5100's or spacer
 

Hey y'all, I have an '09 Screw 4x4 and I'm wanting to level it out and put 295/70/r18 trail grapplers. Would I be better off going with a 2 inch spacer or the Bilstein 5100's? Thanks in advance

5100's....there are a few threads already about this.

Depending on your mileage, you might be due for new shocks/struts so I would think 5100's would be the way to go.

Only have 37k on the truck so the shocks are probably still good. Why the new shocks over the spacer? Are they worth the cost?

5100's all the way

Bilstein's
 

why waste your money on a spacer when you can knock out two birds with one stone. 37k.... my 05 SCAB needed new shocks after 25k and my 2010 needed two rears replaced under 3k.
So why not just go ahead and get the shocks that will give you the lift you want and the shocks that you will eventually need.

Get them from shockwarehouse.com and use coupon code "f1502011" :thumbsup:

If you are going to get shocks in the first place, then sure 5100's... however, you should then replace all 4 of them to ensure you have an even ride quality, otherwise the rear of your truck will handle noticeably different than the fronts. This will certainly bump the cost up further.

If you don't need shocks for awhile, and don't plan on upgrading your shocks (or if you want a different set of shocks, say Fox or FOA), then the spacer will be your choice.

How much of an upgrade are the 5100s? Will they stiffen up the ride or just make it better for off road?

Just to be clear-- using the 5100s is not totally analogous to using the spacers... They are two different methods for leveling your truck. The 5100s rely mostly on pre-loading the coils with a mild amount of spacing, and they also allow for better droop and travel than plain old spacers. I recommend you all read this:

http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/...WebArticle.pdf

When I level my truck I'll be using 5100s.

I had 5100's installed front and rear. Had them set to highest setting in front, and added a 2 inch block in rear (I have a 2wd). Truck is level, and handles much better than stock. Well worth it!!!

Need to take into mind just who wrote this article though.

True but it's mostly accurate. I plan on getting Bilsteins at around 20k miles. Not to lift the front but the shock/struts have much better valving than stock and they'll be worn out by then.

By replacing the rear shocks with 5100s will it lift it any or no?

It's not supposed to but if you install blocks, it can handle the extra extension.

I don't really want to lift the rear any, I was just curious. If it lifts it a half inch that would bs ok but anymore is more than I want.

True, and there is definitely a lot of bias in that article. In fact I was pretty disappointed by how slanderous they make themselves out to be-- but I think they're doing that so that people who don't understand lift kits will have a reason to buy their product, because the rest of the technical jargon could very easily go over their heads.

But at the core of it, it's plain to see why their design is better than spacers. They don't make any claims about magic black boxes-- they just explain how their system works and if you know enough about suspension then you can come to your own conclusions. Fact is-- their system is better than spacers, IMO. You will probably have a slightly rougher ride from the increased pre-load on the coils but I think it's a small price to pay for a more reliable system. Bonus: you're also making a substantial upgrade to the stock shocks. I had 5100s (non-ride height adjustable) on my 95 F150 and I loved them over my Rancho RS9000XL's. Huge improvement in ride quality.

Not at all. The 5100s on the front only lift the truck because they have adjustable levels of spring pre-load for the coilover spring. The suspension is leaf-spring, not coilover, so there's no chance of adjusting your ride height without changer the springs or increasing the size of the blocks.

I had a HBS level kit on the Ram I sold for the FX4, and it worked nice. However once I can justify the money I plan on going with the Rancho Quick lift this time. I just like how its a simple swap out, that way if needed I can switch back for any warranty BS. Just my thoughts...

Thanks for the replies, after reading up more and seeing y'alls opinions I think the 5100s are the clear choice. The slightly rougher ride I can deal with considering the system is overall better for the truck and guaranteed. I'm pretty sure I know the answer but with 5100s I will be able to fit 295/70/r18 tires right? Also, anybody with that set up or a comparable one pictures would bs greatly appreciated. Thanks

My understanding is that the rancho QuickLift is very similar to the 5100s but it doesn't have adjustable ride height and it uses Rancho shocks (which suck, in my opinion). Go and glean any of the serious 4x4 forums like Pirate4x4 and you'll see that Rancho is kind of the buttcrack of lift equipment. They're stuff is decent but not great.

