Anyone having doubts about these adjustable shocks read on. I installed them on all four corners of my stock '05 FX4 Screw last weekend. The fronts are set at the highest lift position that resulted in a 2" lift. The front fender flares are at 39 1/2" and the rears at 40". A perfect stance IMO. The truck rides very nice. Much better than the stock setup.

The install was not difficult. Two McPherson Strut compressors and a hydraulic press made it fairly easy to accomplish. To my surprise the lower spring seat did not slide off the original shock due to a cap installed on top of the shock body. A few taps with a hammer and the cap popped off, no problem.

I originally bought the HBS 2 1/2" spacers but due to the failing shocks I decided to go with the Bilsteins. I'll put the spacers on eBay. If anyone is interested in them send me a private message. They are brand new, never installed, collecting dust in my garage.

 

I have the rear 5100s waiting to be installed for my truck (stock fronts). Do they raise the back end any, or will it stay stock height?

 

The rears will not raise it. What they do allow for is room for an already lifted rear, or for one that will be raised by other means. I went with them on the rear to keep consistent with the fronts in aesthetics. I did not want the standard yellow Bilsteins on the rear.

 

I just did mine last weekend. Definitely worth it and I like the ride. Stiffer but it's a truck not a Cadillac. Truck is at the shop now getting aligned. I rented a spring compressor from the parts store and it could not handle those truck springs. Had to go to shop that had a hydraulic press that could compress these narrow springs. Was worth the 70$ to let someone else do it and not take my hand or head off.

 

I agree. It's a risky task rebuilding these struts. The spring compressors were able to go far enough to disassemble the original, but could not compress them further to fit on the new shock in the highest lift position. That is where my hydraulic press came into play.

 

i just put them on all four corners and i love them