11screw50

Just wondering why some think a spacer is any less legit than moving the mounting point on the shock (which is all the 5100's do)? they both accomplish the same thing.

By changing the mounting location on the shock body, you change the 'normal' position in the shock's stroke. Full extension length will remain the same (limited by the shock length) but compared to 'normal', less travel will be available thus preventing more extreme Cv angles (this assumes the fully extended 5100 is the same length as the stock shock. If it is longer when fully extended, that changes things...).

With a spacer, the total travel remains the same however, the stock shock will sit at the stock location in its stroke and you will have the same amount of travel (extension) available as stock but because of the spacer, this will result in more extreme Cv angles than can be achieved without the spacer.

JRVicHammer

Good doc from bilstein site that explains the differences between spacers and using the 5100's. Granted, this comes from bilstein, who is trying to sell a product, so take it for what it's worth.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/...WebArticle.pdf

11screw50

yeah, a spacer doesnt reduce 'up travel', it is exactly the same as stock however, the tire doesnt 'stuff' quite as far into the wheel well because it starts it's upward travel from a lower point. This could actually be a good thing with bigger tires.

If you look at the illustrations, the spacer is lower at the top and lower at the bottom, overall travel looks about the same.

They do say that the Bilstein is longer. If the fully extended shock is longer, it will experience similar issues to the spacer at full droop because it will extend farther than stock.

I see the benefits to the Bilsteins but they are more expensive and will take either more time or more money to install because you have to disassemble the strut and with a spacer you don't.

Oh, and the price they show for a spacer style kit seems way high to me.

justjimmy

Well yeah! They HAD to do that to make their product look more appealing.

Duh

Yes, I see the irony... I am getting Bilsteins all around as soon as they come off back order)

ajusa.com

The 5100 is not the same length as the stock

The 5100 is a much better option then a spacer. Why? Because its a upgraded monotube shock that has the proper valving for these trucks and added spring.

The ride is much much better with Bilsteins IMO.

fordfan77

Unless you just like the adjustable height of the Bilstien's, I prefer the Rancho quick lift, which comes with the the strut and spring assembled together and has a 9 position adjustment to change the ride quality of the system, you can also get an additional kit to adjust the shocks with a wireless controller.

I have the Rancho quick lift and matching rs9000xl shocks on the rear, as well as their Myride controller. I can adjust for highway, towing, offroad, sport, or pick my own custom setting. My truck rides better than it did stock.

papa tiger

I remember the Boink-Boink of gas shocks a few years ago. Longer travel, gas shocks, boink/boink, good for me. LOL

p4user

Reading on the internet I see a lot of people who run 0"-1.5" lift love it. But when you go 1.5"-2.5" the ride gets firmer and some people don't like it, because it pre-loads the spring a fair bit. If you want a 2" lift and go off road I would recommend the Bilsteins, but if you are a highway queen the ride may be a bit smoother with a spacer and wont damage your ball joints like when you articulate off road.

I have a Autospring 1.5" spacer on my 2007 F150 with 105,000km on the ball joints sofar. So I am happy. New 2012 F150 on order and I will be going to the Bilsteins.

Desert Dawg

I would like to hear from folks that use the highest setting from the Bilsteins to get the full 2 inches of lift because I have been told that you do not get the best ride quality from the shocks at the highest settings (but seems great at the 1-inch setting)? If the ride quality is the same as the lower to zeo lift setting, I would think that would be the way to go. I do know that if you go with a 2 inch spacer and keep the stock shocks, you have the same ride quality as stock which is pretty good to begin with.

I wanted to go a tad higher than the 2-inches so went with a 2-piece 2.5-inch system that includes a pre-loaded spacer along with the strut spacer, so supposedly the system increases cornering performance along offsetting the increased weight of the larger tires while maintaining a quality ride. I have a new Platinum with the system and can report that it rides great!

BobbyVA

I have mine at the highest setting but I also have an AAL in the rear...the ride is a little more ruff but some of that maybe due to the E rated LT295x65x18 duratracs. The ride isn't bad by any means...you just feel more bumps..no complaints here