Reading various posts but would appreciate a direct and clear explanation for my situation.

A couple months ago I bought my friends 2017 4WD Lariat with tow package but not max tow. It is stock. I want to make it “mine”. I would like to level, get black rims, I have 32” but may get 33” or even 34” tires when the time comes. I don’t off-road, or tow and it’s not a work truck. I may haul to move stuff rarely.

This weekend I have the opportunity to purchase Bilstein 5100 ride adjustable fronts and rear with less than 10k miles for $300. The fronts already have the spring coil and set at 2.1”. They came off a 2017 4WD (same as mine) and the owner said it leveled his rig perfectly. I believe the height difference on my truck front/read is currently 1.25”. I have 100-150 pounds of junk in back so that affects the rear height.
Anything I’m doing I’m keeping a tight budget, don’t want to spend too much and what I spend I want to get a lot of bang. Thats why the “deal” is motivating me a bit right now. Debating if I can install myself in a month or two when I have time and I see what’s involved.

Importantly, what can I expect to change with the Bilsteins as far as the ride? It’s pretty comfy right now, lol

Will 2.1” actually raise the front that much or should I reset it?

Will 275/65/R20 (34”) rub?

I understand handling will be tighter and improve a bit.


DarkStar

 

The way i describe the Bilsteins is it makes the truck feel more planted. It reduced the amount of bouncing of the rear going over railroad tracks and potholes.

Parked next to a stock F150, you will definitely see the difference in height vs a non-leveled truck.

Haven't run that tire combo on my truck, but I'm inclined to say no. I have run 33.1" on a stock suspension without issue.

 

I would describe the 5100s as firm but not harsh, at least compared to my FX4 stock shocks.

 

Thank you for the input.
Tighter/firmer ride/handling sounds great.
I finally found some more descriptive threads about that.

I’ll cross the tire size bridge after I see how the install height turns out.

I’m still confused about the leveled height math. It seems like the height setting on the shock isn’t what actually happens after install? And I’m trying to see why I only have half as much rake on my 4x4 short bed as anybody else I see that offers measurements (about 1.5” total rake). Seems like the rear is lower than everyone else’s.

 

Measure from the ground to the bottom center of the wheel well opening, front and back. Subtract the smaller number (front) from the larger number (back) and you’ll have the rake difference.
Mine was about 2.75” difference so I set my front Bilstein’s at 1.75” which gives me level with my camper attached or about an inch(ish) unloaded. Personally, I would never adjust the shock to the max height, always allowing a bit of forgiveness.

I agree, the truck feels much more planted and better steering response. Well worth the investment.

 

Measure your rear block, maybe someone lowered the rear a little.

Bilstein 5100s tend to net you just a little under what is advertised...when i had mine at 1.75 i got about 1.5, 2.1 got me about 1.75. It all depends on the truck, every truck will weigh a little different. When i installed Ford Perf Fox on my 2.7 I got a little more then 2 inches, when i reached out to Fox they stated the 2.7 is a little lighter up front, so might get a tad more. Other experts say the weight difference between engines wont matter.

Ive had 4 13th gens, my rakes all ranged from 2-3 inches (average) depending on the truck, never had one with only 1.5. On a 2 inch level, i was always able to easily fit a 34x11 on there so a 275/65/20 would fit perfectly. Im not a fan of Bilsteins but ride quality is really hard to describe. I had Bilstein 5100s on a Ram and Silverado and loved them, had them on my F150 and hated them (so i dont just dislike Bilsteins, lol). They did firm p and control the ride a little but I was not a fan of the ride. I ride a lot of old beaten up farm roads, so the Fox 2.0's for me were a huge upgrade. Recently switched to Fox 2.5 and its even better.

 

Thank you everybody for the input.

I have a rolling tonneau probably weighs 100lbs? And an empty tool box I need to sell so maybe another 50lbs on the back so that’s lowering it a bit I guess.

There are the original 1” blocks over the leafs.