Depends on how big of a block you go... your factory block is 1.25". I originally went with a 3" block and hated how stiff the ride quality was for me (though I stayed on stock shocks). I went to a 2" block (netted .75" of rear lift) and didn't notice a change in ride quality from factory. Then I upgraded to Bilstein 5100's and WOW what a wonderful difference.

 

With the suspension under load , there will be clearance. In the picture the strut is in full drop. When I did my 1.5 level kit, it was close, but once the truck was sitting on the ground under load, everything was clear.

 

Installed Bilstein 5100s all around and couldn't be happier. I think I read through this thread and OEM wheels leveled thread 100s of times before making my final decision.

 

dup post.

 

Looks great! what settings on the front and what tire size? My front shocks got lost in shipping but I'm picking up another set and installing tomorrow. Then it'll be time to tire shop.

 

2.1 on the front. Fuel Vapor 20x9 +2. Toyo Open Country AT 3 275/65R20

 

Well, Got the 5100's installed tonight. Took about 3-4 hrs. Wasnt hard once I figured out what exactly needed to be unbolted, where to put the Jack's for reassembly, etc. Went with the 2.1" setting and I love the way the front sits now. Only problem is that measuring it from the ground to the top of the fender well, now I'm sitting 1" high in the front! (Front 39.5" and back 38.5") I do have about 300 lbs in the bed, but that shouldn't squat it a full inch!

I've heard they settle a little after a while, but do they settle a full inch? If not, I really only have 2 options. 1.) Pull the struts and move them to 1.75" or buy a 1" block for the back!

It was too dark for pics, but Ill get some tomorrow.

 

No, the front will remain where it is, heightwise. What folks call "settling" occurs when you come down off the jack or the lift, and your front suspension swings out on it's control arms' arc. The tires won't let the control arms work until the truck rolls forward or backward or both at least 20 feet.

You have options for the rear ride height when the bed is loaded. An air bag setup, like AirLift, or, polymer foam "springs" (that act like jounce bumpers), or, Add-A-Leaf, or Roadmaster Active Suspension... but what most guys do is add lift blocks sandwiched between the leaf spring and the axle. New, longer U-bolts are required. Most kits have all you would need.

Wait until you sort that out, and then watch out! You will be amazed at what good shocks like these Bilsteins (congrats!) will do for the driveability and handling of your truck.

 

Took it out for a quick test drive and already love the ride! The blistiens are stiffer than the factory so it feels like it handles much better, but you barely feel the smaller bumps. There is a road I drive pretty much every day to get my kids from daycare that is about 2 miles from my house. Its rough! I hated driving it with the stock suspension, but it's almost smooth with the new shocks! Rides a lot like my old titan did! I'm leaning toward 3" blocks or an add-a-leaf kit. Probably end up with the blocks as 90% of my driving is unloaded. Not to mention my next purchase will be bigger tires and I dont want rubbing issues

 

I’ve been thinking of possibly going with the Bilsteins. I feel for the price you’re getting the best balance of performance and bang for your buck. I saw a grey F-150 yesterday with the Bilsteins and BFG KO2s and it surprised me how noticeable the shock body was in the wheel well. Looked good.