Dundee_Dude

I plan on installing the Bilsteins and put on the middle setting. I like this idea because it gives you flexibility on what you want to accomplish. Personally, I would like to do a 35" tire, which the highest setting would allow to fit, but then I will have to compromise too much on gas mileage. I decided to go with the Bilsteins at a medium setting with a 285 tire. This way, the front will be up some, and look decent with a 285.

I have read until my eyeballs are red about this, and heard too many contradictions about 1 1/2 spacer being level by some, low for others. I've heard 2" spacers being too high in the front, thus making it a need to put a block in the rear. This is the main reason why I like the Bilstein set up - FLEXIBILITY. I've even heard people putting a spacer on now, then the 5100's on later.

I have the 5100's on my past Chevy 2500, and they are an awesome shock.

NastyNoble3k

Anyone get the shocks installed? I'm still undecided on which way I want to go. Thanks!!!

Nasty

NorCal-09

I have seen this too, and I don't know where some of this 'stuff' comes from!?

As me, and many others have reported in recent and past leveling kit threads, a 2" leveling kit, properly installed, on the stock truck, will bring the front up perfectly level with the rear. You do not need another block in the rear, unless you want to lift the front; and then make it again lower than the rear....

My XLT, with Stock GY tires, was 39.5" above level ground, both front and rear, almost to the 1/8 of an inch. And now with my 35" Toyo's they are still on the level, only about 1.5" taller, both front and rear.

And, when I get 30,000 miles on the stock shocks, I am going to replace them with the Bilsteins, at a setting which keeps F & R still at the level.

AppDawg

Read on another thread where some of our trucks have the spring seat welded on and can't be used again for the Bilsteins. Anyone heard of this? I want to purchase but don't want to waste money/time if they do not work.

11FX4

If the spring seat isn't welded on the Bilsteins are the way to go. I had spacers on the Tacoma I'm currently driving (while I wait for my FX4) and it was OK driving it. One of the issues is that on full compression the shock stops the wheel travel instead of the bump stop. This can break lower shock eyes off or damage the shock. I don't beat on my vehicles either. With the Billy's on the ride was much improved and I feel better knowing nothing is getting needlessly stressed.
I have them set to 1-3/4" which also doesn't stress out the CV's either. I'll put a set on my new truck when I install larger tires.

Cheers,

MT-Ford

Iv'e been trying to understand this...How would compressing the factory coil, 2" on a Bilstein shock make for smoother ride rather than a 2" spacer with the coil at the factory setting.

I can understand more articulation for down travel with the Bilstein's.

I'm not putting down the Bilstein's as Iv'e used them in the past and thought they were a great shock.

Just trying to figure this out before tossing my 2" spacer's and buying Bilstein.

firstfordguy

I have both on my truck. Originally put on the Bilsteins @ 1.5". Wasn't quite high enough for what I do with my truck so I installed a levelling kit and reduced my Bilsteins to 1". I run 295R65x18 Duratracs. The ride actually improves with the Bilsteins as it gets a little firmer. Does not get rough. I would definitely recommend Bilsteins.

tohigh4you

So my new truck is about 2-3 weeks out and I have started assembling parts for it....i was going to go 2" spacer route but if for another $100 I can upgrade front shocks and still get lift, then that seems much smarter....How can I check if lower spring seat is welded? I am also assuming that labor involved between adding spacer and installing front shocks is about the same.
Thanks.
John

20104x4xlt5.4

I have a 2.5 kit, do you think if I added the blistens it would mess anything up? Or would I basically be getting a 3.5 front lift!

20104x4xlt5.4

You can get a front Auto spring 2.5 leveling or 2 leveling kit for 75$ on eBay. .. then have a shop install for about 120$(what I paid with alignment). Or do it yourself and save about 70-80.. How much are those shocks? ?