Billistein 5100 cost of install?
09-06-2011, 04:17 PM
#12
Just be careful who you have install them... There are a few issues with 2011 F150's that require a bit more knowledge and skill than your local brake & shock place might have.
First, the 2011 shocks evidently have the spring perches tack welded on to the original shock bodies, and Bilstien requires you to reuse these perches, so they need to be removed from the old shocks. My understanding is that a good rap with a hammer knocks them loose of the tack welds, but obviously it would help to have somebody familiar with the process do it.
Second, if you have a 2011 with any motor other than the 6.2, you have EPAS (electric power assist steering). The EPAS system must be unplugged or the battery disconnected before hammering the upper ball joints loose. Failure to do this can permanently damage your EPAS system! Most mechanics would never think about disconnecting the battery to do suspension work.
Finally, there are more than a few people experiencing EPAS steering rack failures and requiring steering rack replacement (TSB 11-8-18). I would suck to have your steering rack fail, most likely for reasons completely unrelated to the Bilstein install, but then have Ford or the dealer argue that it was the shock install that caused the problem.
Bottom line? It might be worth it to have the dealer install them, even if they are overcharging you for the job.
If your truck is 2009 or 2010, the above issues probably don't apply...
First, the 2011 shocks evidently have the spring perches tack welded on to the original shock bodies, and Bilstien requires you to reuse these perches, so they need to be removed from the old shocks. My understanding is that a good rap with a hammer knocks them loose of the tack welds, but obviously it would help to have somebody familiar with the process do it.
Second, if you have a 2011 with any motor other than the 6.2, you have EPAS (electric power assist steering). The EPAS system must be unplugged or the battery disconnected before hammering the upper ball joints loose. Failure to do this can permanently damage your EPAS system! Most mechanics would never think about disconnecting the battery to do suspension work.
Finally, there are more than a few people experiencing EPAS steering rack failures and requiring steering rack replacement (TSB 11-8-18). I would suck to have your steering rack fail, most likely for reasons completely unrelated to the Bilstein install, but then have Ford or the dealer argue that it was the shock install that caused the problem.
Bottom line? It might be worth it to have the dealer install them, even if they are overcharging you for the job.
If your truck is 2009 or 2010, the above issues probably don't apply...
Last edited by pfbz; 09-06-2011 at 04:19 PM.
09-06-2011, 07:05 PM
#13
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
what did you end up paying for your 5100's?
What do you suggest for a 2WD? I know the advantage to the 5100's up front are that its way better on the health of the suspension than a leveling kit..but would I still keep the rear blocks?
What do you suggest for a 2WD? I know the advantage to the 5100's up front are that its way better on the health of the suspension than a leveling kit..but would I still keep the rear blocks?
09-06-2011, 08:32 PM
#14
To reply to the last two posts: yes its a 2011 and I'm fully aware of the epas and battery disconnect issue(s). I am nervous about this. I did not know about the perch and am glad you said something. In any case, I have decide to go with ford to do it. They said they would warranty the work just not the part (obviously).
As to say that 5100's are better or worse than spacers, I can't. I had spacers in my last truck and I rode fine I suppose. I honestly wouldnt know. The 5100's I heard ride tighter but are performance shocks and valves as such. I wen with it. Scheduled with ford for Friday. Put my grille guard brackets on and awaiting line x for the grille and NFAB then I'm DUN.
As to say that 5100's are better or worse than spacers, I can't. I had spacers in my last truck and I rode fine I suppose. I honestly wouldnt know. The 5100's I heard ride tighter but are performance shocks and valves as such. I wen with it. Scheduled with ford for Friday. Put my grille guard brackets on and awaiting line x for the grille and NFAB then I'm DUN.
09-06-2011, 08:56 PM
#16
Lol. No, Robinson bros were worse! This is all star in pville. As I hate their prices, their customer service is hard to beat in my book. Sales absolutely suck but service is great. Vice versa with Rob bros. Love the sales guys, NEVER going back because of the crappy customer service. Total crap! Can't win em all I guess. Hopefully the TIGERS can win most though!!!!
09-06-2011, 09:02 PM
#17
Originally Posted by LSULariat
Lol. No, Robinson bros were worse! This is all star in pville. As I hate their prices, their customer service is hard to beat in my book. Sales absolutely suck but service is great. Vice versa with Rob bros. Love the sales guys, NEVER going back because of the crappy customer service. Total crap! Can't win em all I guess. Hopefully the TIGERS can win most though!!!!
09-06-2011, 09:52 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: BR
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lol. No, Robinson bros were worse! This is all star in pville. As I hate their prices, their customer service is hard to beat in my book. Sales absolutely suck but service is great. Vice versa with Rob bros. Love the sales guys, NEVER going back because of the crappy customer service. Total crap! Can't win em all I guess. Hopefully the TIGERS can win most though!!!!
Roasted some ducks sat night
09-07-2011, 07:08 AM
#19
Yes indeed. Had duck and sausage gumbo sat night. Perfect for cool weather. Call and ask for Laurie. I believe she's the service manager. She's been a big help whenever I call. Let her know that RB gives you the run around and that's more likely to help as well.