I have searched the forums for different opinions on struts. I know the Bilstein 5100 are the favorite, especially if I want to level the front some. But if I am looking for the most comfortable, smoothest ride with, no level, stock tires for my daily driver that rarely tows anything are Motorcraft OEM the best or does anyone have any experience with KYB or other brands?

2013 Screw Platinum EB

 

Do the Bilsteins but don't adjust the struts. That will keep the stock rake and your ride will be better.

 

I, too, have read a lot on the Bilstein 5100's and want to get them to mainly to level out my front end. But everyone mentions how the ride is firmer than OEM, which seems like the opposite of what I'd want (and what you mention): comfort. I'd be more interested in softer handling shocks/struts for a higher comfort level than the firmer ride of the Bilsteins. But then I wouldn't get the all-in-one level out of it. I keep going back and forth.

 

Exactly, If I decide to level it I will go with the Bilsteins. But I am specifically asking for what gives the best ride comfort wise if I stay stock height. I don't want to go with the Bilsteins and stay stock height with a firm ride.

 

Best Ride Comfort, that is something you'll have to expand upon. I think most on here will say the 5100's give the best ride. But maybe you're looking for that cadillac ride, not quite the same......What is it you want?

 

It all depends on what conditions you are driving on. What most people forget is that shocks respond to velocity and springs respond to position. Therefore, a shock exerts more force the faster you hit a bump, and a spring exerts more force that larger bump you hit. Therefore, you need to look at both suspension velocity and amplitude when tuning your suspension. Luckily, when working with my customers, most are looking for better on-road manners, which it seems that you are as well. Potholes and road separation are the number one complaint I usually receive. Sudden jolts at high speed tend to require a progressive shock to lessen the initial blow. A progressive shock is firm at high suspension velocities at first, then tapers off to let the coil spring absorb the energy at lower suspension speeds. This spreads out the force of sudden road jolts over a longer time, and allows the rebound of the shock (which constitutes 60-80% of the damping force) to dissipate the energy of the transient. However, this requires a softer spring which will provide less force at greater suspension travel. Therefore, I usually recommend a progressive shock with coupled with a slightly softer spring (50-75 lb/in less than OEM). This setup is usually well received by customers looking for better on-road manners.

The 5100s are a great shock, but be aware that they are digressive, which is more complacent with off-road conditions where suspension transients are usually at a much lower speed, and therefore need stiffer valving at low velocities to dissipate energy quickly. On-road, I've noticed the 5100s tend to "numb" the suspension, meaning it doesn't react to road conditions quickly. Potholes tend to feel much more harsh at first, and the softer rebound tends to oscillate, making the suspension feel "jumpy" on OEM springs. I've found that a softer spring tends to help on-road manners and even improve handling on washboard roads, but it makes the suspension much more articulate and whooping back roads feel like a leaning ship at sea.

 

Bilstein HD/4600 are what you want for no level/no lift/stock wheels.

 

The 5100's get my vote. They are firmer than factory but not in a bad way. If you ask me the factory shocks feel to spongy. My parents borrowed my truck a while back and loved the way it rode.They said it felt like riding in a car.

 

Even though they're most ideal for off road, some people swear coilover setups make a big difference on pavement and daily driving also. Which you should hope for given their cost.

 

Stage 3 says the halo lifts ride smoother on road than stock and better off road and that was when they had them leveling their truck. If you drop them down they should ride even better...but as was mentioned they are $900 (although halo lifts is doing their 10% off spring sale right now).

But the lowest you would be able to go with them is about .5" (or there about) higher than stock which you can request them to come that way if you order directly from halo lifts.