Bilstiens 5100s
03-08-2015, 05:34 PM
#12
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Installed the shocks this morning, my neighbor is a manager at a local shop he allowed me to come in and use the lift and tools while they are closed. It took about 2 hours from start to finish, with the fronts taking about 98% of that, I think the rears went on in less than 3 minutes. Nothing tricky about it, but having the use of an awesome spring compressor was cool. I went straight to Firestone for an alignment.
The ride is near to stock, much smoother over speed bumps and other rough terrain. I choose to raise the fronts only to the second notch, the truck still has a noticeable rake and that's fine to me. I meant to measure the front height before and after but didn't get a chance. Found that left rear fx4 shock was leaking with 33200 miles on it.
The ride is near to stock, much smoother over speed bumps and other rough terrain. I choose to raise the fronts only to the second notch, the truck still has a noticeable rake and that's fine to me. I meant to measure the front height before and after but didn't get a chance. Found that left rear fx4 shock was leaking with 33200 miles on it.
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Total Automotive Performance (03-09-2015)
03-09-2015, 11:39 PM
#14
F150 Forum
iTrader: (3)
Installed the shocks this morning, my neighbor is a manager at a local shop he allowed me to come in and use the lift and tools while they are closed. It took about 2 hours from start to finish, with the fronts taking about 98% of that, I think the rears went on in less than 3 minutes. Nothing tricky about it, but having the use of an awesome spring compressor was cool. I went straight to Firestone for an alignment.
The ride is near to stock, much smoother over speed bumps and other rough terrain.
The ride is near to stock, much smoother over speed bumps and other rough terrain.
03-14-2015, 04:20 PM
#15
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Here is a shot, airing up before pulling out on a spring break trip. The truck did ride more securely, we were loaded pretty heavy for a 4 night trip. I think the shocks shortened the "bounce" feeling while towing. I was on the fence about airbags, and although they might help more, I am no longer considering them. Also a shot of the campsite. 
Also got a kink in my viair hose, great pump, crappy hose. Had to order a replacement braided hose off amazon today.
Also got a kink in my viair hose, great pump, crappy hose. Had to order a replacement braided hose off amazon today.
Last edited by wkelly; 03-14-2015 at 04:23 PM.
03-14-2015, 04:25 PM
#16
F150 Forum
iTrader: (3)
Glad you like them. They definitely work wonders for limiting that after-bump "bouncing" that you would get with the stock suspension. That also help tremendously when hauling/towing loads around curves and corners, it stabilizes the vehicle before road imperfections can cause things to get out of hand. 
04-09-2015, 10:29 AM
#17
I love mine! Have the fronts set at the 1.5" setting for perfect level on a 4x4 SCREW. I also use airbags in the back to help while towing. Only thing I wish I would have done was to acquire and install HD model front springs when I did the Bilstein installation. The install is sort of a PITA so the chances of me revisiting to install stronger springs is unlikely 
I am doing this same setup after my 5100's come in. I was thinking of putting the heavy springs up front. I have air bags and a viair compressor and air tank sitting in the garage waiting to put on. Do you think it is worth it to put the heavy duty springs in?
04-09-2015, 12:48 PM
#19
F150 Forum
iTrader: (3)
No need to upgrade to stiffer springs as these Bilstein 5100's are specifically valved for the STOCK Springs. A stiffer spring would only make the shock work harder than it's supposed to and produce more heat within the shock housing. Save your money for If you plan on getting to a coilover shock that already has a stiffer spring and valving to match. i.e. Fox Shock, Radflo, Icon, King shock etc.
~Happy Towing!