Bilstein 5100 adjustable ride height

big8840 · January 17, 2015

so can i clear a 305/55/20 on stock 20s with the 5100s or should i level with block and run the 5100s? i have an AT so i have the ranchos now

5RWill · January 17, 2015

I don't see it there are people with 295/55/20s and a 2.5" front level that are having to trim a little. I just can't see 1.8" cutting it. Less it's more than advertised and really goes to like 2.25.

big8840 · January 18, 2015

Well that's not too good, I have those tires waiting to mount. Trying to see my best option, originally I was doing the 4" lift but decided to just level for now. I don't want to prematurely wear out anything so seeing what options I have to go with running the stock AT 20" rims with the toyo at2 305/55/20 tire

hokis · January 18, 2015

Anyone have pictures? Tempted to go with the 2013 billsteins or rancharo maybe.

chuckl1218 · January 18, 2015

Had the front installed at stock height and installed the back myself. Ride is very much more controlled and smoother than stock. Going over railroad tracks and speed bumps much better. Since I did not change height, there is only a minor difference in front height. Not sure if pics are meaningful, but here thy are...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

tsdrumm · January 18, 2015

Can someone post the height settings that you can set these at? I googled them but all anything says is 0 and 1.8".

chuckl1218 · January 18, 2015

Can someone post the height settings that you can set these at? I googled them but all anything says is 0 and 1.8".

Here's what my instructions say...

"Stock

0.75" (19mm) Average Lift**

1.26" (32mm) average lift**

1.85" (46mm) average lift**

**Ride heights indicated are typical. Actual ride height is influenced by which factory suspension the vehicle is equipped with and its condition; optional equipment and accessories on your vehicle, and other vehicle modifications such as replacement coil springs, wheel and tire combinations, etc."

Notenoughtoys · January 20, 2015

I got mine installed today. Front raised to maximum height. Only drove it 30 miles but I love them, much better than stock shocks with the 305/50/20" all terrains I'm running. Here's the before and after pics.

5RWill · January 20, 2015

So your able to clear 305/50/20s with the bilsteins at 1.8? Also what was the fender height before and after? Did it only lift it 1.8" or a little more?

Hows the ride on stock height over speed bumps and such?

Notenoughtoys · January 20, 2015

So your able to clear 305/50/20s with the bilsteins at 1.8? Also what was the fender height before and after? Did it only lift it 1.8" or a little more?

Hows the ride on stock height over speed bumps and such?

I was able to clear the tires Without the level. I drove it about 2,000 miles before the level. The 50 series tire is the same diameter as stock so its only wider. I think it lifted it the 1.8 but I haven't measured it yet. I wanted a small rake so this was perfect for me.

I actually bought 1.5 inch spaces first but after reading the performance of the Bilsteins and really not liking the handling of the truck with the 305s over speed bumps, bumps on the highway, potholes and road ridges, I decided to order the shocks. They are definitely much better than stock with the 305 all terrain tires.

Skeeter McSkeet · January 20, 2015

That looks good with the billys, Im sold on a set if they will fit 305/55/20. I'm not dead set on that size, I've just always really liked the looks of it.

-Skeet

5RWill · January 20, 2015

I'm not sure if it will clear 305/55/20s, hell some people are having to trim for 295/55/20s with 2.5" inches of lift.

Skeeter McSkeet · January 20, 2015

I'm not sure if it will clear 305/55/20s, hell some people are having to trim for 295/55/20s with 2.5" inches of lift.

Appreciate that Input Will, I have been trying to read through some of the "what will fit" threads, but it has proven to be time consuming and a damn headache lol! This is my first gm, seems the tires that will fit these after a lift or level are somewhat smaller than some other makers.

-Skeet

Spurshot · January 20, 2015

The "old version" of the 5100 gave about 1.8" just like the new one. I had a set. The specific instruction said the lift was 1.75 or 1.8"... I can't recall which, but it was a big question around this forum back then too. The general advertising for the 5100 shocks stated "up to 2.5" of lift". But it was model specific. I think the Toyota 5100s were 2.5", but the GM 5100 was always 1.8".

So don't waste your money on the old 5100 for your new truck. Take advantage of the new valving specific to these trucks.

On the tires, I put my (actual spec) 32.6" x 12.2" (Cooper 305/60-18 (also marked 33x12.50x18)) tires on stock rims on my truck at least a month before I picked the front end up 1 1/2". They never rubbed.

5RWill · January 20, 2015

It is certainly a headache I've been back and forth and back and forth trying to figure out which I want. Spacer kit, adjustable struts, or just go coilovers. Waited for the new 5100s and low and behold they don't go over 2". Though the old 5100" strut was about a quarter inch longer than the factory so if your adding that it's about 2.05" of lift on the highest setting. Pretty sure I'll need 2.25-2.5 to clear the tires I want.

I also read that the 5100s ride rough on the highest setting. After the link I posted above I've given serious thought to getting the older 5100s and lifting 2.5" because it's obvious they do fit. The dampening rate might not be the same but they're still likely to be better than stock struts regular or z71.

The real way to do it would be to go get coilovers. But half of us don't need that performance nor want to drop 2000$ on coilovers.

The struts despite what Bilstein claims are still preloading the spring on the factory strut. Which you could theoretically do with a spacer that sits on the spring seat. It's how my buddies dodge is leveled.

Ultimately it's like picking your poison. Limit spring compression travel with spring spacers/adjustable struts or limit travel with strut spacers.

Though most claim that the ride is fine with rough country and I've gotten impatient. So I'm about to order the 2.5" kit and do a front level only. If I don't like it I'll sell and go old Bilsteins and say F it. I wish Bilstein would freaking elaborate on why they chose only 1.8" of lift.