jp83

Is that a bad thing, are you saying max setting is too much?

DWSmoot

bump

BubbaSam

Guys,
I am new to the forum and not as much of a gear head as some here. Have a 2012 F150 XLT with no lift. Want to put a set of 5100's (front and rear) on to level out the front but have heard when compressed there's a "bottoming out" sound. Can anyone comment on this? Has anyone else had this happen and if so what was the issue, if known?

BubbaSam

Did you ever get a reply to this? I am considering put the 1500 kit on my 2012 XLT. Don't go off road much but don't want to damage any parts.

Thx to anyone who might be able to offer input to this issue.

catinthehat

My lariat isn't scheduled to arrive until mid march, but I ordered them from stage 3 ahead of time since it seems like they are running low. Thanks to those who gave a heads up, can't wait to get them!

wthayer69

Got the Bilstein 5100s installed on my new Lariat!! They are set at 1.76". Tires are BFG KO2s 285-55-20. Truck has abou 1/2' rake. They are awesome!! Ride is very smooth. Check out Tire Rack. Got mine for $290!!

Motown82

Stage 3's website list the settings as .79, 1.26 & 2.10". Is the second setting actually 1.76"?

GMC to Ford

Five settings total per Bilstein US website installation instructions:
Stock, .79", 1.26", 1.75" & 2.1" (Average ride height change)

GMC to Ford

Max setting on the 5100 series is okay (2.1"). The guys installing spacer leveling kits (2.5" or higher) are the ones that will have problems. In my experience, the only spacer leveling kit 2" or higher worth considering is a two part spacer. One spacer on top of the strut and one spacer preloading the spring. This setup minimizes (does not prevent) the usual spacer problems which is that it limits up travel and over extends bottom travel. For a road warrior, the up travel is normally felt hitting large bumps like going too fast over a speed bump. The bottom travel issue is normally felt dropping off the other side of a large speed bump or pothole. The 5100 series is designed to compensate for the typical problems encountered with large spacer kits.

For some background on this problem, BDS and Zone are the only companies that warranty suspension/driveline related problems that are not covered by the manufacturer due to installation of lifts or leveling kits. BDS warranties a 2.5" leveling kit (with offset) for the Ford F150. It is a two part spacer. Zone warranties a 2" leveling kit. It is a single spacer. Anything above a 2" leveling kit (single spacer) amplifies the problems outlined above. It may still exist on a 2" spacer kit depending on the application.

The companies that sell 2.5" leveling kits without a suspension warranty. Rough Country, Autospring, MotoFab, ReadyLift, Tuff Country, TruXP, etc. To my knowledge, Autospring is the only company other than BDS that makes an offset spacer to help with the coil impact.

slipperyfish

Im very pleased with the long awaited arrival of the new 5100's. Probably within a year or so of updated tires etc and when I do I look forward to hearing the reviews of trucks that have had them running for awhile. 1.75 with a 33 AT tire with slight 12-18 offset would be real nice setup imo. Still a bit of rake, and a nice ride. If one prefers more of a complete level front to back the next step would work perfectly.