When it comes to shocks, specifically, Bilstein is a crowd favorite among the 4x4 guys. They arguably make the best shocks for trucks like ours.

Those tires come out to about 34" + change. I imagine you won't have any issues if you used the 5100s on the second to highest setting with is supposed to yield roughly 2" of lift in front. I do advise against using the highest setting-- a few guys here have reported issues pushing it all the way.

Thanks for the input, I'm leaning towards the 5100s they are just more expensive than the spacer but I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for.

I have that exact setup and I love mine. Ride is a little stiffer than stock but I like it alot better. Also so far I have no rubbing but I haven't done any extreme offroading either. You can't go wrong with the 5100's. Both my front shocks were leaking at 10,000 miles so I got mine from shockwharehouse and had them installed under warranty. Goodluck

Got any pics of your truck with that setup?

Sure, check my garage.

a spacer on top of the strut extends the control arms downward. If the UCA does not contact the coil bucket, you have the same overall range of travel as stock (however, compared to stock, the entire range is pushed down an inch or two). If the UCA hits the coil bucket then the range is reduced.

the 5100 does this differently how? if the 5100 changes the spring perch location, all it is doing is effectively changing the strut assembly length (hmm sounds familiar). If it is not changing the spring perch location then you would need longer springs.


6 of one, half a dozen of the other.

@11screw50: Aha, so, you also have questioned the "marketing" document from Bilstein as well, eh?

Yes, the 5100's don't provide any more "droop" than a spacer because with pre-loading the spring with out changing the geometry of the Upper and Lower Control Arms whatsoever, in affect, you are imposing the exact same lift method as with a spacer and will still experience "clunking" or striking of the UCA at the exact same point as with a spacer.

Also, their document misleads you to believe that by installing a spacer, you are reducing wheel travel. On the contrary, by simply moving the strut down, you maintain the exact same amount of rebound travel as stock, however, the 5100's may actually allow for more upward travel, so only that statement might be accurate depending upon where their internal limiting stop is located relative to a stock shock's internal stop.

Otherwise, I have no other issue with Bilsteins, and actually, would prefer and definitely recommend them if the intent is to upgrade from stock shocks as well.

That's true if the spacer is between the spring and strut hat. They also talk about the spacers that install above the strut hat whcih lowers the strut overall.

The Bilstein preloads the spring from the bottom where the spacer preloads from the top. Bilstein is valved for this where the stock strut isn't.

The document is more marketing than fact but I've used Bilsteins before and they definitely last longer than any OEM struts/shocks I've experienced and that's why I'd go with them rather than spacers. Then again, I don't want to "level" my truck.

I honestly don't care whether or not my truck is "level" or not, I just want to bs able to fit the bigger tires and do so the best way. I'm not real knowledgeable on most of this stuff which is why I'm taking y'alls opinions and information. My conclusion so far is that the 5100s are a better overall modification/upgrade for the truck. Thanks

https://www.f150forum.com/f38/leveli...4/#post1038471

When I put in 2011 it doesn't show any shocks available for the 2011 on shockearehouse.

Anyone have part numbers for the bilatein leveling shocks for a 2011 4x4 screw.

2009-2011 r the same. So look for either one.

Shockwarehouse.com has a coupon code "f1502011"

Front:
Part Number: 24-187497
Old Part Number: F4-BE5-G741-H0

Rear:
Part Number: 33-187501
Old Part Number: F4-BE5-G742-H0

I actually found them cheaper than shockwarehouse.com
Go here: use coupon code "FREEDAY"
http://www.ajusa.com/details/Bilstei...&vq=XLT%3B+4WD&

This shouldn't even be a discussion, 5100s all the way

Ok another one so it looks like they offer a rear adjustable ride height as well? So I could go up 2 inches in front and 1 in rear?

Bilstein shocks will not lift the rear. The shock travel length can accommodate an extra 1"

The code "Freeday" has expired, any idea what the new one is?

Just call them and ask for Mike. They will get you the discount and send you a Paypal invoice email. Just let them know that you are apart of the forum. 800-877-1911
I got all 4 front/rear for $309 shipped

Ok thanks!!!

