Bilstein 5100 adj shocks (front and rear)

Chad2815 · February 11, 2015

Still love mine...and again I talked to Bilstein and they said they didn't reccomend the 5100s on the factory ride settings (bottomed out) that's why they make the 4600. The truck now feels really close to the way my Avalanche and my wife's Tahoe ride, I'm sure the Ranchos ride well too.

GMC-AT · February 11, 2015

Part number for the quick lift you want is RS999901

Yes.. you can adjust the firmness of the struts.... but not the height.

baxter34 · February 12, 2015

Everyone will have their own preference but I went from Ranchos, (AT package) to stock oem non AT then to Bilsteins w/ max height in front and it's not even close IMO that the Bilsteins are far superior. Not "bouncy" over bumps but not stiff either.

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Coach Hill · February 13, 2015

Yeah, thats the exact thing that drove me nuts with mine as well. I have the Max Tow and it felt like the back was really stiff but the front would float alot, the bilsteins fixed that. I think it rides alot better, they should have put these shocks on from the factory in my opinion. Let me know how your aligment looks, I am still debating on doing it just for peace of mind.

Had my truck aligned today. They said it wasn't out enough for me to notice, but it was out a little and would have affected tire wear some so I'm glad I had it checked. It was worth the 50 bucks I think!

Chad2815 · February 13, 2015

Awesome thanks for the feedback....now I'm gonna have to go do it haha.

Last C5 · February 13, 2015

Just finished my install of a set of 5100s. I set the front shocks at their upper most position and installed a 1/4" spacer under the bottom of the front shocks. I ended up with 2" of lift at the center line of the front wheels and the ride is just as comfortable as it was stock. The truck seems to handle a bit better in the curves and that 57 Buick Special feeling is gone. I had already installed an extra 1" of lift on the rear necessitated when I installed some Firestone air bags for towing my car trailer. Now the top of front fender well is 39" off the ground and the top of the rear fender well is 40". Totally happy with the truck's stance and ride.

Coach Hill · February 13, 2015

Just finished my install of a set of 5100s. I set the front shocks at their upper most position and installed a 1/4" spacer under the bottom of the front shocks. I ended up with 2" of lift at the center line of the front wheels and the ride is just as comfortable as it was stock. The truck seems to handle a bit better in the curves and that 57 Buick Special feeling is gone. I had already installed an extra 1" of lift on the rear necessitated when I installed some Firestone air bags for towing my car trailer. Now the top of front fender well is 39" off the ground and the top of the rear fender well is 40". Totally happy with the truck's stance and ride.

I noticed that my truck handled better as well. I think it just tightened up the ride which I like. Agree completely on the 57 Buick comment!

esexton · February 19, 2015

Here is the before and after on the Bilstein install. After picture includes 275/70/18 Hankook Dynapro atm. The truck rides great and is almost perfectly level. I think I have about .25" in rake. I may install a rear block later if the rear drops too much with a small load or towing a boat.

Chad2815 · February 19, 2015

Here is the before and after on the Bilstein install. After picture includes 275/70/18 Hankook Dynapro atm. The truck rides great and is almost perfectly level. I think I have about .25" in rake. I may install a rear block later if the rear drops too much with a small load or towing a boat.

You go with the max setting?

mtbsam · February 19, 2015

Here is the before and after on the Bilstein install. After picture includes 275/70/18 Hankook Dynapro atm. The truck rides great and is almost perfectly level. I think I have about .25" in rake. I may install a rear block later if the rear drops too much with a small load or towing a boat.

It's funny that you posted this last night, I just got the same tires yesterday! Pics to follow

Edited February 19, 2015 by mtbsam

mtbsam · February 19, 2015

I went with the max setting and have the same results that esexton described.

wvsilverado07 · February 19, 2015

Esexton, your truck looks great, a .75 inch block in the rear would be plenty and you wouldnt have to go with a longer rear shock, I may do that. The handling and ride quality is much improved compared to the stock shocks. This is one of the best upgrades a person can do to a basic truck, if you have factory Ranchos I cant see it being worth the almost $450 total for shocks and labor. In my case the factory Black Shocks Sucked at under 14000 miles, and needed upgraded, West Virginia roads are rough and right now snow covered and getting worse daily. Next to buy some tires like esexton's

SMiller · February 19, 2015

Don't think for 1min. that those Rancho shocks that come on the truck are any better then the junk OEM shocks! Both suck!

Edited February 19, 2015 by SMiller

mtbsam · February 19, 2015

Here is my truck before and after the upgrades. Unfortunately it's filthy and the photos weren't taken in the same setting for comparison. I think the difference is obvious!