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Question re: Bilstein 5100 Levelling Shocks

revitupfaster

By revitupfaster
in Modifications & Accessories

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Trwtow Enthusiast

Trwtow

Posted
Posted

 

Trwtow.......Don, that Black High Country of yours is really an eye catching truck. It appears to sit just about right in the pics with the trailer attached, or if anything even a little higher in the front. I can see why you don't want to go more that an inch up on the front.
What does you truck measure without the trailer? Mine right now is 36.25" front, and 39.5" rear. Seems like a substantial difference to me, but it is what it is I guess, thats why I don't think the Bilsteins on their own will give me enough, and for that matter, I really didn't want to have to use them at the highest setting. I hear the higher the setting, the more it affects the ride.
REV

 

mine was 36.5 front just put spacer kit in now im 37.5 for 25 bucks and 20 minute of my time well worth it to me

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mtbsam Enthusiast

mtbsam

Posted
Posted

The ride will get worse the higher you go, but it doesn't matter if you get the lift via spacer or with the shock. It mostly has to do with the angles of the control arms.

 

I hope this makes sense, but if you think about it:

1. If the control arm is completely horizontal, nearly all vertical force from the wheel hitting a bump will transfer into the shock/spring.

2. If the control arm is completely vertical, all vertical force is transferred into the bushings on the control arm. (scenario doesn't exist, but the theory holds true)

3. The steeper your control arm angles are, the more you will feel it through the chassis.

Pop-I Enthusiast

Pop-I

Posted
Posted

I'm not the one with the Black High country. I have a reg cab with the bad rake

revitupfaster Enthusiast

revitupfaster

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Well the Readylift 2.25" kit has been installed. I'm very happy with the look, and to me, the ride is pretty much the same as it was. The kit did exactly as it said.......that being raising the front end of my truck 2.25". Brough the front up to 38.5" so now the truck has a 1" rake, which to me looks level enough.

 

Here's a before and after shot...........the sun was in a bad spot, so the "After" shot is a little glarey, but it gives you the idea.

mtbsam Enthusiast

mtbsam

Posted
Posted

Looks much better rev, I just wish the lighting showed your fender openings just a little better. I can tell it's much closer to level and much more like what I'm hoping to have.

I know it's only been installed for a short time, but do you think you'll notice any "top out" in the front end?

revitupfaster Enthusiast

revitupfaster

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I know it's only been installed for a short time, but do you think you'll notice any "top out" in the front end?

 

What do yo mean by "top out"?

 

I'll say one thing that when you first climb into the cab after the levelling has been done, it sure feels like a different driving position. The hood seems more pronounced, and appears more squared off to the driver. This only lasts a day or so, and you get used to it pretty quick. Another poster mentioned that he felt that the truck cornered a little better, without as much body roll. I get the same impression myself. Seems to corner a little "flatter", which is a good thing IMO.

Pop-I Enthusiast

Pop-I

Posted
Posted

I was thinking of raising the front to level it out but what happens when you load up the bed. It will look bad with the back down...so now you get Air Lift...it never ends

Stex Senior Enthusiast

Stex

Posted
Posted

The ride will get worse the higher you go, but it doesn't matter if you get the lift via spacer or with the shock. It mostly has to do with the angles of the control arms.

 

I hope this makes sense, but if you think about it:

1. If the control arm is completely horizontal, nearly all vertical force from the wheel hitting a bump will transfer into the shock/spring.

2. If the control arm is completely vertical, all vertical force is transferred into the bushings on the control arm. (scenario doesn't exist, but the theory holds true)

3. The steeper your control arm angles are, the more you will feel it through the chassis.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/user_upload/user_upload_us/pdfs/Bil_LevShks_WebArticle.pdf

  • 1 month later...
sugarjohnson Enthusiast

sugarjohnson

Posted
Posted

I talked with Bilstein today they have pushed the front adjustable shocks back to around January

Bilstein 24-238304 Fronts are out.

  • 11 months later...
hurlz07tahoe Enthusiast

hurlz07tahoe

Posted
Posted

mine was 36.5 front just put spacer kit in now im 37.5 for 25 bucks and 20 minute of my time well worth it to me

Ive got the same truck as you. With the spacer kit on up front how does your rear end sit when loaded up/trailering?

  • 3 years later...
2011whtsilverado New Member

2011whtsilverado

Posted
Posted

Sup guys,

 

I am having issues installing my 5100s on my 2011 4x4 Silverado and decided to scour the threads. Basically I got the shock on the highest setting and can't install it because it's too long. Anyone else have this issue?

Mozzer Enthusiast

Mozzer

Posted
Posted

Not enough droop in the suspension, if you have the sway bar disconnected already the next thing is to get a bottle jack with a piece of wood or some other leveraging device push the bottom of the shock up slightly as you get into place.

Sent using Tapatalk - 2014 5.3 WT

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