Bilstein 5100 adjustable ride height

mtbsam · January 22, 2015

These billstiein shocks look interesting. I was planning on a1.5" spacer but these may be better. I assume that a new alignment is needed after adding them? How easily adjustable are they? If I tried them at 1.8 but wanted 1.2 is that a big deal to change? I want to raise the front end but still want a slight rake. Completely level always looks front high to me. Thanks.

They are adjustable via groves in the outside of the shock body and you have to have the spring compressed to move where the spring pocket sits. It's not as easy as turning a dial, but I would think it could be while installed if you have a spring compressor tool to use. I haven't installed them yet but I will be, so someone who has actually installed them may want to chime in as to how difficult it would be.

As far as alignment, YES, it will need to be done. It's all over in these threads, but any suspension work should be followed by an alignment, and especially so on a IFS/multi-link style design.

Ezekiel2517 · January 22, 2015

thanks. Can anyone tell me what is the exact part number I need for the adjustable front shocks? Apparently there is a new style and and old style and I think I need the new style. All the websites say this part is not available fro my vehicle. I assume that we are actually using a pre-2014 model shock? Thank you!

never_rested_24-7 · January 22, 2015

Part numbers:

Front 24-238304

Rear 33-238319

junkyardz · January 23, 2015

I've got the rears....still can't decide if I'm going to do the fronts...I didn't notice a huge difference from just the rear swap out with the stock ranchos. Do the fronts make a more substantial impact or no?

sugarjohnson · January 24, 2015

I've got the rears....still can't decide if I'm going to do the fronts...I didn't notice a huge difference from just the rear swap out with the stock ranchos. Do the fronts make a more substantial impact or no?

They definitely did on my 2011. I have the rear on my 14 also and just ordered the fronts today. By the way if anyone is interested I came across a smoking deal on the fronts today. Streetside Auto has them in stock for $89.00 a piece with free shipping. I ordered them this morning and they shipped same day.

I have never used this company so cant vouch for them but spoke with someone on the phone today who was helpful.

www.streetsideauto.com

TKhawk01 · January 24, 2015

They are showing soldout already.

sugarjohnson · January 24, 2015

They are showing soldout already.

I had entered my email to be alerted when back in stock. Took a week or so. Still best price I found.

5RWill · January 24, 2015

Well just ordered a set from suspension connection for 413$. Bit more than i could've gotten them weeks ago but said it would ship monday so i thought meh.

Will let everyone know the dimension, ride, etc. when i can get them installed. My have to wait until the next paycheck for the installation.

Kayslay · January 24, 2015

I have a rough country 2.5" lift which is a 2" spacer under the shock 1/2" spacer above. why not set the bilstein at .6 and run the 2"spacer? My ride hit should be really close to the same it is now

I'm interested in doing the same. I have the 2.5" RC kit with block in the back and I think doing the above would improve the ride and reduce stress on CVs and balljoints. Anyone have experience or know if adjustable shocks and a spacer is ok to do?

I have an AT Sierra and its my first GM truck. Coming from a F150 I was expecting a smoother softer ride as everyone says, but the ranchos are very stiff over speed bumps and uneven surfaces. On a smooth surface the truck handles just fine though

5RWill · January 24, 2015

I've seen people strongly recommend against using the height adjustable seat on the bilstein and spacers. Though i don't see why you couldn't use the stock setting and spacers. I still think the bilsteins are longer than factory OEM shocks and will give a solid 2" of lift. Pro-Comp offers their ride height adjustable shocks which can be stock or 2.5-2.75" with the spring seat collar inverted.

southern_sierra · January 25, 2015

Whats the thought of bilstein 4600 VS 5100 for the best ride possible. The stock ranchos are fine to me on the highway but to stiff on small town streets with potholes and wash boarded gravel roads. On the 5100 if you use the first position lift would you have to have a front end alignment.

Thanks

5RWill · January 25, 2015

You would definitely have to have alignment either way when changing struts. The 5100s are said to be more stiff than the rancho oem shocks. My oem ranchos are bouncy to me. Ride is still very good but they are bouncy when going over ruff terrain. The 5100s are supposed to be more controlled and more firm.

I think the 4600 is for the hd trucks is it not?

BlueSS2003 · January 25, 2015

Just ordered a set hope to get them installed as soon as they are in.

Spurshot · January 25, 2015

Whats the thought of bilstein 4600 VS 5100 for the best ride possible. The stock ranchos are fine to me on the highway but to stiff on small town streets with potholes and wash boarded gravel roads. On the 5100 if you use the first position lift would you have to have a front end alignment.

Thanks

Your take on the OEM Ranchos is the same as mine. Too stiff to keep contact with the ground on the bumpy stuff and a poor ride quality.

I had the 4600 series in a 99 1/2 2500. The ride was good. It was a bit stiff. But nothing like the OEM Ranchos we have in these 1500s. From the reading I've done, the 4600 is supposed to be a general purpose shock that is good for towing and street use. Of course, the 4600 has no height adjustment. The 5100 has a softer dampening to allow for off-road use. I had 5100s in my 2008 1500. I thought they could have used a bit more damping in the front when on the freeways. It had a bit of a "floaty" feel in some situations at freeway speed with bumps. But, they are balancing off-road tire contact against street control. Contrary to what some may think, off-road shock damping is a fairly low level of damping to allow the suspension to move more travel, more quickly than street shock damping.

Pop-I · January 25, 2015

I've called Bilstein and was told the 4600 is the same as the 5100. The 5100 is for lifted trucks and is 1" longer than stock to make up for the lifted height. If you install a lift kit it will give you the same compression and rebound. I do not think the shock was made to lift your truck by itself. I'm sure it will, but I in my opinion it is adjustable to make it the same as the stock settings. I think lifting your suspension to it's fullest is not good by any means. It would be easier to put coil spacers like the old days. I'm going with the 4600. I'm not against the bigger tires,I would love to have them,but not going for the lift kit.