Bilstein 5100s on order!!! Cant wait to get them installed and then put the tires on. Pictures to come but it'll be a few weeks

What did you pay?

Awesome, mine should be arriving around the same time i return from deployment next week. I'm just not sure if I want to install them with no lift. May wait until I get my tires to bump them up to their max height.

309 and some change, the front are on back order so it'll be 7-10 days before they are shipped.

I'm gonna get them put on and then ASAP after I get them on and my alignment done I'll get tires. I think I'm gonna go with the second highest level though. I'm putting 295/70/18 trail grapplers on, I think they will fit.

Cool man keep us posted! Can't wait to hear how you like them and if those tires rub.

I'll post pics as soon as I get everything done, and from what I have read and been told on here the tires should fit. I'm keeping my fingers crossed though!!!

I can't seem to find anything that indicates how many "levels" there are on them. Is it just "stock", "mid" and "full"? With "full" being approx. 2+" from what I'm reading?

I really only want about 1" or so as I still prefer a bit of rake and and I'd rather not get into increasing the rear height if I don't have to (I'm only running 275/70-18 BFGs and don't need more clearance).

Any input is appreciated.

There are 4 levels on mine. I had them installed yesterday. Currently at the dealership getting alignment now. It was stock, 1", 1.5", and 2.25" from what the instructions say. I have then set on 1.5 and still have slight rake and great ride. I just installed my line x paint to match NFAB 6 step and cattleman grille guard. Dealership said it would be best to align after grille guard was installed. Will be doing a post with pics in the next couple hours.

For 4x4 there are 4 different levels for the front struts, the rear shocks don't actually lift the truck so with the lowest or next to lowest you should still have some of the factory rake

Thanks for the information guys...that's exactly what I've been looking for.

I measured mine tonight and the front wheel openings are right at 38" to ground and the rears are at 40-1/2"...so a 1" or 1.5" would definitely work for the look I'm after.

LSULariat - just saw your pics...looks great. I read in your post that before you added the grille guard it brought it up 1-3/8". That's just about where I want to be.

Again, thanks for the info!

Fallsale works!

http://www.ajusa.com/images/promos/FALLSALE.jpg

I checked your garage and thanks for the post, I want to do the same thing to my 0-11 screw long box ... I am off to the wonderful word of the internet to order parts. To be clear, all you did was the 5100's right. I want to do a block in the back for a 1 inch lift but thats it .... just need a little more. BTW I am also a GM convert for now, took off my brand blinders and tried 'em all, the 5.0, crew cab AND a 6.5 foot bed sold me ... then I drove it and lthe search was over, ironicly it was the last half ton I tried :blink:

d
 

Here you are sir:

2WD Front 5100
5 Height Settings
Stock, .65", 1.3", 1.95", 2.6"

Bil 24-187466
http://www.ajusa.com/images/vendors/.../24-187466.jpg


4WD Front 5100
24-187497
4 height settings
Stock, .75", 1.5", 2.25"

http://www.ajusa.com/images/vendors/.../24-187497.jpg

if looking for 1.5" of lift, the general consensus here is the 5100s are the best option? is the ride that much worse than stock? swapping for bilsteins in my diesel yielded a substantially better than stock ride. also, how long does the install take roughly on the 5100s?

Comparing these to the Bilsteins on your other truck is apples-to-oranges unless your other truck also had coilovers, and I don't think there are any diesels with coilovers. The reason these ones make for a stiffer ride is not because of the actual shocks but because these pre-load the coil. Basically it's compressing the coil, and we all know springs get stiffer as they get compressed ;)

I don't have 5100s on my truck (yet) but I have confidence that even though the ride will be stiffer it'll feel nice and tight. Soft suspension is nice but stiff suspension isn't all that bad, IMO.

So when you guys put the 5100's on your truck do you put the adjustable ones all the way around, or just on the front with the regular 5100's on the rear?

Only the fronts are adjustable.

Only the front 5100's are adjustable. If you want more lift in the rear you need to use a taller block or leaf spring.

Ok but if you are not looking to lift the rear and just raise the front a little you don't need to put the adjustable ones on he rear? And if you don't is the ride the same?

