When I installed my AS leveling kit I noticed the strut on the right side of my truck had oil all over the shaft. Today while traveling down the interstate my daughter called me (we were traveling together in separate cars) and said that my passenger side front wheel was wobbling all over and that the other side wasn't doing it. Nothing is loose, so i'm guessing it's time to replace that leaky strut. Looking for opinions on replacing only the right side strut. Should I replace the whole thing, just the cartridge, both side, etc etc. Not looking go with a leveling strut like a fox or icon either, found monroe, bilstien, and kyb on the oreilly website.

 

Check RockAuto.com also, should be better pricing than Oreilly's.

http://www.rockauto.com/

 

Better to replace stuff like this in pairs.

 

Yes, always in pairs!

Bilstein 5100s

 

if you have the money might be a good time to replace with coilovers - just ordered some boss ones from f150lifts myself

definitely pricier, but i'm also wanting a better ride than a stock replacement of oem grade

 

Ok, back looking for info on struts. I'm about to do some maintenance on my truck for some upcoming trips this summer and struts are part of that. Looking at replacing my stock struts with some Bilstein 5100's and just using my stock springs. What do ya'll think?

 

here's my thoughts on 5100s

Bent mount:

 

Do you find your truck rides better than stock?

 

No, it rode harsher but firmer than stock. If that makes sense. I had them set on the top setting for lift however. The rear 5100s were better than stock, but not amazing.

I switched to Rancho QuickLifts and 9000XL adjustable rears and those rode much better and they're way beefier than the 5100s.

Since then I've switched to Raptor take offs in the rear and soon to be Icon 2.5's in the front.
The Raptor Fox 2.5 take offs kill both of the other rears mentioned. Hands down get my vote. Used ones can be found for $3-500.
Got lucky and found mine for $350.

 

Eh, there were a few failures and people were usually driving Baja style which is not what they are intended for.

I've run 5100's for three years on top setting with mild off-road and have had zero issues. As mentioned, the ride is firmer but in a good way. You no longer have that 1970 Cadillac with blown suspension feel.

For me, the rears were night and day. Stock the rear end would stutter and skip all over when going over expansion joints or breaking bumps. Most likely to softly dampened. After the 5100's the rear was in control and felt great, then added the fronts and the whole package is great.

Can't speak to the Rancho stuff but you'll see way more guys on here running Bilsteins over the quick lifts.