How difficult are these to install? Looking at picking a set up and doing the install myself but I'd like to know up front what I'm getting myself into. I'm mechanically inclined and have worked on suspension in the past but have never touched a coilover setup.

 

Pretty straight forward...you will have to have the spring compressor to swap the Bilstein out with the factory strut. Also you will have to get an alignment after the job.


AK4wheeler

 

Do you know what spring compressor I need? I know there are different styles.

Also, who has actually installed these and can you provide any input as to how they ride? I know it should be firmer, but will I like them on the highway?

 

You'll want this type.

http://www.autozone.com/loan-a-tools...sor/555557_0_0

Having 1/2" socket wrench, breaker bar, pneumatic impact or wrench are all nice to have when trying to trying to compress the springs.

Make sure to mark the orientation/clocking of everything prior to removal, with marker, grease pencil and reinstall using the references. This avoids many issues that can creep in with noises and or differences in height from side to side.

On completion of the install, recheck/tighten your sway bar endlinks once the suspension is back on the ground.

I went with the Eibach struts on the .75" setting and really liked the change. The ride is a touch more firm and much more composed especially so on mid to large changes in road surface. Much more controllable. The rear Eibach shocks are too soft IMHO. Better than OEM for certain however. Bilstein make great product. Definite improvement over OEM.

 

I'm not huge on springs after an accident a few years ago, and just removed my struts and brought them down to a shop. They changed them out for $25.

Mine are WAY firmer. Between that and the E rated tires (trail grappler), they are fairly rough. This is on the next to highest setting. I can't blame it on the 5100's alone, as I changed tires the same day.