There is no such thing as ride height adjustable shocks for the rear. The rear does not use coilover springs so it's not possible to even make them.

If you just want to level the front then you only need ride height adjustables in the front. Replacing the rears with 5100s (non-ride height adjustable) is optional, at your discretion. Why might you do that if the stock rear shocks will work just fine? Because Bilsteins are a higher quality absorber.

rear shocks will not provide lift...
 

The rear shocks do not provide any lift at all they are only a replacement shock that can accommodate 2" of lift. If you add 2" of lift to the rear of the truck (via springs or axle blocks) the shocks will still work as designed from stock up to 2" of lift. If you put any more than 2" of lift on your truck then you would need to buy a longer shock.

I installed the rear Bilstein's on my truck and they improved the rear end ride... the fronts are going on later this week when I get some time to do them.

Only the front shocks provide lift by raising the lower spring plate.

Great post guys! thanks for all int information!!! I cant wait for xmas now =D

How easy is it to change the height settings and can it be done with the struts still in the truck?

This might be a good option for a guy wanting to keep the warranty intact. Drop the height back down to stock if you need to bring the truck in. Jack it back up when you get it back.

This is assuming its not a huge PIA to adjust the height.

You have to compress the coil spring on the strut to release the tension so you can make the adjustment.

The answer to your question is no. The 5100's cannot be adjusted while still mounted. Unless you found a way to fitta small spring compressor in there. But chances of that are very slim.

5100's at AJ's
 

Just a heads up, I put a call in to AJusa today and their currently out of front adj 5100's for '09-'11 150's. Guess Bilstein is backed up at the moment. I was informed that more were expected to arrive the beginning of next week and i was placed 6th in line for them.

If you want them now you better call and get in line! :thumbsup:

They also gave me the "F150forum" discount over the phone with free shipping. $309 for all 4 shocks, now to wait patiently.:whistling2:

Matt

These were for a 2011 Lariat 4X4 Screw

Thanks for the info...I have had mine on order since 9/30 and they show a December 15-20 ship date. So hopefully they are getting more next week and beat that ship date I was told... Below is the email from them......

"Thank you for the reply. We will proceed and keep you informed with any new information as we receive it. PREVIOUSLY EMAILED ON 10/04/11: Unfortunately, this part number is on back order from Bilstein. The estimated shipping date is between 12/15/11 and 12/20/11. "

Good talking to you Matt! Thanks!



Bilstein has announced they will be receiving more tomorrow or Wednesday. They will be shipping as soon as received.

Apologize for the delay, these were sold out when the 2011's starting rolling out, very popular upgrade and because of Bilsteins huge catalog, it takes them awhile to get back around to producing more.

Anywhere this can be documented?

My dealer installed mine for me.

I am waiting on mine. I am just doing the front adjustable Bilsteins . Do you mind me asking what they charged you to install them?

Anyone with an Ecoboost 4x4 install these? If so, did you use the 2nd (.75") or 3rd (1.5") setting to level?
With the Eco engine being lighter I heard these shocks may lift more than indicated (??).

If your engine blows up, Ford cannot deny the warranty because you have 5100's on the truck. If you offroad and snap a spindle they probably wont have to replace it.

Mag-Moss warranty act is a good read.


Check out this great video explaining the difference between spacers and the 5100

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=PG1GynQEAPc

I can't see it being much lighter than a regular v6...I think you will be alright on the 1.75"

Wrong... The ecoboost is a heavy engine. It's up there with the 5.0 liter. It is much heavier than the 3.7 liter.

I have a 2in level kit for sale from HellBent Steel. I had it on my truck for about 50 miles and then I put a lift on! 50 bucks and its yours bro!!!! I can send ya pics if ya want!

does anyone know a promo code for that is still current? i'm ready to buy!!

At ajusa it is VET10 for 10 percent off thru 11-14-2011. Hurry. I am sure they will have another one or if you call and mention this forum I think they give 10 off as well and free shipping.

:jester:Which would make me saying "I can't see it being any lighter than a regular v6" be RIGHT???

sweet. gonna place my order today!

I can't believe these things are still on backorder...

Please make sure to grab mine. LOL.

