The Bilstein 24-018197 is a rear B6 4600 shock built on a 46mm monotube body. BILSTEIN's nitrogen-infused 46mm monotube design with a floating dividing piston separating the gas and oil, provide consistent, fade-free performance. Digressive valving is tuned to respond to changing road surfaces, which is the behavior you want on washboard fire roads and highway expansion joints.
Against a worn factory unit, the manufacturer describes the B6 4600 line as a direct-fit upgrade for OE shocks on stock-height light trucks and SUVs, so you can keep the stock springs and skip a lift-related suspension rebuild. Owners on user forums on other trucks note that a rear-only swap can feel subtler than a front-and-rear set, so weigh that against the price if your goal is a full ride change. Confirm fitment for your exact year, drivetrain, and ZR2 package with the manufacturer before ordering, since sources disagree on year ranges. Searches for a 2003 Blazer ZR2 rear shock, B6 4600 monotube, or stock-height ZR2 rear shock upgrade usually lead to this exact part number.
No. The manufacturer states that no spring change is required and that the OE spring can be used with this shock.
Owners on user forums report that the raised center of the rubber bushing should seat into the upper mount hole, and that washer order can be unclear because the instructions are sparse on it. Lay the stack out in order before you start.
Owners on user forums report that the lower mount can seize to the post. They recommend soaking it with penetrating oil, using a puller to remove the old shock, and coating the post with anti-seize before installing the new one.
Owners on user forums describe the rear swap as a manageable driveway job for a home mechanic, though the lower mount and upper washer stack are the usual trouble spots. Start with the upper stud, then raise or lower the axle until the lower eyelet lines up with the hanger. Some owners on other trucks report having to compress the shock several inches to seat it, so a helper can make this easier. Soak the lower mount with penetrating oil before you begin, and check the manufacturer's installation instructions for torque values before final tightening.
