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You may install the Bilsteins to any ride height from stock, up to 2" in roughly .5" increments. The 5100s will create a more-controlled, better handling truck WITHOUT being at all "stiff".
The Bilstein 6112 (which is also ride-height adjustable before installation)/5160 will ride far more firmly, but they are never harsh.
I suggest the 5100s. I suggest any new shock if you are to protect the investment of new tires. Throwing new tires on a truck w/ worn-out dampers is throwing money down the terlet.
If you do any spacer, avoid using anything greater than 1/2".
I agree with all this. I talked it over with the tech this morning and we’re going to mount the new tires, see what that looks like then determine how much, if any, I want to lift the truck. He agreed, I definitely need new shocks. He also agreed with you that the truck should ride much better if I go the Bilstein 5100 route. So that’s probably what I’ll be doing. Thanks.
Wildpeak A/T3W 275/70/18 went on without a hitch. No level. Alignment done. Going to put a few miles on it before I get the shocks. Most likely Bilstein 5100 all around. Considering the E load tires are 20 lbs heavier than what I had I really don’t notice much difference. A little firmer but they actually seem to take the bumps a little better. Maybe due to the taller sidewall? 33.4 inch according to Falken.
Shadows don’t do them justice. Fills the wheel well better. No level needed. Falken’s run wider than many other 275/70 Plenty of room at full lock. +44 stock wheels fit flush.
Wildpeak A/T3W 275/70/18 went on without a hitch. No level. Alignment done. Going to put a few miles on it before I get the shocks. Most likely Bilstein 5100 all around. Considering the E load tires are 20 lbs heavier than what I had I really don’t notice much difference. A little firmer but they actually seem to take the bumps a little better. Maybe due to the taller sidewall? 33.4 inch according to Falken.
Shadows don’t do them justice. Fills the wheel well better. No level needed. Falken’s run wider than many other 275/70 Plenty of room at full lock. +44 stock wheels fit flush.
This is how they should have come from the factory. Very nice.
Bilstein 5100’s all around with 265/70 18’s Michelin LTX Defenders on Method 707 wheels. Fronts are set at 1.75”and gives me a 1.75” rake, which is level with my camper hooked up with the Roadmaster Active Suspension.
Bilstein 5100’s all around with 265/70 18’s Michelin LTX Defenders on Weld wheels. Fronts are set at 1.75”and gives me a 1.75” rake, which is level with my camper hooked up.
I like that. Sits nice. I have a 6-1/2 foot bed with a heavy fiberglass cap and empty I have a 1.75” rake with no lift or level. Add my boat trailer and it sits level. I usually carry 50-75 pounds of tools in the back as well. I’m thinking if I raise the front even halfway on the Bilsteins I might have to put a higher block in the back. Came from the factory with what looks like a 1-1/2 inch block. To be honest it would probably look nice if I raised it 1.5 inches all around. Here’s how it sits now, what do you think about raising it? It’s currently got about 200 pounds in the bed, my old tires and some tools.
Good choice on the tires, shore. Had Falken made the size I now have in the Toyos, I'd have purchased the AT3W or the newer AT4...
If you raise your front ride height, say, 1.5 inches as I did, you may also as I did purchase (so, a little more $) a Roadmaster Active Suspension setup for the extra weight you carry on and in the bed as I do. I keeps the truck from squatting beyond level when the trailer's attached, provided one is not hanging 1000 lbs of tongue weight on the back of the truck (incorrectly-loaded trailer and heavy WDH [often unecessary]).
A nice characteristic of the RAS setup is little to no change in ride quality when the truck bed is unloaded/empty. In fact, the rare times I do unloaded the usual stash of gear from the back of my truck and when I run empty, I really enjoy how the truck feels and behaves. It's even better, but I don't have the near-50/50 weight distribution I have now which is great for low-traction situations often encountered in winter and/or when travelling off-highway.
Good choice on the tires, shore. Had Falken made the size I now have in the Toyos, I'd have purchased the AT3W or the newer AT4...
If you raise your front ride height, say, 1.5 inches as I did, you may also as I did purchase (so, a little more $) a Roadmaster Active Suspension setup for the extra weight you carry on and in the bed as I do. I keeps the truck from squatting beyond level when the trailer's attached, provided one is not hanging 1000 lbs of tongue weight on the back of the truck (incorrectly-loaded trailer and heavy WDH [often unecessary]).
A nice characteristic of the RAS setup is little to no change in ride quality when the truck bed is unloaded/empty. In fact, the rare times I do unloaded the usual stash of gear from the back of my truck and when I run empty, I really enjoy how the truck feels and behaves. It's even better, but I don't have the near-50/50 weight distribution I have now which is great for low-traction situations often encountered in winter and/or when travelling off-highway.
Thanks. Interesting. I haven’t seen that setup before. Does it raise the rear or just stabilize it while under load? I haven’t decided yet if I want to raise the front. I kinda like it the way it looks with the new tires. Open to opinions on that though. Would an added 1-1/2 lift up front give it a more aggressive look, or make the new tires look smaller? Thanks for the info.
I like that. Sits nice. I have a 6-1/2 foot bed with a heavy fiberglass cap and empty I have a 1.75” rake with no lift or level. Add my boat trailer and it sits level. I usually carry 50-75 pounds of tools in the back as well. I’m thinking if I raise the front even halfway on the Bilsteins I might have to put a higher block in the back. Came from the factory with what looks like a 1-1/2 inch block. To be honest it would probably look nice if I raised it 1.5 inches all around. Here’s how it sits now, what do you think about raising it? It’s currently got about 200 pounds in the bed, my old tires and some tools.
I have a Decked Drawer System in the bed with tools at about 200lbs extra weight. I have the Roadmaster Active Suspension also and it really is a fantastic addition. Not to big on raising a truck unless doing a lift as the higher you go with stock parts the more stress you put on the suspension.
Check out the Roadmaster Active Suspension.
I have a Decked Drawer System in the bed with tools at about 200lbs extra weight. I have the Roadmaster Active Suspension also and it really is a fantastic addition. Not to big on raising a truck unless doing a lift as the higher you go with stock parts the more stress you put on the suspension.
Check out the Roadmaster Active Suspension.
Good to hear about the RAS. Thanks. I’ve been reading up about it since last night. Seems most everyone is really impressed with it.
