DirtDawg

^^^ I've heard that pretty much everything costs more in AK. If so, why should buying Bilstein shocks online be any different?

FWIW, my purchase transaction from Tire Rack for 5100 rears was easy and pleasant and they contacted me by email to ensure I was OK waiting a few days for Bilstein factory availability. I subsequently ordered 5100 front strut shocks from AJUSA. Still waiting, but no complaints since their website showed estimated shipment date at time of order entry. I say, go for it. Once installed, you likely won't remember what you paid anyway....

Tri2dv8

I just found the forum after purchasing Bilstien 5100's for the rear of my truck. I added a set of booster springs last month, as I use the truck for work and carry a good amount of weight. I noticed some sway, so thought it would be a good time to add some shocks. The 5100's made a great improvement and with the aid of this thread install was easy.
FYI, I noticed some were struggling with pushing the shock in. I installed the bottom bolt first, resting the top of the shock on the upper mounting bracket. With two pumps of my floor jack, (on the frame) the hole aligned perfectly and the bolt slid right in.

NastyFFX4

iTrader: (1)

There is a strap that keeps them compressed during shipment. This strap is supposed to come off after you bolt them in so you don't have to worry about that problem. Either way, using a jack like you said will get it in as well.

Tri2dv8

Yes, I left the strap on while installing, but it still needed compression to fit. Not a big problem, just saw a few saying that it was tough pushing it in.

I love the shocks. Wish I purchased fronts instead of leveling spacers a while back.

NastyFFX4

iTrader: (1)

Don't be too disappointed. This is what I did, too. Honestly it works out better this way. Use your leveling kit and it avoids putting pre-load on the strut and you'll end up with a better ride.

Glockowner

Good write up. I installed the rear Bilstein 5100s on my 2011 today. Took about half an hour, and the truck now rides like a dream. Not really a fair comparison to the stock shocks as my truck has 187k miles...


Really looking forward to the front shocks coming in next week.

ceejayegee

1st... again thanks to the OP great write up..

and

x2 I'm running the same setup as you guys. Can't say enough about the ride quality.

Clone

Did the rears today. Thanks to the OP for this writeup, took about 45 minutes. Worst part was not being able to find my 1/2" to 3/8" drive converter so I could torque the bolts. I think I will stick with rears for now, as I don't drive the truck much, but the ride is much improved. Also got mine from AJUSA, great price with them on sale and quick shipping. Appreciate having threads like this, makes life much easier!

sixshooter_45

Well, I'm going to finally level my truck as well and am trying to decide between the 5100 series Bilstein and the Eibach Complete Pro-Truck Sport Shock & Strut Kit.

Does anyone know if the Eibach are worth the extra coin @ $459.00 compared to the Bilstein @ $377.00?

I'm considering the top setting at 2.1" so would an after market upper control arm like Camburg or Icon work with either of these to help set the angles back to stock specs. or are they even necessary?

Just installed the MBRP 3" single exhaust behind the rear tire this Saturday and it sounds awesome.

WendysOrBust

I honestly havn't heard much about the Eibach kit, from what I just now read they came into the 2014 market before the Bilsteins since, for whatever reason, the Bilsteins took forever to finally release. That being said I'm sure they are good shocks, Eibach makes good products all around. Now are they almost $100 better than the Bilsteins? In the end both shocks are adjustable via the same means, they have an adjustable clip collar that can be set at different heights and height is increased via the increased preload on the spring.

I had the Bilsteins on my 13' set at the middle setting of 1.5" lift, at first I really liked the ride but eventually it wore on me. Towards the end I hated how much stiffer the front was. During day to day, and off-road driving the front was just too stiff for my liking. The only time I really loved the shocks was during towing, the ride was super smooth and even hauling heavy loads was a breeze. If I had to do it all again I would of done the Bilsteins, left them at the factory ride and just added a spacer on top. You get the added performance of the shock without sacrificing your ride due to the added preload.

As far as the UCA's go its up to you really. You don't need them for a 2" level, however upgrading UCA's will yeild better caster and articulation. The downside is that you will be a bit more limited to what wheels and tires you can get. From the Stage3Motorsports Website;

http://www.stage3motorsports.com/985...trol-Arms.html