Bilstein shocks thread

TXGREEK · July 21, 2018

Same here. Label off, Boot up.
I drove around a while with them Boot down and no difference in ride or handling.
Boot up looks better and makes more sense.

My 2500 DMAX CC Bilsteins boots up

My 1500 6.2 CC boots down

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Silverado-Hareek · July 21, 2018

6 hours ago, Sooperdave said:

I don't think it really matters but I installed mine just like factory... boot on top. I actually removed the label and flipped it so it reads correctly.

5 hours ago, Sierra Dan said:

Same here. Label off, Boot up.

I drove around a while with them Boot down and no difference in ride or handling.

Boot up looks better and makes more sense.

46 minutes ago, TXGREEK said:

My 2500 DMAX CC Bilsteins boots up

My 1500 6.2 CC boots down

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I did a little more research asking around to different mechanics. Generally, the consensus is that the Bilstein logo should go up and that's how you know the orientation of the shocks. From a performance standpoint, it doesn't seem to matter which direction the shocks are orientated...they should still perform the same. The reason the boot goes down on the 5100's is because it keeps dirt and debris from settling around the joint/seam where the piston enters the main shock body. Also the boot is more resilient against rocks/debris/etc. so in theory the shock should last longer since the main metal housing around the critical part of the shock isn't getting damaged. My Ranchos were all rusted and the paint was missing at the bottom so this theory makes sense given what I experienced with the Rancho's. In other words it's more of an "off road" orientation to have the boot down. But performance-wise, it really shouldn't matter...the dampening effects are the same.

Edited July 21, 2018 by Silverado-Hareek

TXGREEK · July 21, 2018

I did a little more research asking around to different mechanics. Generally, the consensus is that the Bilstein logo should go up and that's how you know the orientation of the shocks. From a performance standpoint, it doesn't seem to matter which direction the shocks are orientated...they should still perform the same. The reason the boot goes down on the 5100's is because it keeps dirt and debris from settling around the joint/seam where the piston enters the main shock body. Also the boot is more resilient against rocks/debris/etc. so in theory the shock should last longer since the main metal housing around the critical part of the shock isn't getting damaged. My Ranchos were all rusted and the paint was missing at the bottom so this theory makes sense given what I experienced with the Rancho's. In other words it's more of an "off road" orientation to have the boot down. But performance-wise, it really shouldn't matter...the dampening effects are the same.

After speaking with GM of 4wheelparts, the geometry of the shock requires install to be right side up for the Bilstein label. I had install as per instructions from Bilstein and drive great!

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Silverado-Hareek · July 21, 2018

1 hour ago, TXGREEK said:

After speaking with GM of 4wheelparts, the geometry of the shock requires install to be right side up for the Bilstein label. I had install as per instructions from Bilstein and drive great!

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The front shocks only install in one direction obviously. And at least on mine, their labels were right side up.

The rear shocks though physically can be installed in either direction because of how the truck is designed to receive the rear shocks and how the rear shocks are designed....the mounting components (I don't know the technical term of the part that the bolt passes through at the end of the shock) of the shock are oriented in the same direction which allows you to flip the shock either way. Whether you should install them in either direction is another matter and that's where people seem to get confused and ask the question. Unfortunately there's conflicting information out there but generally, the most consistent answer I've seen is that the label should be facing up. Bilstein isn't the only shock on the market either that has a boot-down design for some of their shocks so it is something that's done often.

Silverado-Hareek · July 21, 2018

As promised, here's a before and after of the finished product:

Ignore the crappy "photoshopping" around the truck. I was trying to hide/cut out other vehicles and items to protect others' privacy. As for the truck, I have the 5100's set to the 2nd highest setting (1 down from the highest setting). The tires are 275/70/R18's. I was worried about how the load range E tires would feel on the road, but the truck drives great. And I can't explain why or how, but my steering loosened back up after these tires went on and the popping noise when steering issue went away. The only explanation I have is that the noise and tightness had something to do with the angle of the tierods and the new tires adjusted that angle just enough to make a difference. In theory I wouldn't think the tires could have an effect on the angle given this set up, but I don't know how else to explain it. Overall though I'm thrilled with how the truck looks now and how it drives.

