Bilstein 5100
10-20-2014, 09:55 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Bilstein 5100
Hey All,
I know this subject has been brought up a lot but I never found a definite answer. I ordered these last week and had them installed at a local shop. Without talking to them about install, the tech installed the rears with the boot up. I have read they can go either way but others have said Bilstein told them boot down. The tech who installed them told me he has always installed shocks with the boot up but would be happy to switch them around if I wanted. I had the front struts replaced with 5100's as well. After driving it this weekend, I am loving the new ride. Even my wife was able to see the difference and was impressed (she has no clue what shocks even look like) so I was impressed she noticed. Anyone have any input about boots up or down? Pros and cons?
Also, they installed the fronts at stock height because the tech didn't see the notes to install at 1.5 height. Have to take it back to get it adjusted up. It rides great now at stock height. Is the ride that much different when they raise it up a little over an inch? I appreciate any input on this and sorry if I missed this information posted somewhere else.
2009 F-150 FX4
I know this subject has been brought up a lot but I never found a definite answer. I ordered these last week and had them installed at a local shop. Without talking to them about install, the tech installed the rears with the boot up. I have read they can go either way but others have said Bilstein told them boot down. The tech who installed them told me he has always installed shocks with the boot up but would be happy to switch them around if I wanted. I had the front struts replaced with 5100's as well. After driving it this weekend, I am loving the new ride. Even my wife was able to see the difference and was impressed (she has no clue what shocks even look like) so I was impressed she noticed. Anyone have any input about boots up or down? Pros and cons?
Also, they installed the fronts at stock height because the tech didn't see the notes to install at 1.5 height. Have to take it back to get it adjusted up. It rides great now at stock height. Is the ride that much different when they raise it up a little over an inch? I appreciate any input on this and sorry if I missed this information posted somewhere else.
2009 F-150 FX4
10-20-2014, 12:19 PM
#2
Senior Member
Even though it's recommended to install with the boot down it will work either way. My truck is in the shop right now having a set installed. I went with the 2nd notch from the top on the front's. I'll get some pics later on this evening.
10-20-2014, 12:36 PM
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Did you specify to have yours installed with the boot down? Let me know what you think of the 2nd notch from the top. That is what I plan to go with.
10-20-2014, 12:56 PM
#4
Senior Member
I told them to go with whatever Bilstein recommends in case of a warranty problem. I had Bilstein HD's on my '04 Lariat with the boots mounted on the upper side for over 50K miles with no problems. Mechanic said they'll work either way even though boot down is recommended. I marked the 2nd notch from the top with the shop owner this morning and he said he'll make sure its set at that position...I don't want the truck to sit up as high as my last truck did ..want to keep a small amount of rake. Not planing on towing anything over 5K pounds.
10-20-2014, 12:59 PM
#5
Member
Thread Starter
I told them to go with whatever Bilstein recommends in case of a warranty problem. I had Bilstein HD's on my '04 Lariat with the boots mounted on the upper side for over 50K miles with no problems. Mechanic said they'll work either way even though boot down is recommended. I marked the 2nd notch from the top with the shop owner this morning and he said he'll make sure its set at that position...I don't want the truck to sit up as high as my last truck did ..want to keep a small amount of rake. Not planing on towing anything over 5K pounds.
Last edited by tyoung0907; 10-20-2014 at 01:13 PM.
10-20-2014, 01:22 PM
#6
Senior Member
I told the advisor when I took mine in to be sure and have them installed at the second notch from the top. Of course that didn't happen but they offered to make it right and correct their mistake. Take it back in tomorrow for the correction. As far as the rear shocks - I just got off the phone with Bilstein and they are supposed to be installed boot down on the 5100. He said they are engineered this way and they are to be installed that way. Looks like I will be getting those swapped around while its back in tomorrow.
10-20-2014, 01:46 PM
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Well it seems as though for now the issue has been solved! Hopefully they won't change it up on us with future models. Let me know what you think about your 5100's. Like I said, I love the ride and think it was worth the money.
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10-20-2014, 07:54 PM
#8
Senior Member
5100's set at 2nd notch from the top...gained 1-5/8 inches in the front and 1/4 inch in the rear. Firmed up the ride but not rough..they take some of the jolt out of the bumps on our crappy roads. Truck handles great in turns as opposed to the plush Platinum ride.
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