Bilstein shocks thread

[A.J. Curtis]

[robvas]

Why don't you guys just install them on the highest setting, and if the rear is too low, just stick a bigger block in the rear? Rear blocks are cheap. And higher is always better am I right?

[moosehead1]

^Thanks for that posting on multiple settings. Up to now, I literally did not think the adjustable BS could provide stock height and had believed that +1 1/2 or +2" was the lowest setting allowed.

 

Santa has a bigger list.

[Gabe63]

How long does it take to change the settings on these? Do you have to remove them or is it simple?

[A.J. Curtis]

How long does it take to change the settings on these? Do you have to remove them or is it simple?

It is not easy unless you have a spring compressor. You have to remove them, compress the spring re-install them and then get a new alignment each time you change the setting. It is not like a traditional adjustable coilover. But even with those you would need to have a alignment.

[Zachlovesfood]

I got my Bilsteins installed today, on top setting. I still have 1.5" of rake, and that's with stock blocks in the rear. It's perfect. Ride quality is better than stock Ranchos, and I'm on stock 20's. (I had the 17's before, but they just didn't look as well as I liked. Only difference I noticed between the 17's and 20's was that the 17's tire pressure fluctuated ALOT more than the 20's.) I'm iffy about adding blocks in the rear though, as it would change your driveshaft angle, which just doesn't sound appealing. Anyway, here's the fender well notes I took of before and after.

Stock Rancho Shocks:

* Front Left -- 35.75"

* Front Right -- 35.75"

* Rear Left -- 39.25"

* Rear Right -- 38.75"

Bilstein Shocks:

* Front Left -- 37.75

* Front Right -- 37.75

* Rear Left -- 39.25

* Rear Right -- 39.125

[Tim Rasmussen]

I got my Bilsteins installed today, on top setting. I still have 1.5" of rake, and that's with stock blocks in the rear. It's perfect. Ride quality is better than stock Ranchos, and I'm on stock 20's. (I had the 17's before, but they just didn't look as well as I liked. Only difference I noticed between the 17's and 20's was that the 17's tire pressure fluctuated ALOT more than the 20's.) I'm iffy about adding blocks in the rear though, as it would change your driveshaft angle, which just doesn't sound appealing. Anyway, here's the fender well notes I took of before and after.

Stock Rancho Shocks:

* Front Left -- 35.75"

* Front Right -- 35.75"

* Rear Left -- 39.25"

* Rear Right -- 38.75"

Bilstein Shocks:

* Front Left -- 37.75

* Front Right -- 37.75

* Rear Left -- 39.25

* Rear Right -- 39.125

Thanks for sharing. I'd really like to see pics too!!

 

 

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[Zachlovesfood]

Thanks for sharing. I'd really like to see pics too!!

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I'll definitely post some pictures tomorrow!

[A.J. Curtis]

I got my Bilsteins installed today, on top setting. I still have 1.5" of rake, and that's with stock blocks in the rear. It's perfect. Ride quality is better than stock Ranchos, and I'm on stock 20's. (I had the 17's before, but they just didn't look as well as I liked. Only difference I noticed between the 17's and 20's was that the 17's tire pressure fluctuated ALOT more than the 20's.) I'm iffy about adding blocks in the rear though, as it would change your driveshaft angle, which just doesn't sound appealing. Anyway, here's the fender well notes I took of before and after.

Stock Rancho Shocks:

* Front Left -- 35.75"

* Front Right -- 35.75"

* Rear Left -- 39.25"

* Rear Right -- 38.75"

Bilstein Shocks:

* Front Left -- 37.75

* Front Right -- 37.75

* Rear Left -- 39.25

* Rear Right -- 39.125

That is awesome info! Thank you!

[Zachlovesfood]

Thanks for sharing. I'd really like to see pics too!!

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I'm no photographer, but I tried to get some good pics. As you can see, a slight rake. I also included a picture of the front end angle, seeing that most people are curious about that as well. For being the top setting, it barely changed the angle at all. The steering feels even more comfortable than before. Next I'll try to put some weight in the bed to see how far down it goes. I seldom tow or carry large loads, but it would be nice to know!

[Zachlovesfood]

Got some pics with the boat attached. 37.75" in front, 38.0625" in back. That's still 5/16" of rake. Granted, if I loaded the bed down more, or put a heavier trailer on, I'd probably end up slightly nose high. I kind of anticipated that being a possibility, in which case I want to look into getting the Roadmaster Active Suspension. It's like add a leaf, but helps handling whether you have a trailer/loaded bed or not, plus you don't have to take anything apart... Worth the research.

[A.J. Curtis]

Got some pics with the boat attached. 37.75" in front, 38.0625" in back. That's still 5/16" of rake. Granted, if I loaded the bed down more, or put a heavier trailer on, I'd probably end up slightly nose high. I kind of anticipated that being a possibility, in which case I want to look into getting the Roadmaster Active Suspension. It's like add a leaf, but helps handling whether you have a trailer/loaded bed or not, plus you don't have to take anything apart... Worth the research.

I think that looks perfect! I am getting mine installed Monday and think I'm just going with the highest setting.

[GMC-AT]

Zach,

What notch do you have the shocks set at?

[dp2826]

Does anyone know why the highest setting causes a rougher ride in comparison to the 1.25 setting? Is it in the shock? The geometry of the front end?

 

Seems like guys with the 2" RC are happier with the ride quality vs the 5100's at max height.

 

I would like to go with the 5100's at max height, but not if rides like crap.

[Travis Whitmore]

Because the 5100's are adding preload to the spring to get the height. More preload=stiffer ride.