Installed Bilstein 5100 Shocks F/R on 2017 4WD Platinum Today
09-11-2017, 09:38 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Installed Bilstein 5100 Shocks F/R on 2017 4WD Platinum Today
If you're on the fence, trust me...just do it. The difference is unbelievable. These shocks are the real deal and well worth the cost to upgrade.
My truck is a 2017 Platinum 4WD CC w/ a 3.5L EB with 9,700 miles. I was looking for the adjustable height units so I could level the truck and go with larger diameter tires. I got the clearance I was looking for but didn't expect the overall general improvement. They are simply amazing.
The main benefits I noted from the upgrade were: Better ride, more isolation from sharp road impacts, and a feeling of greater control. It also seemed like there was less body roll in curves, almost - dare I say - almost BMW-like, or maybe more appropriately, BMW SUV-like. It feels downright tossable now.
I set the front shocks up to the highest setting - 2.1" - and the ride is incredibly smooth and compliant. I'm upgrading my tires tomorrow from the stock OEM Hankooks in a 275-55-20 to a Toyo AT II in a 275-65-20 or a BFG in a 285-65-20. Stay tuned! I'll post before and after pictures. Probably won't be as "tossable" once I mount up the "big ol' tars."
I installed the rear shocks myself. I had the local dealer do the fronts because of the need for a spring compressor. I paid ~ $369 for all four shocks delivered to my front porch. Not sure about the installation cost for the fronts yet, but should know tomorrow.
Looks like the overall net gain was +2.250" in front and +0.125" in back from the change in shocks alone. Final heights measured from top of fender well to floor of my garage are 38-7/8" front and 39-3/4" rear, so the rear is still higher than the front by a little less than an inch.
All in all, I feel like I'm driving a bigger, more luxurious truck as a result of its vastly improved road manners.
Oh yeah, also, one really cool side benefit: the LED headlights are simply beyond awesome now (as if they weren't before lol). I could easily poke holes in Klingon battle cruisers now with these photon torpedoes, shields be damned!
My truck is a 2017 Platinum 4WD CC w/ a 3.5L EB with 9,700 miles. I was looking for the adjustable height units so I could level the truck and go with larger diameter tires. I got the clearance I was looking for but didn't expect the overall general improvement. They are simply amazing.
The main benefits I noted from the upgrade were: Better ride, more isolation from sharp road impacts, and a feeling of greater control. It also seemed like there was less body roll in curves, almost - dare I say - almost BMW-like, or maybe more appropriately, BMW SUV-like. It feels downright tossable now.
I set the front shocks up to the highest setting - 2.1" - and the ride is incredibly smooth and compliant. I'm upgrading my tires tomorrow from the stock OEM Hankooks in a 275-55-20 to a Toyo AT II in a 275-65-20 or a BFG in a 285-65-20. Stay tuned! I'll post before and after pictures. Probably won't be as "tossable" once I mount up the "big ol' tars."
I installed the rear shocks myself. I had the local dealer do the fronts because of the need for a spring compressor. I paid ~ $369 for all four shocks delivered to my front porch. Not sure about the installation cost for the fronts yet, but should know tomorrow.
Looks like the overall net gain was +2.250" in front and +0.125" in back from the change in shocks alone. Final heights measured from top of fender well to floor of my garage are 38-7/8" front and 39-3/4" rear, so the rear is still higher than the front by a little less than an inch.
All in all, I feel like I'm driving a bigger, more luxurious truck as a result of its vastly improved road manners.
Oh yeah, also, one really cool side benefit: the LED headlights are simply beyond awesome now (as if they weren't before lol). I could easily poke holes in Klingon battle cruisers now with these photon torpedoes, shields be damned!
Last edited by Driver8; 09-11-2017 at 11:05 PM.
The following 2 users liked this post by Driver8:
skeeterz (09-29-2017),
sneakerman600 (05-21-2018)
09-11-2017, 10:13 PM
#3
Senior Member
How long have you driven the truck on the 2.1 setting?
I just received my front set today and am debating the highest setting due reviews stating that of rougher rides.
I just received my front set today and am debating the highest setting due reviews stating that of rougher rides.
09-11-2017, 10:19 PM
#5
Senior Member
I'm doing fronts next... You guys convinced me! Thanks!
09-11-2017, 10:42 PM
#6
Senior Member
I installed Bilstein 5100 all around, with the fronts set to 2.1". I had a shop install the front shocks into the springs (as I don't have a spring compressor) for $69!
