The Leveling Kit Thread
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 249
Likes: 84
It would have to be both. Even linear springs get harder to compress, the more they are compressed. If they didn't, the Bilstein 5100's wouldn't lift the front of the truck.
I understand that. I'm reading about people with spacers only that say their truck has a poor ride - yet some are installing them with the 5100 on the OEM setting, or splitting the difference to get the height they want.
Let me rephrase. Is the ride quality with a 2" spacer and Bilstein 5100 on the bottom (lowest) setting, the same as a Bilstein 5100 on the top (highest) setting and no spacer, or is the ride difference negligible? Adding compression to the spring (increasing ride height) will make the ride more firm "on paper", but is it noticeable in the real world?
My thinking is that a spacer only level with ANY shock will deliver a softer, more compliant ride than the Bilstein 5100 on the top setting. Anyone who has gone from a spacer to the Bilstein 5100 to level their truck should know the ride difference.
I ask this because I'm going to get my truck set up this year with a level, wheels, and tires, and I'm also obviously thinking about the suspension controlling larger (heavier) tires, so firmer shock dampening might be necessary as well. I just don't want to feel like I'm driving a solid axle 1-ton.
I understand that. I'm reading about people with spacers only that say their truck has a poor ride - yet some are installing them with the 5100 on the OEM setting, or splitting the difference to get the height they want.
Let me rephrase. Is the ride quality with a 2" spacer and Bilstein 5100 on the bottom (lowest) setting, the same as a Bilstein 5100 on the top (highest) setting and no spacer, or is the ride difference negligible? Adding compression to the spring (increasing ride height) will make the ride more firm "on paper", but is it noticeable in the real world?
My thinking is that a spacer only level with ANY shock will deliver a softer, more compliant ride than the Bilstein 5100 on the top setting. Anyone who has gone from a spacer to the Bilstein 5100 to level their truck should know the ride difference.
I ask this because I'm going to get my truck set up this year with a level, wheels, and tires, and I'm also obviously thinking about the suspension controlling larger (heavier) tires, so firmer shock dampening might be necessary as well. I just don't want to feel like I'm driving a solid axle 1-ton.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 220
Likes: 77
Spacer can lead to a harsher ride because the rest of the suspension is not at an optimal static position, as in how it was designed to operate. Regardless of whether the spacer setup rides better with the Bilsteins than using a higher spring perch I wouldn't recommend the spacer just because it will allow more droop at full extension and may not be good for other suspension components.
Anyone who's gone from a spacer level to the 5100's would know.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 220
Likes: 77
My consensus is I should not run a spacer with the 5100's, even with the 5100's on the lowest (stock) setting for that reason. Another question - when the stock suspension is at full extension / droop, does the shock top out before it's limited by the axle (on 4wd's) or upper control arm hitting the spring?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,508
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From: TEXAS!
People are always talking about contact and droop, but how many in here are ever in conditions while driving that a front wheel drops to limit of travel? And if so, how often? I can safely say if you do see it regularly, that you shouldn't be looking at spacers and Bilsteins for your setup anyway.
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Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Unknown
People are always talking about contact and droop, but how many in here are ever in conditions while driving that a front wheel drops to limit of travel? And if so, how often? I can safely say if you do see it regularly, that you shouldn't be looking at spacers and Bilsteins for your setup anyway.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 220
Likes: 77
People are always talking about contact and droop, but how many in here are ever in conditions while driving that a front wheel drops to limit of travel? And if so, how often? I can safely say if you do see it regularly, that you shouldn't be looking at spacers and Bilsteins for your setup anyway.
Having had a lifted '92 Chevy, I had upper control arm contact all the time just driving on the street, and other than ball joint spacers, there were no better solutions at the time. That was my last & only modified truck. I'm probably a little more concerned than average about getting this setup right.
Member
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 45
Likes: 13
From: mt. morris il
rear spacer removal
i just took out the rear end spacers. dropped about an inch and a quarter or so. not level but less rake.
adjusted the h/l's. no money spent and sleeker looking.
this truck, just like all my others, wont go 4 wheelin
probly wont see snow ![like all the others]
adjusted the h/l's. no money spent and sleeker looking.
this truck, just like all my others, wont go 4 wheelin
probly wont see snow ![like all the others]
Last edited by irvin48; May 26, 2022 at 07:55 AM.
