Leveling, Bilsteins vs. Lift Kit

[Norcal Flyfisherman]

I've been considering getting a level kit for a little more clearance on dirt roads. Do most people that drive on rough roads use the Biltsteins? How much of a difference is there in cost?

[5RWill]

The only thing that is really going to give you clearance is tires. Unless your just talking about your air dam getting hit which I've hit mine several times. Bilsteins lift only 1.8" where as spacers can get you 2.5". Spacers however do limit overall suspension travel. Cost difference is like 50-150$ for spacers and 400ish for a set of Bilsteins front and rear. Installation cost for bilsteins are going to be more expensive as well.

I've read that the Bilsteins on the highest setting are a little rough but I'm starting to think that is just the shock. Make no mistake these shocks aren't exactly tuned for a highway truck. The ride should be more firm and controlled compared to the stock ranchos that are bouncy. Compressing the spring to lift the front should still allow almost max spring travel other wise it wouldn't lift the front and just sit there compressed, and not really lift the front, or i would think.

I've got a set on the way I'll let everyone know ride, dimensions, etc. They are longer than oem struts by about an inch it appears. So I think it will lift the front a good 2"

[jrob56]

The only thing that is really going to give you clearance is tires. Unless your just talking about your air dam getting hit which I've hit mine several times. Bilsteins lift only 1.8" where as spacers can get you 2.5". Spacers however do limit overall suspension travel. Cost difference is like 50-150$ for spacers and 400ish for a set of Bilsteins front and rear. Installation cost for bilsteins are going to be more expensive as well.

 

I've read that the Bilsteins on the highest setting are a little rough but I'm starting to think that is just the shock. Make no mistake these shocks aren't exactly tuned for a highway truck. The ride should be more firm and controlled compared to the stock ranchos that are bouncy. Compressing the spring to lift the front should still allow almost max spring travel other wise it wouldn't lift the front and just sit there compressed, and not really lift the front, or i would think.

 

I've got a set on the way I'll let everyone know ride, dimensions, etc. They are longer than oem struts by about an inch it appears. So I think it will lift the front a good 2"

 

Brining this back up, curious about how these worked out for you, doing research myself. Looking to get close to level with maybe 1/2inch of rake left for towing. Going to run the rest of the mileage off these stock tires then hopefully get 33 inch K02s or close on these 20s.

[5RWill]

 

Brining this back up, curious about how these worked out for you, doing research myself. Looking to get close to level with maybe 1/2inch of rake left for towing. Going to run the rest of the mileage off these stock tires then hopefully get 33 inch K02s or close on these 20s.

 

I've had mine for probably six months or so and love them. Left about 1.5" of rake and sits perfect to me. A lot of people tell me my truck looks like it squats i don't think so though.

 

[jrob56]

I've had mine for probably six months or so and love them. Left about 1.5" of rake and sits perfect to me. A lot of people tell me my truck looks like it squats i don't think so though.

 

That looks great, what setting did you put the shock on? 1, 2, 3, 4 from the bottom?

[5RWill]

 

That looks great, what setting did you put the shock on? 1, 2, 3, 4 from the bottom?

 

I have them set at the highest setting which gives me 1.8" of lift in the front. It's to note that not all trucks will look the same as rake varies from truck to truck. I had 36ish" in the front and 39" before. So about 1.3" of rake.

[jrob56]

 

I have them set at the highest setting which gives me 1.8" of lift in the front. It's to note that not all trucks will look the same as rake varies from truck to truck. I had 36ish" in the front and 39" before. So about 1.3" of rake.

Okay thanks for the info, I was planning to put them at that height as well. Think it gives a great stance while still keeping some rake for towing and no nose up look. I dont know how people think it looks like your truck is squatting.

[5RWill]

Okay thanks for the info, I was planning to put them at that height as well. Think it gives a great stance while still keeping some rake for towing and no nose up look. I dont know how people think it looks like your truck is squatting.

 

I don't either people pass me and say it looks like it is but it doesn't to me. I like a truck with a little rake. Here is a picture of the truck towing. Doesn't squat much if all.

[Jackseric]

 

I don't either people pass me and say it looks like it is but it doesn't to me. I like a truck with a little rake. Here is a picture of the truck towing. Doesn't squat much if all.