ORDER ID: 274560

I have an '09 F-150 FX4 and I put on the Ranco loaded quick lift kit with matching rear shocks, I think they are the rsx9000 9 position adjustable shocks, Also added the myride remote controller to adjust them from the cab. 2" in front and 0" in back, running 305/65/18 BFG all-terrain on the stock wheels with no rubbing issues. Every truck I've been in with spacers rode rougher than mine does with the new strut and front springs.

How much did that run ya? I was thinking about that exact same setup....

With the loaded quick lift, matching rear shocks, and my ride controller, around 900 from 4wheelparts.com

Look around some more, I found the quick lifts online at advanced autoparts for about $160 each. The have a 20% off promo code on their home page.

I just ordered some...I hope I can get some of the shocks you're getting on this next shipment... :)

I would have to say that if you can afford the 5100s at each corner, then that would be the way to go. If you are on a small budget, I wouldn't see any reason not to go with the spacer. By the way, I'm surprised to see so many people talking about worn out shocks at such low mileage (20,000-37,000). I have 60,000 on my 2009 SCrew and my shocks rebound as well as a new truck.

I oredered the deluxe, spare no expense, setup, with rush delivery, I should have been more clear, which included front struts, front springs, rear shocks and the my ride controller kit. So yeah, I did spend more than you would if you just got the basic quicklift kit.

"...springs get stiffer as they get compressed"
Only if they are progressive rate.

I have a 2011 Ecoboost Crew Cab 4x4 with the 5100 Bilsteins in all four corners; front set at the max. It does feel firm but not to the point of being uncomfortable. It lost the very supple stock ride though, so it's important that you evaluate what you're looking for.

Nothing against the Rancho RSX9000; I've used them in a Titan; but they're no match to the Bilsteins for off-road purposes.

Sounds like you have yours on the 4th (max 2.25") setting. I've heard the 5100's ride better in the lower settings. I would like to maintain some rake and just lift the front 1-1.5" Trying to decide if the 2nd or 3rd setting on the 5100's would be best (?). Anyone have advice for an Eco 4x4?

I installed my Bilstein's at the 1-1/2" mark. Left my truck with 3/8" to 1/2" rake. So i supose if you max them out you might end up with 1/4" rear sag. I'll max them out when i get my larger tires and rear lift.
I had the rancho quick lift on my '05 f150 and they were a bit more spongy than the Bilstein's. The Bilstein's give a much more sporty ride. My truck realy hugs the turns now:thumbsup:

I am amazed at the number of people in this thread that need shock replacement after only 20,000 miles or so. I have a 2009 SCrew with 60,000 miles. No shock leakage and they rebound as good as the new ones do. Maybe I just got lucky. :)

Just ordered my 5100's a bit ago, all the way around. Looking to supposedly ship b/w 1/4-1/10. Use code TOY10 and get em for $309.70. Can't wait. Girlfriend just bought my black Fuel Octanes 20x9 today as well. Looking to b a fabulous Christmas!!!

5100s without a doubt. Bilstein designs their products specific to the truck to minimize wear on the ball joints and CVs. The max down travel is 3/4" longer where as a spacer kit of 2" will extend the down travel 2" longer, putting a lot more stress on the ball joints and CVs. The bilstein gets the lift out of the preload, but i think the little bit of a stiffer ride is better.

Actually to my surprise I measured my stock fx4 front shocks shafts and they measure the exact same length as the bilstein 5100.

I wish they had a little more down travel than stock.

On a side note it looks like ford tried to save money by producing one shock and adding a 3/8 inch steel spacer a the end of the shaft to gain the additional height required for 4x4's

This is speculation as the steel spacer is removable.

Has anybody put the 5100's on all four corners with the front set at the highest setting...and then added the taller block to the back? I want to know if the truck will sit level. Someone above said with the fronts at the highest (2.25") setting that he thinks the rear would sag (with no modification). I want to get the most height but also want to sit completely level so am considering adding the taller blocks to the rear. Mine is 4WD.

I have the 5100 at max up front and it was a little nose high. so I added the 3 inch block in rear and it now sits about an inch higher in the back which is what I wanted so I would be level with a load or pulling a trailer. I still have the stock shocks in back but the 5100 in the rear don't lift so it should be the same