Bilstein adjustable for 2014?

jdow207 · April 22, 2014

New member here. I've been lurking for months and finally joined. I'm running a RC 2.5 lift/level with toyo open country at2 @ 275/65/20 (34" 10-ply LT). I just swapped my rear rancho shocks for Bilstein 5100 just like Jon A above. So much better! I had very firm/skidish handling before. Over broken pavement it acted like a 3/4 ton truck with a swaying action as skipped over bumps. The 5100s really helped. Now I can't wait to swap the fronts for the ride height adjustable. Who is going to be the first to try the 07-13 version on the '14?

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wvridgerider · April 23, 2014

I wish someone would

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Stex · April 23, 2014

New member here. I've been lurking for months and finally joined. I'm running a RC 2.5 lift/level with toyo open country at2 @ 275/65/20 (34" 10-ply LT). I just swapped my rear rancho shocks for Bilstein 5100 just like Jon A above. So much better! I had very firm/skidish handling before. Over broken pavement it acted like a 3/4 ton truck with a swaying action as skipped over bumps. The 5100s really helped. Now I can't wait to swap the fronts for the ride height adjustable. Who is going to be the first to try the 07-13 version on the '14?

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Well If I had a '14 I would be the one. Just get 4 wheel to put some on and agree to take off if non-fit. I would risk it for the sake of a good ride.

Spurshot · April 23, 2014

I was going to do it on my 2014 crewcab, but I'm on the fence. Not worried about fit. I'm just not sure I want shocks quite that soft. My 08 crewcab has them. I think the ride is smooth but can be a bit weak on damping some whoop-dee-doos on the freeway at high speed. I think I'll stick with the Rancho factory shocks for now.

jdow207 · April 23, 2014

Well... I just pulled the trigger on the front adjustable Bilstein 5100s. I ordered them online for $85 each. Not sure when I'll be able to install them since I don't have a coil spring compressor. I was able to do the RC level by myself but I won't make that mistake again. A third hand would have been great to have. Should be sometime next week at this point.

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Jon A · April 23, 2014

I was going to do it on my 2014 crewcab, but I'm on the fence. Not worried about fit. I'm just not sure I want shocks quite that soft. My 08 crewcab has them. I think the ride is smooth but can be a bit weak on damping some whoop-dee-doos on the freeway at high speed. I think I'll stick with the Rancho factory shocks for now.

That's interesting. I find the Ranchos lacking in low speed damping (handling/controlling body motions, etc) which my main reason to want to swap. At least in the rear, the Bilstiens are noticeably better in this aspect.

Spurshot · April 24, 2014

Jon,

I recall my 08 factory NHT Z60 suspension had shocks that were very soft and the front would porpoise badly on this one section of freeway to the point it would about top and bottom out at high speed. I couldn't believe GM put out a suspension with that little damping. The 5100s helped immensely for controlling the porpoising. But I think even a little more damping on that truck wouldn't hurt.

I definitely believe this 2014 is more heavily damped than the 5100's in my 08. Having been thru not nearly enough damping, I'm not too eager to change what I think is a firm damping from my Rancho factory shocks. I do believe the 5100 will give a better ride quality, but just not sure I want to reduce damping either.

Stex · April 25, 2014

I would not hesitate to throw the '14 oem ranchos for the 5100 Bils. I do not believe that oem shocks and what gm would pay for such are the sole reason for one liking the '14 ride over the 900 ride. To me the 200-300 dollar cost for the try is nothing compared to the cost of the truck. And yes the 900s need a lot of help in ride control.

All the '14s (4 so far) I drove had ranchos and tires that screamed to me, Bilsteins and Michelins, For control with less harshness. but hay, each can make their call...just my thoughts..

YQatari · April 25, 2014

Just replaced the rear rancho shocks with bilstein 5100, and replaced the ugly blue plastic boots with black rubber boots, it was a PITA to slip them on the shocks, but they looks so much better. Now for the ride, they are much smoother on rough roads!

mcnwil · April 25, 2014

I would not hesitate to throw the '14 oem ranchos for the 5100 Bils. I do not believe that oem shocks and what gm would pay for such are the sole reason for one liking the '14 ride over the 900 ride. To me the 200-300 dollar cost for the try is nothing compared to the cost of the truck. And yes the 900s need a lot of help in ride control.

All the '14s (4 so far) I drove had ranchos and tires that screamed to me, Bilsteins and Michelins, For control with less harshness. but hay, each can make their call...just my thoughts..

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This is exactly my experience with Ranchos. I replaced them on a F150 and a Sierra and could tell the difference in ride and body roll reduction. The ranchos on the F150 were small diameter and were rusting in 6 months. I think they are some cheap shocks with red/white paint and stickers sold to OEM for the name. Both trucks I installed Bilsteins on first and then Michelins, both were a noticeable improvement. As soon as Bilstein has these adjustables out I will be replacing the Ranchos and then some Michelins.

Spurshot · April 25, 2014

I would not hesitate to throw the '14 oem ranchos for the 5100 Bils. I do not believe that oem shocks and what gm would pay for such are the sole reason for one liking the '14 ride over the 900 ride. To me the 200-300 dollar cost for the try is nothing compared to the cost of the truck. And yes the 900s need a lot of help in ride control.All the '14s (4 so far) I drove had ranchos and tires that screamed to me, Bilsteins and Michelins, For control with less harshness. but hay, each can make their call...just my thoughts..

I don't think my 2014 with Rancho shocks rides as nice as my 08 with Bilstein shocks. The 2014 is much stiffer.

Don't get me wrong. Im a long time fan of Bilstein. But I did think a bit more damping would have been better in the 08.

Im actually hoping to see Bilstein come out with a new 5100 adjustable with a bit more damping for the crew cab 2014. Something between the Rancho and the older 5100.

Jon A · April 25, 2014

Yeah, that's not how the change is feeling to me, in the rear anyway. Yes, the Bilsteins feel softer over bumps but stiffler/more controlled handling-wise. In other words better all around.

ChevyTrucks_95 · April 26, 2014

So If I have a 4" suspension lift with all stock shocks and struts. What should I get and also would I be able to get rid of the rear shock extension and the front strut spacer?

Lgetz · May 3, 2014

Alright had the Bilstein leveling shocks installed on front and replaced the rear shocks with 5100's as well earlier today. Replaced stock tires with Toyo AT2 in 295/55/20.

I have not driven it yet but will get a chance tomorrow as well as take some pictures.

Will post my findings as well as the part numbers used.

merdoc · May 3, 2014

New member here. I've been lurking for months and finally joined. I'm running a RC 2.5 lift/level with toyo open country at2 @ 275/65/20 (34" 10-ply LT). I just swapped my rear rancho shocks for Bilstein 5100 just like Jon A above. So much better! I had very firm/skidish handling before. Over broken pavement it acted like a 3/4 ton truck with a swaying action as skipped over bumps. The 5100s really helped. Now I can't wait to swap the fronts for the ride height adjustable. Who is going to be the first to try the 07-13 version on the '14?

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did your 34 inch tires rub?are they on factory rims?,looking to put a ready lift 2.25 on my 14 crew and was also hoping to run a 275/65/20 terra,any info greatlly apreciated