 

I think your stance is just about perfect. Ever so slight rake, then leveled out when towing.

 

1. Did you replace all 4 corners, or just the front?
2. I've read multiple times that replacing the back shocks makes the biggest difference in ride quality from the factory Ranchos. Did you notice a big difference in the ride?
3. Do you think you could get bigger tires under your truck with just the Bilsteins? I want to upsize when my Goodyears wear out, but just slightly. I love getting over 23mpg on the highway!

[5RWill]

I replaced the entire set. I would say the rears add to stability but your going to notice a ride change across the board from factory ranchos. The Bilsteins aren't really a "soft" shock IMHO. It's a bit stiffer over the small bumps of which you will feel. Where they come into play is if you feel like going 50mph down a dirt road or something with some moderate bumps/whoops in it. The rears reduce bed sway greatly. And the fronts reduce cab sway/roll when turning greatly as well compared to the ranchos.

 

As for tires you'll just have to measure. Having said that you should be able to fit 33s with little to no issue. I myself am going for 295/70/17s so around 33.5/12/17. Friend of mine just put 33x12.5s20 on his stock 15 rims and has very little to no rubbing which impressed me. Though he would need more aggressive offset for that.

[63sportsman]

Newbie here.....Good information on this forum, in this post

 

I have a question to you guys that have added these Bilstein shocks, did you have to re-align the truck afterwards?

 

I'm not trying to skimp, its just that this thread talked me right into these instead of a block leveling kit (that would have required an alignment also), and want to have all my ducks in a row when I install these.

 

 

Thanks.....

[jrob56]

Newbie here.....Good information on this forum, in this post

 

I have a question to you guys that have added these Bilstein shocks, did you have to re-align the truck afterwards?

 

I'm not trying to skimp, its just that this thread talked me right into these instead of a block leveling kit (that would have required an alignment also), and want to have all my ducks in a row when I install these.

 

 

Thanks.....

Yes you should get an alignment anytime you touch suspension parts.

[Travis1024]

I replaced the entire set. I would say the rears add to stability but your going to notice a ride change across the board from factory ranchos. The Bilsteins aren't really a "soft" shock IMHO. It's a bit stiffer over the small bumps of which you will feel. Where they come into play is if you feel like going 50mph down a dirt road or something with some moderate bumps/whoops in it. The rears reduce bed sway greatly. And the fronts reduce cab sway/roll when turning greatly as well compared to the ranchos.

 

As for tires you'll just have to measure. Having said that you should be able to fit 33s with little to no issue. I myself am going for 295/70/17s so around 33.5/12/17. Friend of mine just put 33x12.5s20 on his stock 15 rims and has very little to no rubbing which impressed me. Though he would need more aggressive offset for that.

 

What exactly did you use to do your entire set? Im planning on doing these all around in addition to the 1.25 procomp spacer I already have on my 2016 Silverado. Doing the middle setting on the front and possibly switching out my 1.25" blocks rear for a 2" block.

 

Obviously you used the 5100 adjustables in the front, did you go with the 5100 non-adjustable rear? or did you do the 4600?

 

just trying to get the best out of my setup

[5RWill]

 

What exactly did you use to do your entire set? Im planning on doing these all around in addition to the 1.25 procomp spacer I already have on my 2016 Silverado. Doing the middle setting on the front and possibly switching out my 1.25" blocks rear for a 2" block.

 

Obviously you used the 5100 adjustables in the front, did you go with the 5100 non-adjustable rear? or did you do the 4600?

 

just trying to get the best out of my setup

I went 5100s all around. On the highest setting in the front and then the 5100 rears. If i did it over again i'd go for 6112s in the front and a reservoir based rear shock. That said that is nearly doubling the expense. After all it cost me 800$ all said and done once the shocks were put on. I still like the 5100s a lot though. Truck looks great and rides great.

[jrob56]

I went 5100s all around. On the highest setting in the front and then the 5100 rears. If i did it over again i'd go for 6112s in the front and a reservoir based rear shock. That said that is nearly doubling the expense. After all it cost me 800$ all said and done once the shocks were put on. I still like the 5100s a lot though. Truck looks great and rides great.

 

The 5100s cost you 800?? Guessing that is with labor?

 

I finally got my 5100s, got tired of waiting on 6112s. Going to install myself once the weather breaks.