Venenobeast

Hello all,

I have a '12 screw with 115,000kms. Brought it to the dealership for the yearly inspection and was told my shocks are fine, but I'm noticing the ride is choppier at highway speeds and appears to roll a lot more at slower speeds - stop signs, lights, turns, etc. I'm thinking the dealership is only looking for shock leaks, hence why they told me "it's fine" but I like to take care of my things before complete failure, particularly with such a key component of the vehicle.

Now, I see the Bilstein 5100 topic has been beaten to death, but I cannot seem to find a thread, review or video of anyone using them in a stock setting and providing feedback. Almost everyone who installs the rear shock is more than pleased (stock setting) but a majority of people adjust the seat tabs on the fronts. I've read plenty of comments on the 5100's being firmer, but in a good way - I'm thinking this is mainly because the spring is essentially preloaded relative to the "lift".

Is there anyone out there who bought the 5100's for all four corners and simply installed them? If so, what's your feedback? Maybe it's a dumb question, but I am curious.

I'm all about the leveled, lifted, big wheel trucks, but the truth is, mine is a daily driver used to haul me around to construction sites during the week and a family hauler on the weekends to keep the kms down on wifey's SUV. As much as I try to mansplain to myself that if I had 33's, 35's or 40's I'd do more offroading, I just don't have the time for it. I'm looking for practicality and functionality right now, toys will come later.

Let me know,
Cheers.

Venenobeast

leckbandg

I placed Bilstein 5100 on my 2015 fx4 Screw front and back and it's my opinion that I made a great decision. I did not raise the truck and overall she handles much better that stock did . I carry a 1000 lbs daily some days more but never less in the bed . I may have over did the set up I run . It consists of Bilstein shocks (5100) , Roadmaster Active Suspension and SumoSprings (ssr-117-47) the truck rides great with no squat on the days I haul tools and materials

nineball

i installed the 5100s on my '13 XLT 4x4 , lowest (most comfortable) setting on the front which is equal to stock. i am happy with the results. i also installed the hellwig rear sway bar at the same time and that was a major improvement as well. the back end doesn't bounce all over the place anymore. if you are doing the shocks i highly suggest the rear sway at the same time.

tcp2

I had them on my 2009 for a number of years at the stock setting. I wasn't interested in leveling. They ride firmly but with better control than the OEM shocks. Front or back. On my 2016 I don't have front 5100s installed yet, and it's amusing to watch the front end bounce up and down just rolling off a curb. You won't be disappointed with 5100s in the stock height setting.

Venenobeast

Venenobeast

That's a great idea - appreciate it. Say, why only the rear though? Did you find it was enough?

nineball

because our trucks come with a front sway but not a rear. the hellwig front bar is only 1/8" thicker than the stock, so while it would have some added strength i personally didn't feel it was necessary for the driving i do. my truck is a dd and a tow rig for the track cars, so i'm not trying to squeeze every ounce of performance around corners in a F150

B Brown

Venenobeast

Fair enough! Thanks for the insight.