HCFX2013

So I was planning on upgrading to the Rancho RS9000xl, but 4wheelparts had a great deal going on some Bilstein 5100's. So I got a wild hair and picked them up. $210 OTD with a 3 year warranty. Score!

Installation
Install was fairly easy, but it didn't happen without a few swear words and PITA moments along the way. The first issue I encountered was when I took the first OEM driver's side off and installed the Bilstein. Not thinking, I bolted in the bottom first and wasn't able to get the top bolt in. When I loosened the bottom bolt and put in the top bolt, it was a little easier to get the bottom bolt in as well. Then, on the passenger's side, for some reason the shock didn't want to align with the bottom mount, and it took a whole lot of wrestling, prying and swearing to get it to line up.

To remove the bolts by hand, I used the wheel well liners and axle for leverage. I just simply stuck a wrench on the nut, turned it a little with my socket so that it was sitting against the axle or wheelwell liner, and then turned the socket wrench. Broke loose very easily that way. See pics for details.

Build quality
Miles ahead of stock. The metal housing is top notch, and the rubber boot is well fastened. Even the rubber bushings on the ends of the mounting holes are nice. The stockers are flimsy plastic with no seal whatsoever. Total crap.

Ride quality
Ride quality is interesting, and somewhat hard to explain. They're definitely stiffer, but not the way you would think. On one hand, they transmit more feedback to the driver, but on the other hand, they soak up bumps better than you'd think. I guess you could say they're more stable. Handling is better too, with much less body roll and sway from the rear end in corners. I went blasting along some country roads that were pretty rough and I felt no sideways kickout. Dare I say the truck seems quieter now too? Less resonation through the shock tower?

Overall
For $210 OTD you can't beat the Bilsteins. I'm curious to see how they're going to hold up over time and over different terrain. The real test will be to see how they do with 10 ply tires. I have a feeling it's going to be a bit on the rough side, but we'll see.

Untitled by HCFXFour, on Flickr
Untitled by HCFXFour, on Flickr
Untitled by HCFXFour, on Flickr

deanfx

Any feedback since the install? #oldthreadbump

HCFX2013

Sure! They're holding up great. No issues since the install other than having to re-torque one of the mounting bolts.

deanfx

Good to hear. I ordered the rears today and will be installing tomorrow.

Waterfowler41

iTrader: (1)

Wish I would've went with 5100s versus my Rancho 7000mts.....

white08gt

I went with the Rancho MT 7000s and have no regrets. $143 delivered with lifetime warranty. they do ride stiffer but soak up the bumps. I don't think it matters but the poster installed his Billies upside down according to Bilstein.

Waterfowler41

iTrader: (1)

Not to hijack the thread but how is the finish holding up on your shocks? Mine don't look as pretty as they did in day one. Lots of oxidation.

I like them a lot especially with turning, very little roll. I just think bilsteins might have been just a bit better for my application.

deanfx

I installed the rear Bilsteins today. Took about fifteen minutes. To be honest I can't tell any difference. But man they do look a heck of a lot better.

OJwasguilty

15 minutes? Any chance you could do a quick write-up?

deanfx

It's four bolts, 15mm ratchet and 18mm wrench. The Bilsteins come with a band around them so they pretty much fit perfect without prying them in place. Took longer to find the metric tools than to install the shocks.

However if you haven't turned many wrenches, it may take you longer.

Edit: I did both on the ground under the truck, so if you have t-rex arms you may need to change to the outside of the truck to reach the top bolts.