Bilstein 5100 reviews from actual people
#141
Are the rear 5100 Bilsteins adjustable? Or what is that 2.1 reference for? Didn't know they were adjustable. I also don't understand why straps to keep them compressed. I thought only springs need to keep compressed (for obvious reasons), but not shocks... but have never needed to replace any. Guess will learn with these.
#142
Originally Posted by elptxjc
Are the rear 5100 Bilsteins adjustable? Or what is that 2.1 reference for? Didn't know they were adjustable. I also don't understand why straps to keep them compressed. I thought only springs need to keep compressed (for obvious reasons), but not shocks... but have never needed to replace any. Guess will learn with these.
#143
Member
I recently had adjustable Bilstein 5100's installed on the front of my truck and Bilstein 5160's installed on the rear.
So far I'm really happy with the ride. It feels much more stable and planted than it did with the stock FX4 suspension. Prior to the installation the ride felt "lumbering" which was oddly reminiscent of an old Explorer Sport Trac that we owned.
After watching what the tech's went through to get the fronts installed, I'm glad that I did not try to do that installation myself. For whatever reason one of the front shocks did not want to line up correctly. I was glad that I had someone else working on that installation.
Afterwards when I got the front end aligned the toe was out -0.21 in my left front wheel and needed to be adjusted.
So far I'm really happy with the ride. It feels much more stable and planted than it did with the stock FX4 suspension. Prior to the installation the ride felt "lumbering" which was oddly reminiscent of an old Explorer Sport Trac that we owned.
After watching what the tech's went through to get the fronts installed, I'm glad that I did not try to do that installation myself. For whatever reason one of the front shocks did not want to line up correctly. I was glad that I had someone else working on that installation.
Afterwards when I got the front end aligned the toe was out -0.21 in my left front wheel and needed to be adjusted.
#144
Senior Member
Guys,
I've been looking at getting Bilstein 5100's installed all the way around on my 2017 F150. I have had it since new last year, but I feel like in the 15k miles I've put on it, the shocks have gotten worse over time. Seems like it is the small sharp bumps that are the worst (think small potholes, bad road gaps, railroad crossing) and cause the truck to shudder (best description i can give).
I would like to hear from those that have installed the 5100's all the way around and give your best detailed description on how ride has changed with the new shocks. Thank you
Also, if anyone knows a good place to get them installed in the Des Moines, Iowa area that would be great
I've been looking at getting Bilstein 5100's installed all the way around on my 2017 F150. I have had it since new last year, but I feel like in the 15k miles I've put on it, the shocks have gotten worse over time. Seems like it is the small sharp bumps that are the worst (think small potholes, bad road gaps, railroad crossing) and cause the truck to shudder (best description i can give).
I would like to hear from those that have installed the 5100's all the way around and give your best detailed description on how ride has changed with the new shocks. Thank you
Also, if anyone knows a good place to get them installed in the Des Moines, Iowa area that would be great
At first I was thinking Chevy commercial. These are real people. Lol sorry had to say it.
I have the 5100s. I put them on my 15 FX4 within month of buying truck new. Yea they are older not for the new gimmick aluminum thing ford's got going. But what an improvement over those crap FX4 shocks. They went in the trash. Pretty much all there worth.
.
#146
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#147
2018 XLT FX4
I'll toss my opinion of them in when I get them. They should be here tomorrow (June 25th). I'll get them installed the following day and take 'em for a test spin. Thank you 4WD.com for the smoking deal!
#148
I have them on all four corners. The truck feels more planted, rides a lot better and no hop when accelerating onto on ramps of interstates. My fronts are set at the highest setting (2.1'') and the truck sits level.
Make sure you get an alignment after they're put on.
Make sure you get an alignment after they're put on.
#150
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Should likely point out this is 13th gen trucks.