Bilstein shocks thread

Grjfer · July 13, 2017

Instead of creating a new thread I figured I'd ask here...

I'd like to make my front end sit a little higher and am considering getting Bilstein 5100's on all four corners, however I don't won't a perfectly leveled truck as I'm seeing many people doing. I do pull a trailer from time to time so I still want my rear end to sit a bit higher than my front so when I tow then the truck will be level and not have the rear end squat.

Will the Bilstein's allow the front to sit higher, say 1.5 - 2 inches higher and also make the rear sit higher than it is now to keep the rear higher or do I need to do something else to the rear end?

The rear bilstein 5100's are not adjustable, just lengthened to accommodate up to 1"over. So only your front end will be higher based on which setting you use. If you go 1.5-2" over in the front you will want to also raise the rear to gain back some rake.

You could also just set the Bilstein's at the stock setting on still have the factory rake.

sage55 · July 13, 2017

If you go 1.5-2" over in the front you will want to also raise the rear to gain back some rake.

I've never leveled or lifted a truck, any suggestions on how to get back some rake on the rear? It doesn't have to be the same amount just an inch or so - that way when I am pulling I'm not squatting so bad as a completely leveled truck.

Grjfer · July 13, 2017

I've never leveled or lifted a truck, any suggestions on how to get back some rake on the rear? It doesn't have to be the same amount just an inch or so - that way when I am pulling I'm not squatting so bad as a completely leveled truck.

Couple of options. 1. Leave it stock and just switch out the shocks for better ones. Bilstein 4600 are a good replacement shock for stock height. 2. Bilstein 5100 set at lowest or 1 notch up. 3. Bilstein 5100's set at max with a 1" block in the rear. This option will give you minimum rake. Option 3 is what I have.

everyday_joshua · July 15, 2017

Just had my 5100's installed. Max front height. Didn't realize the cost of having these installed. Glad I got a good deal on the shocks/struts.

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bcbz71 · July 15, 2017

I've never leveled or lifted a truck, any suggestions on how to get back some rake on the rear? It doesn't have to be the same amount just an inch or so - that way when I am pulling I'm not squatting so bad as a completely leveled truck.

Firestone RideRite Air Bags....you can install them with or without the onboard air compressor. I didn't install the air compressor; just pump them up to about 30# when I know I am going to tow. Day and night difference in tow....more stability, no ass sag, and no headlights pointing to the stars.

Fairly easy install if you drop your spare tire so you have some room to work under there!!

Edited July 15, 2017 by bcbz71

USAFRET · July 15, 2017

Just had my 5100's installed. Max front height. Didn't realize the cost of having these installed. Glad I got a good deal on the shocks/struts.

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Where did you find your good deal? I'm looking to purchase a set soon.

everyday_joshua · July 15, 2017

Where did you find your good deal? I'm looking to purchase a set soon.

I used Ebates and shopped on 4wheelparts.com, I ended up getting 10% cash back and paid just shy of $300 for all four shocks/struts. Plus they were having a sale on their website to get a percentage off. The kicker was when I had them installed, it was $375 with an alignment. [emoji15]

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tanner709 · July 15, 2017

I used Ebates and shopped on 4wheelparts.com, I ended up getting 10% cash back and paid just shy of $300 for all four shocks/struts. Plus they were having a sale on their website to get a percentage off. The kicker was when I had them installed, it was $375 with an alignment. [emoji15]

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That's a little steep for install, I paid $250 ($150 labour, $100 alignment). Shop around next time!

everyday_joshua · July 16, 2017

That's a little steep for install, I paid $250 ($150 labour, $100 alignment). Shop around next time!

Only two reputable shops would even touch this truck we're estimating $300-400. The other 3 shops said no being the "adjustable height" struts. They said it was a liability to their shop. Not a big deal in the end, they're on and working much better than the stocks.

