Problem with bilstein 5100's
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 9,300
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From: Manassas Va
I don't have these for my F-150 but I did have some for my 2008 Tacoma...but they should be basically the same thing only bigger. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Since they're adjustable with that ring and "cup" to hold the spring it's possible to install that "cup" upside down. If that's the case then you're spring is under more compression than intended and will result in an extremely rough ride like the OP is describing. I'm wondering if that's what the problem might be. I know back when I had my Tacoma the guys who inadvertently installed their 5100's incorrectly had complaints exactly like what the OP is experiencing. Worth looking into anyway...hope this helps.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 715
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From: Fox Lake, IL
The cup I was referring to was the spring perch...I just couldn't remember what it was actually called. I didn't realize that it's removable on our OEM shocks. But there's no way to install it upside down and cause it to compress the spring more than normal? I'll have to go out and check my truck later on to check things out.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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I could barely compress the spring enough to mount it on the shock with the ring in the 3rd level(1.5" lift) so if I had the perch upside down it would never had gotten back together.
It does make sense that they are stiff until broken in I guess. Most people probably just don't notice as much because the average person probably doesn't drive down a road that is literally non stop washboard and ruts the entire way while breaking them in.
I just couldn't believe that they were as bad as they were on that road last night but this morning driving the same road they were noticably better. Not as good as my stock shocks on the rough stuff but if they keep breaking in they should be good. I hope.
On pavement and semi-rough terrain I am really impressed with how they handle. They do really good on the big dips and bumps, its just when you get on the hardcore washboard that they seem the lack. But hopefully they will continue to improve.
Thanks for the input guys!
It does make sense that they are stiff until broken in I guess. Most people probably just don't notice as much because the average person probably doesn't drive down a road that is literally non stop washboard and ruts the entire way while breaking them in.
I just couldn't believe that they were as bad as they were on that road last night but this morning driving the same road they were noticably better. Not as good as my stock shocks on the rough stuff but if they keep breaking in they should be good. I hope.
On pavement and semi-rough terrain I am really impressed with how they handle. They do really good on the big dips and bumps, its just when you get on the hardcore washboard that they seem the lack. But hopefully they will continue to improve.
Thanks for the input guys!