Anyway, they have been on the truck for about a thousand miles and I am still waiting/hoping for the front to settle as it is definitely higher then the rear at the moment - by about a CM.
Its not obviously nose high but when I sit and look at it, its definitely not level. I'm going to give it the winter to see if it settles and then add higher rear blocks in the spring if it hasn't leveled out.
The truck drives 100% better with the Bilsteins on though, and I'm glad I swapped the OEM ones out.
2017 XL 2.7 Screw STX.
Anyway, they have been on the truck for about a thousand miles and I am still waiting/hoping for the front to settle as it is definitely higher then the rear at the moment - by about a CM.
Its not obviously nose high but when I sit and look at it, its definitely not level. I'm going to give it the winter to see if it settles and then add higher rear blocks in the spring if it hasn't leveled out.
The truck drives 100% better with the Bilsteins on though, and I'm glad I swapped the OEM ones out.
2017 XL 2.7 Screw STX.
Last edited by MESCMS&P; 09-11-2017 at 11:04 PM. Reason: Clarification
The following users liked this post:
skeeterz (09-29-2017)
09-11-2017, 10:59 PM
#7
Senior Member
I have the 5100s on my 2010. They're awesome. I'm waiting for someone to put them on a 2018.
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09-11-2017, 11:00 PM
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I have driven it just today. I put around 100 miles on her this evening after the shocks were installled this afternoon. I didn't sense any ride harshness or roughness at the 2.1" setting whatsoever. Trust me, I was looking for it!
This is the primary reason why I went this route instead of the less-costly level puck route; I didn't want to compromise ride or handling in any way to get the front lift, but I also wanted an improvement in overall vehicle dynamics as well. I don't ask for much, just give me everything I want and I'm happy.
I would describe the ride as firm but compliant, not at all harsh, stiff or wooden. And not compliant in a Raptor sort of way, but very controlled with excellent transition, much like a BMW X5 SUV with a non-sport suspension. Firm and responsive but not harsh or stiff. Confident yet comfortable.
On a cost-benefit analysis, I don't think you could do anything else that would have such a positive impact on the truck for the cost. Brakes would easily be double the cost. Ditto a cat-back exhaust. All great mods, to be sure, but overall more costly with drawbacks to consider. I feel the positive benefit of this mod with every curve, bump and pothole. In the final analysis, I view this mod as being all upside with zero downside. Five out of five stars.
This is the primary reason why I went this route instead of the less-costly level puck route; I didn't want to compromise ride or handling in any way to get the front lift, but I also wanted an improvement in overall vehicle dynamics as well. I don't ask for much, just give me everything I want and I'm happy.
I would describe the ride as firm but compliant, not at all harsh, stiff or wooden. And not compliant in a Raptor sort of way, but very controlled with excellent transition, much like a BMW X5 SUV with a non-sport suspension. Firm and responsive but not harsh or stiff. Confident yet comfortable.
On a cost-benefit analysis, I don't think you could do anything else that would have such a positive impact on the truck for the cost. Brakes would easily be double the cost. Ditto a cat-back exhaust. All great mods, to be sure, but overall more costly with drawbacks to consider. I feel the positive benefit of this mod with every curve, bump and pothole. In the final analysis, I view this mod as being all upside with zero downside. Five out of five stars.
The following users liked this post:
skeeterz (09-29-2017)
09-16-2017, 02:54 PM
#9
Senior Member
Just installed the front struts and set that at the 1.75 setting. Straight PITA!
Could not compress the spring for the life of me to reach the max setting. 1st attempt damaged the threads on the spring compressor tool, literally bowed it out trying to reach the 2.1 setting.
After renting a set from Advance Auto parts, I settled for the 1.75 setting.
Biggest regret was not maxing them out. If I could do it again, I'd have a shop compress the spring for me.
Currently at the alignment shop, and can attest, the ride is great. Less giving, and stiff in a good way
Could not compress the spring for the life of me to reach the max setting. 1st attempt damaged the threads on the spring compressor tool, literally bowed it out trying to reach the 2.1 setting.
After renting a set from Advance Auto parts, I settled for the 1.75 setting.
Biggest regret was not maxing them out. If I could do it again, I'd have a shop compress the spring for me.
Currently at the alignment shop, and can attest, the ride is great. Less giving, and stiff in a good way
09-16-2017, 03:40 PM
#10
What did all of you guys pay for the front? My dealer is quoting me just 546 for just the installing the fronts (I pay for bilsteins seperatly) and then allignment for 60.
This sounds crazy.
This sounds crazy.