Last question fellas before I spend $300.00 on some front end Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks. Because I am looking to lift the front 2-2.5" to make it level with the tail, I am choosing these. Everywhere I looked to find a decent rate I see the same clause.



"The 5100 Series shock absorbers are designed for specific manufactured lift kits utilizing the stock O.E.M. mounting configuration."

If I do not have a lift kit on my truck other than what rolled off the factory line do I need something else? My original assumption was that I would just replace my factory shocks with these and it would make my suspension more rigid and also lift the front to be level with the back.

Am I wrong?

 

I do not have them but according to this from shockwarehouse.com..
Bilstein Preload Leveling unit. This part allows 0 to 2-inches of suspension lift. This is done by relocating the spring perch on the unit. You can also use it on 6-inch lifts where the lift-kit manufacturer provides a spacer for the stock units, and where the lift kit product uses the stock strut unit.

And that is not an actual picture of what the front shocks will look like.

 

That line is just lifted from Bilstein's site, and it doesn't account for the preload adjustable (or ride height adjustable, whatever you want to call it) 5100's. Their own website is just rather pathetic when it comes to application information. You have to dig around to find the page that does list the 5100's you're looking for: http://www.bilstein.com/offroad_5100pre.php.

Get some with those part numbers, and you'll be able to set the lower spring perch at the stock, 1", or 2" higher level.

 

Thanks VFR. I did earlier last night. The part number I need (I 99% sure) is BE5-C300-HO. And Black Lariat is right. The HO on the end indicates that they will be the yellow and Blue models. The H5 indicates the silver ones, not the correct picture I place earlier.

Is it as simple as just adjusting the shock to be at 2" and putting them on to gain the leveling I am looking for or do I need to do more? It seems that you implied that I will need to adjust the lower spring perch to either level. I didn't know I had that option. Factory must come off the line at 1".

 

For my use I had rather install AS 2" leveling kit for $89.00 and then if you want new shocks put Bilsteins on. I don't see how lifting with shocks will hold up because they use the springs to lift with. my 2 cents.

 

The factory position is referred to as 0 (zero).

There are 3 grooves in which the clip that supports the lower spring perch can be placed, 0", 1", and 2". So, you would put the clip in the 2" position and reassemble the coil over. If you wanted less, you'd have to tear the coil over down again to move the clip on the shock body.

You're not lifting with the shock, you're merely changing where the lower spring perch is in relation to the bottom mount of the shock.

Does that make more sense?

 

I have had the Bilstien kit on my truck for a full year now and have had 0 problems. I do mostly on road driving and some offroad. I Love them and think that they were worth the investment. They are garunteed for the life that you own the truck and they were easy to install. If you are going to install an AS 2" leveling kit and buy new shocks why not kill 2 birds with 1 stone and just get the Bilstiens...thats just my .02 The truck rides better and handles better with the Bilstiens. I have pics in my gallery.

Sarge

 

Sarge, I don't see the pics in your gallery,am I missing something?

 

That would make sense to me VFR. If I only want to raise the frontend 1", I would simply adjust the Bilstein to a 1" setting and change the spring perch to 1" as well. Does this sound consistent? Any reccomendations on changing the spring perch or is it simplistic and obvious.

 

Does this height have to be set when you first install them or can it be changed while on the truck..?My guess is you have to take the spring pressure off to move the clip.

 

Mudburg, the clip location chosen during assembly is the only choice to be made. The clip sets where the spring perch will be on the shock body. I think it will make total sense to you once you see all the parts in front of you.

And, yes, the coil over assembly would have to be torn back down to change the clip location. Unless you have the spring compressor, most folks suggest you have someone else do that part.

 

They are in his Edge pod album in the gallery. I had to look around to find them.

 

Get the Bistein 5100's, you'll love them. I got them on my 04 SuperCrew. They are a bit more firm but still deliver a fairly smooth OEM type ride.

 

Yes I am sorry about that. I am not very good with the gallery portion of this site so I did what I could...Sorry. Make the investment you wont be sorry.

Sarge

 

Yes you would have to set the ride height before you install it and you would have to tear it down to set the height to a different setting. Also remember if you change the height you should have the alignment rechcked as well.

Sarge