Edited July 21, 2018 by Silverado-Hareek

Silverado-Hareek · July 21, 2018

On 7/13/2018 at 9:56 AM, JamesAT18 said:

Just to confirm, for 2017+ there doesn't need UCA replacement to install Bilstiens. Correct?

Correct, the 5100's are designed to work with all of your other stock components.

TXGREEK · July 21, 2018

The front shocks only install in one direction obviously. And at least on mine, their labels were right side up.

The rear shocks though physically can be installed in either direction because of how the truck is designed to receive the rear shocks and how the rear shocks are designed....the mounting components (I don't know the technical term of the part that the bolt passes through at the end of the shock) of the shock are oriented in the same direction which allows you to flip the shock either way. Whether you should install them in either direction is another matter and that's where people seem to get confused and ask the question. Unfortunately there's conflicting information out there but generally, the most consistent answer I've seen is that the label should be facing up. Bilstein isn't the only shock on the market either that has a boot-down design for some of their shocks so it is something that's done often.

My brothers Fox 2.0 shocks don’t have boots just bare chrome piston shaft aiming downward (just like the Bilsteins) which is weird considering it’s an off-road shock with nothing to protect it from debris.

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Sooperdave · July 21, 2018

I made my own conclusion. I flipped the label and ran in the orientation as the OE shocks. If you look at most OE shock/strut bodies, the boots are typically on top. With this particular boot and type of shock it really shouldn't matter. This boot is sealed at both ends to protect from elements. I think it looks better with it up as well.

Silverado-Hareek · July 21, 2018

1 hour ago, Sooperdave said:

I made my own conclusion. I flipped the label and ran in the orientation as the OE shocks. If you look at most OE shock/strut bodies, the boots are typically on top. With this particular boot and type of shock it really shouldn't matter. This boot is sealed at both ends to protect from elements. I think it looks better with it up as well.

Yeah I don’t think it really matters from a performance standpoint in my opinion. It’s a cosmetic choice. But the boot isn’t perfectly sealed. If you look it has drainage holes so it can breathe and drain. Just an FYI.

Edited July 21, 2018 by Silverado-Hareek

Grjfer · July 23, 2018

Been running my Bilstein 5100's for over a year now and I have been very happy with them. Recently up graded to LT275 60R20 Yokohama Geolandar AT G015 tires. Little over an inch rake, but I think the stance is prefect.

8086BRUCE · July 24, 2018

On 7/20/2018 at 10:34 PM, Silverado-Hareek said:

As promised, here's a before and after of the finished product:

Ignore the crappy "photoshopping" around the truck. I was trying to hide/cut out other vehicles and items to protect others' privacy. As for the truck, I have the 5100's set to the 2nd highest setting (1 down from the highest setting). The tires are 275/70/R18's. I was worried about how the load range E tires would feel on the road, but the truck drives great. And I can't explain why or how, but my steering loosened back up after these tires went on and the popping noise when steering issue went away. The only explanation I have is that the noise and tightness had something to do with the angle of the tierods and the new tires adjusted that angle just enough to make a difference. In theory I wouldn't think the tires could have an effect on the angle given this set up, but I don't know how else to explain it. Overall though I'm thrilled with how the truck looks now and how it drives.

Looks great! I plan the same thing for mine.

Silverado-Hareek · July 24, 2018

8 minutes ago, 8086BRUCE said:

Looks great! I plan the same thing for mine.

Thanks man. Nice you will love it! It's hard to tell in the 2nd photo but I was trying to maintain some of the forward rake because I still plan to haul and tow some with this truck. But after the level and tires I raised the front almost 3 inches (tires plus leveling shocks) and the rear about 1 inch (from the tires only).

8086BRUCE · July 24, 2018

1 minute ago, Silverado-Hareek said:

Thanks man. Nice you will love it! It's hard to tell in the 2nd photo but I was trying to maintain some of the forward rake because I still plan to haul and tow some with this truck. But after the level and tires I raised the front almost 3 inches (tires plus leveling shocks) and the rear about 1 inch (from the tires only).

That's exactly what I'm looking for. I still need rake for hauling the boat ect.