04 Lariat 5.4 4x4 -> Front struts/coils
 

Hi again,
I have an 04 Lariat 5.4 4x4 with 100k miles. I just replaced the rear shocks with these: (Bilstein 5100 Series Gas Charged Rear Shock Absorber 33186009) and I really like them. I have no lift, but these still do great. I am wanting to change out my front suspension. Is it best to change out the strut and the coil assembly? Does anyone recommend a good strut to go along with the Bilsteins I have in the rear?

I am mostly road, but do some towing and some 4x4 once in a while on a deer lease.

Bilstein makes 5100's for the front too..

Bilstein 5100's for the front. Autoplicity can hook you up. They are a forum sponsor. "

Bilstein blowout thread

OK, that is just the strut. Do I need to change out the coil as well?

with 100K miles on your coil springs... yes you can or leave them be in they are good. Up to you. One thing to consider is a Coil over.. then you have no need to install the new strut into the coil spring. coil over is all in one. new spring and strut already to go in. Lots of brands to pick from. I just installed Rancho Quicklift coil overs om mine.. love them. I was @98K miles and my OEM coil springs looked new still.

is this the one you got?

Appreciate all your feedback. One more question if I can.
Looking at that the Rancho, it says it will raise the front height of my truck 2 inches. When I installed the Bilsteins in the rear, it did not affect the height in the back. So I am wondering these Ranchos would raise the front and would look goofy and ride funny. Looking at RockAuto they have original ride quality from Moog and Kyb. Wondering if I would be better off with those.
MOOG ST8568
KYB SR4077
Thoughts?

The Rancho's will give you 2" of leveling up front. Bilsteins can go from 1" to 2.1" of leveling. Tons of members level their trucks.

You could go with a Moog, KYB, or others, but you are only getting OEM ride quality. Bilstein and Rancho will be better than OEM ride quality.

All depends on what you want. All of the listed options are good options.

here is a link to my build thread. It shows my truck pre and post level. Redheaded stepchild build

So it ends up my back is about 2 inches higher than the front! I guess I never really noticed. So if I got the Ranchos it would be level.
So what do you get with it being level? Just better look? Better ride? Better performance?
My local mechanic said he would charge me $140 to install these if I brought the parts. Seems cheap enough. I am pretty handy, as I have done the rear and other things, but this seems pretty complicated.