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Bumping this very old thread I started almost five years ago....
I want to try and adjust the front suspension preload circlip position to maximum lift without removing the struts... Plan is to droop the front suspension, try and get some screw-type spring compressors on the spring to give me slack, then pull and re-install the circlip.
Anybody ever try this?
Quick question after 5 yrs with these shocks are you happy with them still. and would you say the ride was the same better or worse when the truck was new how many miles have you had with them. i dont want to lift i just want my truck to ride like it did when it was new mine is a 2009 f150 with 315k km on it. I will probably c/o the coils and leaf springs too.
great post
With Bilstein having recently released 5100 series fitment part numbers for 2014+ F150 trucks (as discussed for 2014 models here and 2015+ models here, seems a good time to bring pfbz's excellent thread up to the top for those of us about to have 5100 shocks installed.
My own objective with 5100 series is improved control and handling - especially while towing. I do not intend larger than OEM tire size (I'm running Toyo Open Country AT2 in LT275/65R18C - yes, C-load range) nor do I want an aftermarket lift kit or to gear from FoMoCo 3.73 gearset and eLocker.
Much as the OP did back in 2012, I took baseline measurements at all 4 corners, noting that combo of 6.2L V8, full set RCI .250 aluminum skidplates, Raptor sideboards, Leer topper plus large Rubbermaid Action Packer loaded with gear and twin UnderCover SwingCases with even more gear are all weight and distribution variables. That, plus a full tank of rated 36 gallon capacity. Measurements taken with 4' graduated level were as follows:
LF ----- 37 1/8"
LR ----- 38 1/16"
Delta -- 15/16" rake
My original intention when ordering the front 5100 shocks was to install in lowest OEM equivalent ride height position (lowest ring groove) but I'm now reconsidering the next groove up to achieve 3/4" rise (noting the OP initially obtained 1" rise before suspension settling). I'll install rear shocks myself but will have the local Ford dealer install the fronts, since I don't own (nor want to mess with) a suitable strut coil spring compressors. That, plus I don't have tools to re-torque to 350 ft-lbs either. I've read enough horror stories here about incompetent mechanics screwing up things like IWE's during lift kit installations that I'd rather pay the Ford dealer shop rate while protecting my extended warranty. BTW, my F150 only has 5800 miles since new and its always been garaged when not driven, so no rusty parts during installation. Anybody need a low mileage set of OEM F&R shocks?
I think the above is my plan, although I might revert to original plan of no rise whatsoever. I'm open to helpful comments...
EDIT 23Nov: After installing the rear 5100s yesterday afternoon, took a short test drive today, filled the tank (added 28.5 gallons) and remeasured static dimensions as revised above. From that, its clear that I'm +/- 1" of level now. Since a primary purpose for my truck is as tow vehicle, my conclusion is that no rise is my best option.
Last edited by DirtDawg; 11-23-2016 at 05:06 PM.
Reason: Updated static dimensions and my conclusions
Thats the point we try to explain to customers when debating between spacers and the 5100's. The ride is so much better with the performance shock over a stock shock with spacer.
So if I used these on my leveled 09, I could ditch the leveling spacer, and set them up in the 2 inch lift groove?
So if I used these on my leveled 09, I could ditch the leveling spacer, and set them up in the 2 inch lift groove?
Yes you can or you can leave the spacer and set the shocks at the stock setting. This would be defeating the purpose of the ability to just use the shock for leveling. I had two trucks that I used leveling kits on and now using the Bilsteins to level the front (2nd notch from the top) and gained 1-1/2" I also went with the rear shocks to gain the full improvement of better handling and ride. Much better in the front then with the leveling kits.
I tried to order some from Amazon. $359 for all 4, but they wouldn't ship. Alaska seems like a foreign country to a lot of retailers. Shipping would have been extra. I can order all 4 from Tire Rack for $453 shipped. Tried local parts stores. What a joke. Robbers. Oriellys was the closest in price, but still more and would have been back ordered.
I tried to order some from Amazon. $359 for all 4, but they wouldn't ship. Alaska seems like a foreign country to a lot of retailers. Shipping would have been extra. I can order all 4 from Tire Rack for $453 shipped. Tried local parts stores. What a joke. Robbers. Oriellys was the closest in price, but still more and would have been back ordered.
I bought mine at a local off road shop. Tried for years on my two previous trucks and the 5100's were always on backorder. I had the 4600 HD yellow and blues on my '04 Lariat but I had a leveling kit I left in. Glad the shop had them and cringed at the almost $800 bucks I paid for the 4 shocks installed with a 4 wheel alignment and the kicker our 10% sales tax to support the freeloaders in Louisiana!! If you think Alaska is like a foreign country now just think back to 1973 when I was at Elmendorf AFB!! Almost was still a part of Russia...
10-31-2016, 04:46 AM
