Bilstein 5100's - The Write Up
Thread Starter
Engimaneer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 32
From: Calgary, AB
Bilstein 5100's - The Write Up
When I first bought my truck I knew right away that I wanted to make this truck mine, but with work and many other things taking up my time I told myself that I'd wait until I was back in school to start doing mods. Figured it would be my winter project to keep me sane. Finally a few months ago I started doing the research and getting my setup picked. First on the block, level her out!
The Setup:
After much debate and too much time spent online I decided on the bilstein 5100's in all four corners with a 3" rear block replacing the stock 1 1/4". The reason I went bilsteins is because I didn't want a spacer level, the height adjustability and end height of 2.5" trumped just the ride adjustability of the ranchos, and I don't do enough serious offroading to justify a fox/camburg package. Not to mention I like the fact that the bilsteins use the stock spring, you know, the one thats actually rated for your specific truck. As for the 3" block, I wanted to keep a slight rake for towing and hauling. This is temporary as later down the line I plan on switching to a 2" with airbags for a consistent level.
The Install:
Installation of all these parts was very easy, the hardest part being switching the springs (little bit of a pucker factor on that). The front all told took me 30 minutes per side. The instructions that I had seen looked to be a very backward way of doing it but more importantly a huge waste of time. I simply undid the lower ball joint and tie rod allowing the lower control arm to swing down giving great access to easily pull the factory coil over out. With this method however you must support the LCA and control its release when undone as to not smash the threads. Also before I did this I made sure my wheels were straight when parked and marked the alignment. Funny thing is doing it this way when I took it to be aligned the tech told me it was near perfect still just needed very minor adjustment. The back was a breeze, unbolted and replaced shocks then swapped blocks, maybe 15 minutes per side.
The Level:
Now for the best part! How did it level? Well I didn't want exactly level and got exactly what I wanted. Here's how she panned out;
Stock Measurements
Front - 37.00"
Back - 39.00"
Installed Measurements
Front - 39.25"
Back - 40.25"
With the bilsteins set at the highest notch I gained exactly 2.25" of height in front and 1.25" in the back since I have a little weight in there for winter. This leaves me with 1" of rake, means I took out 1" of rake from factory, and raised the entire truck up quite noticeably. I'm extremely happy with how it looks and being left with a little rake, exactly what i was going for since I tow and haul a lot.
As mentioned above, later down the road I plan on going to a 2" block to make it sit dead level and add some airbags for when I'm towing.
But what's a thread without pictures right?
Before!
After!
How's The Ride?
This seems to be the big debate with bilsteins and seems to keep plenty on the fence or scare them off completely. So here are my thoughts. First off, I love them, love the ride, love the handling. So many miles ahead of stock its unreal. Since I installed a week ago I've put 2300km on (Busy break haha). First 100km ride was still great but I would explain it as jittery over chop, this being from the springs settling. You wouldn't feel it but simply hear it. After the first 100km that little jitter went away and everything smoothed right out. Is it stiff? god no. Firmer yes but in such a good way, firmer as in going over a bump the truck soaks it up then composes itself right after and doesn't keep bouncing. Firmer as in taking a turn the truck feels planted and there is very little body roll. Overall it just feels solid but is by no means stiff and uncomfortable. The ride is very smooth on road and off and I have no regrets going with the bilsteins or setting them at the top notch.
Mechanical:
How are the angles? this was one of the first things I checked and they are steeper but not harsh. I can't see having any problems with the UCA's at all (damn I wanted to go aftermarket
). The 4x4 works smooth as ever whether at a stand still or on the fly. Going over speeds bumps there are no hard clunks or bangs and more importantly the UCA doesn't strike the spring. All is well!
Final Thoughts:
Overall I couldn't be happier! Very impressed with the ride and handling, always excited to get back in my truck. Whats better is that in total I paid $445 cdn for the bilsteins and $105 cdn for the ready lift 3" rear block with U-bolts. Making this a definite contender for best $550 spent! Haha hope some of the info in here helps a few guys out!
The Setup:
After much debate and too much time spent online I decided on the bilstein 5100's in all four corners with a 3" rear block replacing the stock 1 1/4". The reason I went bilsteins is because I didn't want a spacer level, the height adjustability and end height of 2.5" trumped just the ride adjustability of the ranchos, and I don't do enough serious offroading to justify a fox/camburg package. Not to mention I like the fact that the bilsteins use the stock spring, you know, the one thats actually rated for your specific truck. As for the 3" block, I wanted to keep a slight rake for towing and hauling. This is temporary as later down the line I plan on switching to a 2" with airbags for a consistent level.
