Bilstein 5100 install pictures...
01-30-2012, 11:53 PM
#11
Senior Member
I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure they are supposed to be installed a certain way or you can screw up the function/life of the shock? Either way for what its worth....Installed the other way around you would have the entire body of the shock moving up and down with bumps as opposed to just having the piston moving up and down...
01-31-2012, 12:02 AM
#12
Bilstein 5100 Info - From Bilstein
Hey all
I emailed Bilstein about their 5100's and why some have 2 settings and some have 3. I also asked them to settle the dispute on which way the rears get mounted. Boot up or boot down.. Here is their reply..
----- Thanks for you inquiry for Bilstein shock absorbers. You have made a wise choice with your decision to use Bilstein 5100 Series to level your F150. I am sure you will be very pleased with the end result.
As for your questions. First, Bilstein produces two different shocks for this application. One of which, is proprietary through RCD Suspension. The other is Bilstein's general aftermarket offering. Both shocks are exactly the same with the exception of the snap ring grooves.
Part# BE5-C298-H1 is Bilstein's standard product. This shock has 3 grooves for 0" - 1" - 2" ride height options.
Part# BE5-C293-T0 is the RCD product. This shock has 2 grooves, 0" & 2".
As for the rear mounting orientation. The rear is designed to mount body up with the boot down.
The following 2 users liked this post by JJKJ:
Rustell (05-26-2017),
Total Automotive Performance (10-28-2013)
01-31-2012, 12:42 AM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Hey Dan! Your message this morning inspired me to deal with the shocks today! ~~~Thanks~~~
Bottom line is Bilstein intends these shocks to be mounted as I have shown them in the pictures. But Mono-tube shocks (high pressure, floating piston) are not sensitive to mounting position, and if they physically fit, they can be installed upside down with no issues in shock performance.
Twin-tube shocks (Rancho, and I believe our stock shocks for example) are different. They should NOT be mounted upside down.
Of course danbart is exactly correct in the advantage of reducing unsprung weight, but ten pounds of shocks on our 6,000 pound trucks probably has a bit less impact than 40 pounds of forks on a 350 pound moto!
Bottom line is Bilstein intends these shocks to be mounted as I have shown them in the pictures. But Mono-tube shocks (high pressure, floating piston) are not sensitive to mounting position, and if they physically fit, they can be installed upside down with no issues in shock performance.
Twin-tube shocks (Rancho, and I believe our stock shocks for example) are different. They should NOT be mounted upside down.
Of course danbart is exactly correct in the advantage of reducing unsprung weight, but ten pounds of shocks on our 6,000 pound trucks probably has a bit less impact than 40 pounds of forks on a 350 pound moto!
Last edited by pfbz; 01-31-2012 at 01:27 AM.
The following users liked this post:
Total Automotive Performance (10-28-2013)
01-31-2012, 09:29 AM
#16
Not to hijack the thread, but I just installed some Shock Guards which are made by Herd that would protect those boots wonderfully. They simply bolt where the shock bolt goes and then a small bolt is used on the smooth part of the shock bracket.
If you want I can email you pictures of them that I just installed. You can post them on here if you would like.
If you want I can email you pictures of them that I just installed. You can post them on here if you would like.
01-31-2012, 01:22 PM
#17
F150 Forum
Great write up. Cant wait to see the overall outcome.
01-31-2012, 01:31 PM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Heck the pair of shocks was only $134 shipped...
Last edited by pfbz; 01-31-2012 at 01:37 PM.
01-31-2012, 01:34 PM
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
01-31-2012, 01:54 PM
#20
F150 Forum
If its Dan B, his are shipping out today and I appreciate the referral!