Trying To Figure Out If Bilstein 5100 Are The Route To Go!

atxman · February 5, 2010

I need a little lift in the front, and from reading the forums ppl who have the bilstein 5100 seem to be pleased.

I also want to install bigger tires maybe 285's on my stock 18' rim.

Is this the best route to go?

Whats the difference between my stock shocks and the blistein 5100 in - ride comfort/performance/reliability

I tried looking at the bilstein 5100 parts but not sure which shocks i need (HD or not etc)?

My truck is 09 silverado crew cab ltz z71 2WD 5.3L

Thanks in advance.

Jennabear · February 5, 2010

Just the regular Bil 5100 will do fine for you, I have them on my Tahoe and I am really happy with them.

chev1guy · February 5, 2010

Just the regular Bil 5100 will do fine for you, I have them on my Tahoe and I am really happy with them.

How much did it cost you to get yours installed? I went to the dealer and they quoted me about $300.

Jennabear · February 5, 2010

Installed them myself, so, free . Not difficult to do at all.

atxman · February 5, 2010

if i decide to go with the bilstein's in the front would i need to get some for the rear??

Z'06 · February 5, 2010

if i decide to go with the bilstein's in the front would i need to get some for the rear??

No, but they would be an upgrade there, too.

GaryK · February 5, 2010

Be advised that just putting on new shocks will not in any way give you "Lift" to clear a larger tire.

atxman · February 5, 2010

Be advised that just putting on new shocks will not in any way give you "Lift" to clear a larger tire.

ive seen a few members who have actually had a lift from installing bilstein shocks,...

Delmarva · February 5, 2010

Be advised that just putting on new shocks will not in any way give you "Lift" to clear a larger tire.

ive seen a few members who have actually had a lift from installing bilstein shocks,...

Bilstein 5100s preload the stock coils at specified locations, so yes - they actually do lift the truck...

GaryK · February 6, 2010

Be advised that just putting on new shocks will not in any way give you "Lift" to clear a larger tire.

ive seen a few members who have actually had a lift from installing bilstein shocks,...

Bilstein 5100s preload the stock coils at specified locations, so yes - they actually do lift the truck...

Are they coilovers or just shocks and springs? Sorry I may have missed where that was stated. If they are coil overs then yes you can gain some height but if its just a coil spring w/ a shock then you can not gain height unless you add a spacer.

Matt_ · February 6, 2010

Be advised that just putting on new shocks will not in any way give you "Lift" to clear a larger tire.

ive seen a few members who have actually had a lift from installing bilstein shocks,...

Bilstein 5100s preload the stock coils at specified locations, so yes - they actually do lift the truck...

Are they coilovers or just shocks and springs? Sorry I may have missed where that was stated. If they are coil overs then yes you can gain some height but if its just a coil spring w/ a shock then you can not gain height unless you add a spacer.

Neither. They're coil bodies with a relocatable spring seat. You move the spring seat up, it preloads the spring, and results in the front of the truck staying "higher" in the air. These should not be confused with coilovers... same concept for how the right height is achieved but different "mechanism".

Now, in the general sense of the term... NO a SHOCK will not lift the front of a truck up. You can get Bilstein 5100 replacement shocks for vehicles, these "shocks" will not provide lift.

I think its just that people aren't being specific enough when they talk about which 5100's they're getting. If you get the adjustable 5100 coil bodies for GMT900 truck, then yes you can raise the front of the truck. If you just get 5100 replacement shocks for a GMT800, then no, there's no possible way that will raise the front of the truck.

atxman · February 8, 2010

I think its just that people aren't being specific enough when they talk about which 5100's they're getting. If you get the adjustable 5100 coil bodies for GMT900 truck, then yes you can raise the front of the truck.

These are the shocks that im looking to get....

im a little confuse can someone tell me whats the part number of the blistein shocks 5100 that will fit my truck, i dont see the option for 09 silverado z71 2wd, i only see for 4wd - does that matter?

thanks