Bilstein shocks thread

17SLE · February 26, 2018

Hi everyone, new to this forum here. Was wondering if the 5100 fit on a '17 SLE? Looking at another way to level the truck rather than a traditional leveling kit.

michigan2500hd · February 26, 2018

Hi everyone, new to this forum here. Was wondering if the 5100 fit on a '17 SLE? Looking at another way to level the truck rather than a traditional leveling kit.

Sure they'll fit. Trim level really doesn't matter.

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17SLE · February 26, 2018

46 minutes ago, michigan2500hd said:

Sure they'll fit. Trim level really doesn't matter.

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Okay, was looking on 4wheelparts and they didn't list it so I didn't know if it fit or not. Thanks for the reply.

STINSAN3 · March 1, 2018

I thought about upgrading my stock shocks. I don’t know for sure which ones come stock on em. 14 Chevy Silverado LTZ. I know they’re black. Not the best shocks. But, I’m approaching 60k miles on em. Kinda getting worn out. Thought about getting the 5100s on the top setting. Is that enough to clear 295/55s or possibly 305/55s?

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michigan2500hd · March 1, 2018

I thought about upgrading my stock shocks. I don’t know for sure which ones come stock on em. 14 Chevy Silverado LTZ. I know they’re black. Not the best shocks. But, I’m approaching 60k miles on em. Kinda getting worn out. Thought about getting the 5100s on the top setting. Is that enough to clear 295/55s or possibly 305/55s?

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Not sure about a accurate answer but I have them at top setting with 275/60/20 and never had any rub. That's normal although this is the first winter with these tires and living in the Midwest were saw lots of snow. I had a constant issue with slush freezing and building up causing major rubbing when turning. Our trucks having these carpet wheel well liners really grabs and holds the road slush. I've been wanting 295/55's but I'm sure they would be worse. Going to add a spacer kit and take the Bilsteins down to the first notch. Hopefully it will result in a better ride too. These shocks are really stiff.. At least when maxed out.

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Bwoodkid · March 1, 2018

11 hours ago, STINSAN3 said:

I thought about upgrading my stock shocks. I don’t know for sure which ones come stock on em. 14 Chevy Silverado LTZ. I know they’re black. Not the best shocks. But, I’m approaching 60k miles on em. Kinda getting worn out. Thought about getting the 5100s on the top setting. Is that enough to clear 295/55s or possibly 305/55s?

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I have a 2015 Z71 with the 1500's at top setting and is about 1.75" lift, I test fitted 285 65 18 (32.6 x 11.2) which is just about the same as a 295 55 20 (32.8 x 11.6) and the fit just right. IMO, anything bigger (305 55 20, 33.2 x 12) will look like you are trying to stuff the tire in and looks funny without at least a 2.5 or 3". I will say that the B1500's are night and day compared the Z71 Ranchos that I replaced.

STINSAN3 · March 1, 2018

9 hours ago, michigan2500hd said:

Not sure about a accurate answer but I have them at top setting with 275/60/20 and never had any rub. That's normal although this is the first winter with these tires and living in the Midwest were saw lots of snow. I had a constant issue with slush freezing and building up causing major rubbing when turning. Our trucks having these carpet wheel well liners really grabs and holds the road slush. I've been wanting 295/55's but I'm sure they would be worse. Going to add a spacer kit and take the Bilsteins down to the first notch. Hopefully it will result in a better ride too. These shocks are really stiff.. At least when maxed out.

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On my '08 ToyotaTundra Crew Max Limited, I had the 5100s. Added 275/60/20 KO2s. I had no rubbing at all, it was a good setup. I liked it. 10-4 on the stiffness, I had mine on the top setting too. It leveled the truck out perfectly. I really did like em. I might just add the 5100s to the rear for now. I want more of a planted feel.

4 hours ago, Bwoodkid said:

I have a 2015 Z71 with the 1500's at top setting and is about 1.75" lift, I test fitted 285 65 18 (32.6 x 11.2) which is just about the same as a 295 55 20 (32.8 x 11.6) and the fit just right. IMO, anything bigger (305 55 20, 33.2 x 12) will look like you are trying to stuff the tire in and looks funny without at least a 2.5 or 3". I will say that the B1500's are night and day compared the Z71 Ranchos that I replaced.

