SteveLord

The Bilstein 5100 shocks are talked about regularly and one of the most popular aftermarket shocks for these trucks.

You can get a full set of 4 for around $330.

Augy88066

Is it worth the upgrade? Also, I di not have the link anymore.

Blue_76

I put them on my old Tacoma and regretted it... The F150 is a different truck I know but on the Tacoma there was not enough adjustment in the suspension to get the caster / camber and toe back to perfect factory tolerances. it would get "in spec" but that wasn't good enough... it would wander around on the interstate and was just an overall PITA to drive. I bought 1" lift blocks for my F150 about three years ago and never installed them. I just didn't want to deal with similar issues. People will tell you theirs drives just as good or maybe tell you it drives even better but I am skeptical I guess.


Next set of tires I am dropping back down from 275/65/20s to 275/60/20s just because I don't like the way the larger tires kills the power and the MPG. I was told it was hardly noticeable... maybe true until you tow a heavy trailer a lot... then you can see the difference.


My point I guess is this... pretty much every performance mod you make is going to be a trade off somewhere... You might not like the difference or you may love it.... everyone is different. Lift + big tires = worse ride/ handling and poor fuel mileage along with shortened life of the suspension components... if that doesn't matter to you then go for it.


I am kicking around a tune now that mine is out of warranty... I would like for it to hold the shift a little longer when towing but not like the tow haul button.


Greg

mlheck

iTrader: (1)

I have a '13 5.0. If you go with the Bilsteins do not use the highest lift setting. They ride like crap at that setting. They will ride firmer than stock. If you use any of the lift settings then the front will be stiffer than the rear. I swapped out the rear lift block for a add a leaf to help balance the ride. It helped but there is still a little difference front to rear. I don't like the CV angles I'm running with this setup and will most likley go to a 4" lift soon.

Engine wise I am stock except for a K&N filter. I did add a 87 octane SSi performance tune to the truck. This made a major improvement to the truck. It is a lot more to drive now.

Augy88066

Great response, can you go into more detail regarding the following: I did add a 87 octane SSi performance tune to the truck. This made a major improvement to the truck. It is a lot more to drive now.

What benefits did it provide you?

suicideking

Since the front has coilovers, I didn't think you could change out just the shocks?

I'm not a fan of Bilstein. Had 5100's on my Jeep and the rode like crap, real stiff and common for them to leak. If I can just replace the shocks, I'll probably go with Fox 2.0. They can be rebuilt and much nicer ride. The Bilstein can't be fixed, only replaced.

mlheck

iTrader: (1)

It got rid of the lazy pedal response. The transmission is not as quick to try and get to 6th gear now. If I'm driving below 50 MPH it will usually not go any higher than 5th gear. This gives it better throttle response at this speed. Over all the drivability of the truck has been improved. I don't race my truck so I don't know if it is any faster now, but my seat of the pants dyno feels like it is.

As a guy told me and I repeat here, it makes the 5.0 feel like a 5.0 instead of a truck motor.

Augy88066

Just curious but has this mod decreased your MPG?

mlheck

iTrader: (1)

Can't really answer that question yet. Been a little pedal heavy with the new found power. Only had the tune for a couple weeks.

The tuner at SSi said I should see a 1-2mpg improvement.

Augy88066

Valid response. I know if i did this tune then i probably would be a little heavier on the pedal!