Bilstein ahock question
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Gretna, la
Bilstein ahock question
06 f150 4x4 with 2.5" leveling lift kit and I want new shocks. I hear the bilstein 5100s are the way to go. Any suggestions ? Should I just get the whole set up for the front (coil over struts) and shocks for the rear ? Or keep original coils in front and just get the shocks ? My truck rides fine just think new shocks would look and feel better. Thanks for any input
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Edmonton, AB
I'm sure others will chime in too but what I did was I'm running Bilstien 5100's all around... used the original coil (FX4), but I kept my 2.5" HBS levelling kit. The Bilstien is adjustable for 2" of lift but I set it to 0". The reason I did this is I didn't want to stiffen the coil and affect my ride. I suppose it's debateable how much of a difference it'd actually make but I'm quite happy with it.
Overall, I'm pretty happy with them. Just remember the part that sucks is changing the coil if you do use your original ones. I have a 2005 FX4 just for reference.
Overall, I'm pretty happy with them. Just remember the part that sucks is changing the coil if you do use your original ones. I have a 2005 FX4 just for reference.
Last edited by homer; Jan 20, 2014 at 12:40 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2013
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From: Pacific Northwest
I have the 5100's all around. I love them and most people would recommend when you replace shocks that you do all 4 at the same time (especially when buying a shock that performs different than your others). Unless you have over 200k miles on your truck you can use your stock coil springs you have already. You can pay a shop to compress your coils and install your new shocks. Make sure you make it clear what setting to install the clip (comes from Bilstein at 0"). Some shops charge as little as $25 per shock install. Call around for quotes.
When setting the clip for 2" of lift it DOES NOT compress the spring to achieve this height. It moves the shock perch position up and the shock is naturally longer to accomodate 0"-2" of lift. Mine are set at 2" (reusing the stock coils) and my ride is great. It's little more firm over stock because that's just how the 5100's are which is what I like.
I have a pic of my truck after the install if you want them.
When setting the clip for 2" of lift it DOES NOT compress the spring to achieve this height. It moves the shock perch position up and the shock is naturally longer to accomodate 0"-2" of lift. Mine are set at 2" (reusing the stock coils) and my ride is great. It's little more firm over stock because that's just how the 5100's are which is what I like.
I have a pic of my truck after the install if you want them.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 232
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From: Pacific Northwest