Sweet, thanks for the info man. I'm most likely getting the Toyo RTs in 295/55 for my truck.

Bwoodkid · March 2, 2018

On ‎3‎/‎1‎/‎2018 at 4:41 AM, michigan2500hd said:

Not sure about a accurate answer but I have them at top setting with 275/60/20 and never had any rub. That's normal although this is the first winter with these tires and living in the Midwest were saw lots of snow. I had a constant issue with slush freezing and building up causing major rubbing when turning. Our trucks having these carpet wheel well liners really grabs and holds the road slush. I've been wanting 295/55's but I'm sure they would be worse. Going to add a spacer kit and take the Bilsteins down to the first notch. Hopefully it will result in a better ride too. These shocks are really stiff.. At least when maxed out.

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IMO, I don't think lowering your B's back down and adding spacers will make much difference since there not designed for that. how long have you had them on the truck? may need to break them in a bit. When I leveled my truck the first time with the Ranchos they were stiff as a board, the B15's were much better at top setting than spacer.

michigan2500hd · March 2, 2018

IMO, I don't think lowering your B's back down and adding spacers will make much difference since there not designed for that. how long have you had them on the truck? may need to break them in a bit. When I leveled my truck the first time with the Ranchos they were stiff as a board, the B15's were much better at top setting than spacer.

I think I put them on in June/July last year. I was comparing the ride to my 2011 that I just had a Zone 2" level on. If course I had 18" wheels on it so I'm sure that helped the ride over these stupid 20's that don't belong in a truck that works for a living let alone a NHT max tow. I've noticed improvements in the pogo effect, side to side head bobble and cornering with the Bilsteins... Just wish they were a little more compliant on the stiffness.

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14BlackSilverado · March 2, 2018

1 hour ago, Bwoodkid said:

IMO, I don't think lowering your B's back down and adding spacers will make much difference since there not designed for that. how long have you had them on the truck? may need to break them in a bit. When I leveled my truck the first time with the Ranchos they were stiff as a board, the B15's were much better at top setting than spacer.

I have read numerous instances were folks say the 5100 is less stiff on the bottom setting compared to highest setting. Makes sense since it wouldnt be pre loaded at all.

jimmyboy8301 · March 8, 2018

The bilstein 5100 look a little longer than the ranchos, on the 0 setting are you guys getting any height gain? Thinking of getting them and doing either 0 or .75” . I don’t really want to go up in the back if i don’t have to that’s why I’m trying to figure out height

2017 Chevy Silverado LTZ Z71 6.2L
4.5" Zone
22x10 American Force Grips
33x12.5 Nitto Ridge Grapplers
Instagram @wildchevys

jimmyboy8301 · March 9, 2018

basically what i'm trying to figure out is how accurate are the predicted heights. Bilstein says the settings net 0", .75", 1.25", and 1.85". the guys that have installed them, how accurate are the actual height gains?

michigan2500hd · March 9, 2018

basically what i'm trying to figure out is how accurate are the predicted heights. Bilstein says the settings net 0", .75", 1.25", and 1.85". the guys that have installed them, how accurate are the actual height gains?

I can only speak for the top (max lift) setting and it was right on what Bilstein said it would be. I'm interested in whether or not the 0 lift setting actually provides a little lift or not. I'm wanting to drop my Bilsteins down to 0 or the first notch. I have the max tow (NHT) and I've decided that after a year the ride is too firm. Compounded of course by having the stupid factory 20" wheels and max tow I'm thinking this is the worst riding combination on a K2.

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jimmyboy8301 · March 10, 2018

I can only speak for the top (max lift) setting and it was right on what Bilstein said it would be. I'm interested in whether or not the 0 lift setting actually provides a little lift or not. I'm wanting to drop my Bilsteins down to 0 or the first notch. I have the max tow (NHT) and I've decided that after a year the ride is too firm. Compounded of course by having the stupid factory 20" wheels and max tow I'm thinking this is the worst riding combination on a K2.

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Ok thanks!

2017 Chevy Silverado LTZ Z71 6.2L
4.5" Zone
22x10 American Force Grips
33x12.5 Nitto Ridge Grapplers
Instagram @wildchevys