I have poured over several threads, but haven’t exactly found the answer to my question. I am looking to purchase the Bilstein 5100 kit with adjustable front shocks. I just purchased my truck used, and it has a 2” rough country billet aluminum leveling kit (I think), and I plan to remove it when getting these shocks. I like the way the truck sits, pretty evenly level, and was wondering which setting on the Bilsteins do y’all think would most likely give me the closest stance to what I currently have? I Have read where people mention things like rear blocks as well, but I don’t know what exactly they would look like. How would I tell if I have rear blocks or anything like that? Any help is appreciated.

 

I just bought some 5100's. If you already have a 2" spacer and like the stance, you may want to keep that and use the lowest level setting of the Bilstein. The spring preload won't change that way and your ride will be smoother. If you use the highest Bilstein setting and remove the spacer, you'll still be at 2" or level but with a bunch more preload and a stiffer ride.

I don't have a spacer and I'll use the next to lowest setting myself. I need the rake for my trailer.

 

 

Removing the spacer is best to limit downward travel but if you want level, then you gotta increase spring preload. That is what the clip on a 5100 does. It doesn't make the shock longer, it just makes the truck sag less under it's own weight. Less sag means a higher stance.

A shock has one job. That is to burn off velocity. A spring has one job. That is to store and release energy. A great ride comes when you get a lot of motion (most of your travel) but motion that is in control (a great shock rate for your weight/speed).

If you must be level and want to not over extend your other suspension components then use the highest ring on the shock body. Just be aware that it will ride stiffer.

 

 

 

 

 

I went with the second to highest ring setting (3/4) and with the geometry of the front suspension (acts as a multiplying factor with the bilstien setting gaps) it was almost exactly 2 inches of extra ride height, and level with the rear. Also, this setting is easier on your suspension hardware angles. That would be my recommendation!