off and the rust expanded the plastic shock shield so much that I couldn't reinstall them on the new mounts. So my bilsteins are naked, hopefully they hold up for another 130k!

Oh, one last thing. The dealer wanted to charge me OVER 1000 DOLLARS to replace my rear shocks. What the actual F*#$.

 

Oh, one last thing. The dealer wanted to charge me OVER 1000 DOLLARS to replace my rear shocks. What the actual F*#$.

That's crazy! Had one rear replaced at 50K and both replaced at 99K just prior to my Maxcare running out. At 160K now and the rears have no signs of leaking and are performing well. After hearing your original rears last 130K, maybe this last pair will get me to 200-230K .