KGSloan

the billsteins do nothing to reduce strain that is added by leveling these trucks vs using a spacer. all that will be the exact same between the two solutions. the angles are no longer factory, and that's the idea, because you are looking to add lift.

it's really just up to whether you want new struts on the front. I went with a spacer, because my factory struts only had 5,000 miles on them. When they go, I will likely replace with the quick lift from rancho or go with a full lift kit.

Augster

^^^
Truth.

Thinking the 5100's will reduce or eliminate any strain is absolute B.S., but apparently Bilstein's marketing did their job and convinced many of this falsehood.

But I do love Bilstein shocks. Have HBS and am perfectly happy with them and no issues nor clunks off road. If my OEM shocks go out, then I will look at 5100's.

PawPaw

No problem's with my 2 inch autospring. When I change shock's I may go with the Bilstein's if I can find them in stock somewhere!

fordfan77

I run the Rancho loaded quick lift, it comes with assembled springs and adjustable struts, I also got matching adjustable shocks in the rear, then added their Myride shock controller and can adjust the dampening characteristics of the shocks/struts from the driver's seat.

I can't say enough about this set up. The ride is great and I can really tell the difference when changing shock settings. Sure this cost more than spacers, but in my opinion it's worth it. If I did not run these, Bilstein 5100's would be my second choice.

Dozerfan

I've got a set of Icon coilovers + rear shocks on order; can't wait to get them bolted up. I'm running 275/65 BFGs on the stock 20" FX4 wheel, so I should be fine on the UCA. I plan on running the coilovers @ 1.5" lift so I don't lose any travel + keep good angles. I might run deaver mini pack in the back later on.

My next choice was 5100's but I was concerned about the stiff ride. Coming from an F250, I love the plush 150 ride and didn't want to lose it. The Icons should dampen like the Raptor.

KingRanch4Life

iTrader: (2)

I've ran AutoSpring 2.5" on two vehicles... No issues..

alleydock06

I've beaten this idea into the ground. Finally went with the AutoSpring 2.5" steel spacers. My 2010 XL reg cab shortbed 4x4 had so much factory rake in it, that the 2.5" leveled it perfectly. Also added 285/75/18" Toyo Open Country A/T's. I have'nt had any problems whatsoever. Truck has 37k on it. All of the angles looked fine when I installed the spacers and look the same today. When I do it again, it will be Icon, Camburg, Deaver, Fox ???? Something that will be close to the Raptor as far as longer wheel travel. But with that comes the $$$$ price tag. I spent $80.00 for the spacers, $80.00 for a 4 wheel alignment, only the toe was slightly out of spec. $1200.00 for the rubber.. But who knows, I may just go with a 4" lift next time, but won't worry about it until something fails. So many shops install spacer kits and so many people have them on their trucks, but only a few have bad experiences with them. Spacers are'nt even visible when installed. The AutoSpring Spacer kit I have is heavy duty steel with welded gussets, powdercoated, with an offset to fit the vehicle. They will never fail. The truck will fall apart before these spacers will. Do your research, go with what you want and can afford and be happy !!

matt99

Other than the fact that you are getting Bilstein shocks, there ARE benefits to using the 5100s. What kind of experience/facts do you have to prove that there is no difference?

I had both on my last truck. After a grand in repairs, I learned a lesson and have only done 5100s on this truck. There are quite a few benefits of a tuned lift strut over spacers, mainly based around up/down travel. The 5100s and Quick-Lift limit down travel and allow for full up travel, and I'm sure you know what too much down travel will do to a ball joint or tie rod end.

I also had a change in CV angle going from 2" spacer to a 2.25" 5100. Once again, significant over-travel puts a cv in a pretty good bind.

I have no stock in Bilstein and do understand that sometimes the cheaper alternative is just as good in some circumstances. But if you are going to pay $50 for an alignment and $150-$200 for install, I just want people to know that for an extra $120 you can have a little more reassurance with the 5100/quicklift

tjarr001

Will the link to the 5100's for $110 work on a 2011? It just said 09-10 on the web site. Do you have to do an alignment after installing the shocks?