The Install:
Installation of all these parts was very easy, the hardest part being switching the springs (little bit of a pucker factor on that). The front all told took me 30 minutes per side. The instructions that I had seen looked to be a very backward way of doing it but more importantly a huge waste of time. I simply undid the lower ball joint and tie rod allowing the lower control arm to swing down giving great access to easily pull the factory coil over out. With this method however you must support the LCA and control its release when undone as to not smash the threads. Also before I did this I made sure my wheels were straight when parked and marked the alignment. Funny thing is doing it this way when I took it to be aligned the tech told me it was near perfect still just needed very minor adjustment. The back was a breeze, unbolted and replaced shocks then swapped blocks, maybe 15 minutes per side.
The Level:
Now for the best part! How did it level? Well I didn't want exactly level and got exactly what I wanted. Here's how she panned out;
Stock Measurements
Front - 37.00"
Back - 39.00"
Installed Measurements
Front - 39.25"
Back - 40.25"
With the bilsteins set at the highest notch I gained exactly 2.25" of height in front and 1.25" in the back since I have a little weight in there for winter. This leaves me with 1" of rake, means I took out 1" of rake from factory, and raised the entire truck up quite noticeably. I'm extremely happy with how it looks and being left with a little rake, exactly what i was going for since I tow and haul a lot.
As mentioned above, later down the road I plan on going to a 2" block to make it sit dead level and add some airbags for when I'm towing.
But what's a thread without pictures right?
Before!
After!
How's The Ride?
This seems to be the big debate with bilsteins and seems to keep plenty on the fence or scare them off completely. So here are my thoughts. First off, I love them, love the ride, love the handling. So many miles ahead of stock its unreal. Since I installed a week ago I've put 2300km on (Busy break haha). First 100km ride was still great but I would explain it as jittery over chop, this being from the springs settling. You wouldn't feel it but simply hear it. After the first 100km that little jitter went away and everything smoothed right out. Is it stiff? god no. Firmer yes but in such a good way, firmer as in going over a bump the truck soaks it up then composes itself right after and doesn't keep bouncing. Firmer as in taking a turn the truck feels planted and there is very little body roll. Overall it just feels solid but is by no means stiff and uncomfortable. The ride is very smooth on road and off and I have no regrets going with the bilsteins or setting them at the top notch.
Mechanical:
How are the angles? this was one of the first things I checked and they are steeper but not harsh. I can't see having any problems with the UCA's at all (damn I wanted to go aftermarket
). The 4x4 works smooth as ever whether at a stand still or on the fly. Going over speeds bumps there are no hard clunks or bangs and more importantly the UCA doesn't strike the spring. All is well!
Final Thoughts:
Overall I couldn't be happier! Very impressed with the ride and handling, always excited to get back in my truck. Whats better is that in total I paid $445 cdn for the bilsteins and $105 cdn for the ready lift 3" rear block with U-bolts. Making this a definite contender for best $550 spent! Haha hope some of the info in here helps a few guys out!
Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 65
Likes: 12
From: Washington State
FRONT:
BILSTEIN 5100 Series Shocks (24-187497)
46mm Monotube Shock Absorber
*Collapsed Length (IN) : 16.93
*Collapsed Length (MM) : 430
*Extended Length (IN) : 21.83
*Extended Length (MM) : 554.5
Body Design : 46mm ID Snap Ring Grooved Body (Coilover)
Boot Included : No
Finish : Zinc Plated
Internal Design : Monotube
Lower Mount Type : Eye 20.3mm
Position : Front
Reservoir : No
Upper Mount Type : Stem
REAR:
BILSTEIN 5100 Series Shocks (33-187501)
46mm Monotube Shock Absorber
*Collapsed Length (IN) : 17.68
*Collapsed Length (MM) : 449
*Extended Length (IN) : 28.9
*Extended Length (MM) : 734
Body Design : 46mm ID Smooth Body (Non-Coilover)
Boot Included : Black Bellows
Finish : Zinc Plated
Internal Design : Monotube
Lower Mount Type : Eye 12mm
Position : Rear
Reservoir : No
Upper Mount Type : Eye 12mm
Click on the shock P/N and it will link you to Tap Auto, which is where I bought mine.
Last edited by RAT; Jan 6, 2014 at 02:47 AM.
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Thread Starter
Engimaneer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 32
From: Calgary, AB
Thanks Sean! Glad I could help
Thread Starter
Engimaneer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 32
From: Calgary, AB
Nope not required, just put in to keep a little rake. My truck would have sat level with the stock block and the bilsteins set at the second highest notch. Or the bilsteins at the highest with a 1.75"-2" block.