ms6040

Sorry about the late reply. I did. First two photos are after the 1" rear block install, the last two just the front Bilstein leveling shocks.

Looks good! Amazing what an 1" - 2" will do for looks. Any noticeable improvement in ride yet?

Thanks, it was the exact look I was going for as well. I have a 1" rear block coming, but not totally sure if I will put it in or not. I need to do some more measuring. I'll put a jack under the rear hitch and raise it that inch and see what it looks like first. From one angle, the front is noticeably higher than the rear, but other angles it looks good. It rides significantly better with the Bilstein 5100's, the difference was instantly noticeable. I believe I have the 4 ply tires? I went with the cheaper, lower load rating if that helps. I wanted 285/60/20, but that meant spending another $4-500 in just the difference from 275 to 285 and couldn't justify it. I saved the tire cost and put it into the Bilstein's.

Please post a photo once it's done! Are you doing anything with the tires?

Had Bilstein 5100's installed in the front and rear. Front set at 2". Swapped out the stock tires for Ridge Grapplers, 275/60/20. Also had a Flowmaster FlowFX Muffler installed. 1" rear block on the way to level out the rear and give it a touch of rake again.

2021 RST Z71. 265/60/20 Ridge Grapplers. Stock wheels. Bilstein 5100's all the way around. Front set in groove #5, 2" setting.

Here's a couple photos for reference.

I had my oval Flow FX muffler installed yesterday, 3" inlet/outlet, offset inlet/center outlet, ordered from here: https://realtruck.com/p/flowmaster-flowfx-mufflers/v/chevy/silverado-1500/2020/ Initial thoughts on the 5 mile drive home are as follows: It is quite a bit quieter than I expected. It has a stock/slightly higher sound level than stock with a deeper tone. When you get on it, you can tell something is there, but I can't say that someone that didn't know you put the muffler on (ie: wife/neighbor) would notice. I honestly was expecting a little more noise. It's kind of like the gentleman/dad exhaust vs. the 40 series I had on my truck in high school. Pretty much what I was going for. Just my initial thoughts and opinions may vary from others experiences here.

Got my front Bilstein 5100's installed on my 21' RST Z71 5.3L yesterday. I did the front and the rears both. I did the install for the rear's myself but didn't feel comfortable with doing the fronts. First impressions - Quite noticeable difference/improvement in ride quality over the stock Rancho's. I understand the "more planted" feel that other guys are saying now, but I was confused about what that really meant, but the 5 mile trip home I caught on. I was torn between going with the 1.5" or 2" setting. I went with the 2" setting. Measurements from level cement to top of wheel well before were as follows for stock: Front - Driver 38", Pass 37 7/8" Rear - Driver 39 1/8", Pass 39 1/4". Once swapping the rear shocks for the Bilsteins, the front measurements didn't change, but gained a 1/4" on the rear on each side exactly. I'm thinking that may settle out with time. Measurements after adding the front struts to the 2" groove are as follows: Front - Driver 39 5/8", Pass 39 5/8" Rear - Driver 39 1/8" Pass - 39 1/8". I also had stock size (275/60/20) Ridge Grapplers installed to replace the stock tires. I wanted to go 285/60/20, but the cost increase/difference of over $400 from stock size, I decided not to for that small difference. So on my setup, the 2" groove yielded 1 5/8"-1 3/4" on the front, which I am happy with because I was torn between the 1 1/2" and 2" setting, so in the middle is great. From the measurements, the front is now 1/2" higher than the rear and it does appear to be higher from an eye test. I will be adding a 1" block in the rear to hopefully get it back to at least level or a slight rake to the eye test. Just my initial thoughts. I will post photos over the weekend.

Thanks for the clarification. How hard are they to change the setting once installed if I want to go up or down a notch?

My front 5100's are getting installed later this week. I'm looking for about a 1.5" front lift. It sounds like you went with the #4 and that gives almost an inch of lift, correct?