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sage55 · July 17, 2017

Couple of options. 1. Leave it stock and just switch out the shocks for better ones. Bilstein 4600 are a good replacement shock for stock height. 2. Bilstein 5100 set at lowest or 1 notch up. 3. Bilstein 5100's set at max with a 1" block in the rear. This option will give you minimum rake. Option 3 is what I have. IMG_20170611_180022151_HDR_zpsj7cjkb6t.jpg

Great looking truck @Grjfer. That's exactly the type of look I'd like to achieve as well.

As for Option 3, what blocks did you buy and where do those get installed? I'm assuming under the leaf springs?

Only two reputable shops would even touch this truck we're estimating $300-400. The other 3 shops said no being the "adjustable height" struts. They said it was a liability to their shop. Not a big deal in the end, they're on and working much better than the stocks.

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What liability would adjustable struts bring to their shop?

everyday_joshua · July 17, 2017

Great looking truck @Grjfer. That's exactly the type of look I'd like to achieve as well.

As for Option 3, what blocks did you buy and where do those get installed? I'm assuming under the leaf springs?

What liability would adjustable struts bring to their shop?

You ask great questions... I have no clue. Once I said Bilstein aftermarket shocks, they said that if they were adjustable, they wouldn't touch them. I guess if they are different from factory, they deem them unsafe?? The one guy asked me why I wouldn't just buy a lift kit... [emoji848]

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Grjfer · July 17, 2017

Great looking truck @Grjfer. That's exactly the type of look I'd like to achieve as well.

As for Option 3, what blocks did you buy and where do those get installed? I'm assuming under the leaf springs?

What liability would adjustable struts bring to their shop?

The rear blocks came with the rough country 2.5 level /lift that I removed to install the Bilstein up front. The rear block goes on top of the rear leaf springs. It will replace the stock blocks. Just Google rear lift blocks. Rough country for one sells them.

Mountaineers89 · July 20, 2017

I have a 2015 2wd Silverado and I am looking at putting Bilstein 5100's on to level the truck and get a better ride. I called a local Chevrolet fleet and accessory dealership that I have gotten some accessories from before. They quoted $450 to get and install just the front two shocks. They said all four would be $900. This seamed extremely high based on some of the prices I saw on this forum. They also said I cant level the truck with just the shocks. They said the shocks are adjustable to accommodate a lift, but could not lift the truck themselves. This does not seam to match what I have read on hear. Is this correct or does this dealership not know what they are talking about? Based on the price they gave me, I am going to shop around. What is a good price to get all 4 installed?

mookdoc6 · July 20, 2017

I have a 2015 2wd Silverado and I am looking at putting Bilstein 5100's on to level the truck and get a better ride. I called a local Chevrolet fleet and accessory dealership that I have gotten some accessories from before. They quoted $450 to get and install just the front two shocks. They said all four would be $900. This seamed extremely high based on some of the prices I saw on this forum. They also said I cant level the truck with just the shocks. They said the shocks are adjustable to accommodate a lift, but could not lift the truck themselves. This does not seam to match what I have read on hear. Is this correct or does this dealership not know what they are talking about? Based on the price they gave me, I am going to shop around. What is a good price to get all 4 installed?

Half that! The fronts are not the easiest thing in the world and not overly difficult either with correct tools. Buy 4qty and put the rears on yourself or pay a nephew 50.00 bucks because it's that easy. Then pay for the two qty fronts!

jbh4381 · July 20, 2017

Half that! The fronts are not the easiest thing in the world and not overly difficult either with correct tools. Buy 4qty and put the rears on yourself or pay a nephew 50.00 bucks because it's that easy. Then pay for the two qty fronts!

I had my fronts done yesterday at a local Tire Kingdom. They quoted me 1.6 hours which was $175 in labor. I added an alignment for $75, and was out the door for a bit over $250. I did the rears myself, took about 20 minutes. All you need for the rear is a couple 21mm (i believe that was the size) wrenches. All together I have a little under $600 in the setup.