Leveling: Bilstein or Complete Coilover System

louann11chevy · May 9, 2012

I'm looking to level out my '11 4x4 silverado and debating between the Bilstein 5100 ride height adjustable or a complete coilover kit. The 5100 is just a shock with the stock spring just preloaded with a max lift of 1.75". Fox offers a complete coilover kit (spring, shock, reservoir) but at 3" of lift. I do believe that there are other companies that do offer complete coilover systems, just don't know who. I know the 5100 are no more then $300, but some coilover kits are easily over $1,000....lol, but is there any significant benefit between the 5100 and a complete coilover kit? I'm just having a hard time compressing the stock spring and not causing any wear/damage vs a whole new system.

C-Dub · May 9, 2012

With the Bilstein 5100's the spring rate stays the same, you just move the spring up on the shock body via clips in the body. Ride should stay the same and you can still get the truck pretty level without putting too much stress on the other front suspension components. If you run the replacement coilovers at the 3" level you actually have more of a chance wearing suspension components out because your CV, balljoint, and tie rod angles will all just about be maxed out. Spend the extra money if you like, but if you're looking to level the truck and keep decent angles I would go with the Bilstein's. Icon Vehicle Dynamics (what I run) and King also make the complete coilover leveling kits, but are all priced competitively with Fox for the same product.

louann11chevy · May 9, 2012

ps. love your white truck, bad ass. Yeah I was def. leaning towards the 5100 but just wanted to know all my options. I was also planning on doing an Add a Leaf to gain the factory rake back (i like the rake look & haul alot and dont like the sag), but with raising the rear like an 1" or 2". With the truck being at almost same factory rake with AAL/5100 but sits a little higher, does that correct the angles and not cause the premature wear on my suspension components?

C-Dub · May 9, 2012

The 5100's on the highest setting will not be that bad on your angles up front to cause noticeably faster wear on your stock parts. As far as raising the rear of the truck to get the rake back, you may also check into doing the GMT800 block which is 2" vs the 1.25" block of the stock GMT900 block. It will net you .75" of lift and most definitely ride better than the AAL will.

louann11chevy · May 9, 2012

hmm i definetly look into the 2" block. in a different post about control arms regarding cognito. they offer the 5100 adjustables with cognito control arms. are the control arms worth it? if so should i stay with cognito or a different brand?

C-Dub · May 9, 2012

IMO with just the Bilsteins I don't see why you would need to add control arms. If you run into the truck bottoming out on the droop stops when the wheels drop then yes you may need them. But for the most part with just 1.77" of level up front it's not an issue.

louann11chevy · May 9, 2012

hmm interesting....thanks for all your input!

BlackZ71Silverado · May 9, 2012

Pretty sure Rancho offers a complete coil over kit that it also adjustable.

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louann11chevy · May 14, 2012

Pretty sure Rancho offers a complete coil over kit that it also adjustable.

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i did see that, but how is rancho? do alot of people recommend their brand?

BlackZ71Silverado · May 14, 2012

Pretty sure Rancho offers a complete coil over kit that it also adjustable.

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i did see that, but how is rancho? do alot of people recommend their brand?

There are a few people here running that kit.....Do a search for it, it will turn up. There was a good write up and install how to with it also.

Brian66D · May 25, 2012

Pretty sure Rancho offers a complete coil over kit that it also adjustable.

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i did see that, but how is rancho? do alot of people recommend their brand?

as far as "brand" I have rancho on my truck from the factory....they are quality from what I can tell...not a whole lot of difference from my 2011 silvy with bilstiens (standard z71 suspension w/ leveling kit)