Those look nice. I like the outline of the black. Happen to have a link?

I'm doing the Bilstein front adj. shocks on my 2021 RST z-71 along with Bilstein rear shocks. I'm only looking to raise the front 1.5" and leave the back as is. Any photos of trucks w/a 1" rear block incase I need to go that route incase the front looks too high?

I ended up ordering a set of front & rear Bilstein shocks. They are to be installed next week along with stock size Ridge Grapplers. I'm wondering if I will need a 1" block for the rear or not? I figure I'll see what it ends up at first. Looking forward to it.

It definitely has a shade of blue/maybe purple tint to it depending on the light. I think the post above yours highlights that.

I was unaware that Bilstein has not confirmed that the 5100's will work or not with the 2021's? I was about to order some 5100's for my 2021 RST Z71. Is there are part number or link that will for sure work with the 2021? This is what I was looking at: https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/chevy-gmc/silverado-1500/2019/bilstein-b8-5100-0-2-5-front-lift-shocks-for-2019-2020-chevrolet-silverado-1500-2wd-4wd/

Thanks for the info. I'm steering away from the lower spacer and leaning towards either what you did or the Bilstein B8 5100 shocks as mentioned here. Those are tempting, especially if it will improve the ride.

I'm half tempted at that option now. Did you end up with a solid 1.5" with one of the notches? Which one?

I know this topic has been beat to death, but I'm looking at a 1.5" level kit for my 2021 RST Z71. I think 2" might be too much and I don't want that too much look. I initially was going to get a Moto Fab 1.5" Bottom spacer (link below), but I've read that there are issues with it hitting the CV boot. Is this still true? https://www.americantrucks.com/motofab-silverado1500-150-inch-front-leveling-kit-ch-15lm.html I'm more leaning towards the Pro Comp 1.5" top spacer kit, it appears this gets away from any issues. Although it is more pricey, relatively speaking, but I don't want issues down the road. https://www.americantrucks.com/pro-comp-15-leveling-lift-kit-2019-silverado-1500-chevy.html?utm_content=AT Lift Kits - Leveling Kits and Body Lifts|Pro Comp Suspension&T5_Var4=S111877&utm_campaign=ATS+Silverado+Brand+%26+Vehicle+Low&dialogtech=ppc&utm_source=google-pla&utm_medium=shopping&T5_Var2=shopping&T5_Var3=red&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo-aCBhC-ARIsAAkNQivPqnizARafLFOeK3AD2B3GnUzMPfTx7ZGzZ15kf_pQH2kkbyi2F1AaAoU8EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds What is the best option for a 1.5" Level? Thanks.

Thanks. That's the part number I was looking at, but it was showing a round, oval shape muffler. I now see there is a round or normal option. https://realtruck.com/p/flowmaster-flowfx-mufflers/flm-71249/ "normal" shape https://realtruck.com/p/flowmaster-flowfx-mufflers/flm-71419/ round, same part # as yours Did yours ended up being round, bullet shaped like the amazon photo? I wonder if there is any sound difference between round and "normal"?

Thanks, you did just the Flowmaster Flow FX muffler then? Happen to have a part number or link?

I'm looking into the Flowmaster Flow FX catback system for around $500 and notice that the muffler itself is only like $50. I understand that this may not give the best results, but for $50, it's tempting to go with just the muffler for $50 vs. the $500 kit. What are the cons of just the muffler? Has anyone done just the muffler? I don't necessarily care about increased power or MPG. What I like about the Flow FX system is the lower overall sound, but still that deep throaty sound. Just enough to know something is different, but not obvious and keeps you wondering what it is.

Looks good! Looks like a front leveling kit? What one, 2" or?

Yes, I have noticed the same that it changes in the light. What lift and size tires are those?

Mine came in....time to start looking at modifications ? I think it is growing on me. Needs some tires, rims and a level or 3” kit.