Bilstein shocks thread

[Roscopcoletrain]

Is the 4600 still recommended over the 5100 on a stock height truck for towing more often?

[TNAZ]

On ‎8‎/‎23‎/‎2018 at 1:34 PM, jpmiami said:

so it would seat higher than the 2.5 the RC kit gives me? my truck has 75k miles on that kit and rides well. Just want a firmer better handling ride. 

First, let me say I don't know with certainty what might happen if you "stack" two "lifting" methods--in this case an RC 2.5 spacer type lift combined with setting the Bilstein 5100 on its highest setting (1.85" lift on our trucks).  I think it would lift the front end higher by a certain amount.  If you are happy with your current front end height, you could get the 5100s but set them on the "stock" height setting choice rather than one of the "lift" settings--there are four setting choices on the front Bilstein 5100 struts.  Or, you could get Bilstein 4600s all around which are stock strut/shock replacements that don't alter "lift."  I have never owned the 4600s but when I was researching all this lift stuff, guys seem to say they are fantastic and a good value.  

[TNAZ]

On ‎8‎/‎25‎/‎2018 at 8:45 AM, Sierra Dan said:

A little something found on the leveling thread Homeslice......

 

I wanted to correct a typo in my early writeup saying GM has "KBs".  I meant to say GM has "TSBs" and "PITs" that tell their service advisors and mechanics what to look for when a vehicle is altered and how a warranty might be impacted.  In this case, "TSB 09-00-89-016E" and "PIT 5403B" were the two documents I found that were relevant back when I looked into this matter.  They may have newer ones now.

[Sierra Dan]

On 8/25/2018 at 4:52 PM, Roscopcoletrain said:

Is the 4600 still recommended over the 5100 on a stock height truck for towing more often?

4600 and 5100 are identical other than one is painted yellow, one is silver.

5100 has a longer profile for extra lift vehicles.

You can use 5100s on stock height if you prefer the silver look over the yellow.

[Sierra Dan]

Prices are similar also. 

[JamesAT18]

On 8/23/2018 at 4:34 PM, jpmiami said:

so it would seat higher than the 2.5 the RC kit gives me? my truck has 75k miles on that kit and rides well. Just want a firmer better handling ride. 

You may be able to manage it with that combo. But anything more than 2.5in of lift will really mess up some parts. 

 

If you just want a better ride yet already have spacers. I'd check out the 4600s or use the 5100s at stock height.

[jpmiami]

14 hours ago, JamesAT18 said:

You may be able to manage it with that combo. But anything more than 2.5in of lift will really mess up some parts. 

 

If you just want a better ride yet already have spacers. I'd check out the 4600s or use the 5100s at stock height.

I just want to be at 2.5 like now just without bottom 2" rc spacer.. thinking 1.85 from the 6100 plus the .25 Rc top strut spacer and see how it looks.

[Sierra Dan]

I found someone that really Likes their Factory Ranchos even at 81k miles

 

 

[UrbanRage]

On 8/18/2018 at 9:49 AM, 2009GMC said:

285/70/17 bfg k02

5100 on 3rd setting for 1.5” front lift. Rear stock block. Still have 1 - 1.5” of rake which I like for hooking up trailer or small load in back. 

 

I have about 250 - 300 lbs of tires and bed cover in pic. 

Do you have any issues with the tires rubbing the upper control arm or fender well?

[2018GMC]

Just now, UrbanRage said:

Do you have any issues with the tires rubbing the upper control arm or fender well?

No rubbing.

 

Since my tuck is max tow I have steel upper and lower control arms.

 

The 17" GMT900 wheels are at least an 1" narrower than stock K2XX wheels, offset may also be different.

[KJS Sullivan]

Upgrading the Factory Rancho Shocks on a 3/4 ton 2015 Sierra. I don't see much as far as the class of vehicle listed on these changes are the shocks the same on a 1500 as a 2500? If I were to put bilstein's on a 3/4 ton what model would I be using? I have not researched this much I'm just watching the thread a little bit with some basic little questions. Thank you in advance for any response

[Sierra Dan]

Bilsteins would be fine on your 2500.

Hello KC Brother! 

[Sierra Dan]

Check out a potential Billy 6112 replacement:

 

 

[parshal]

I've read through as much of this thread as I can but I'm sure I missed this somewhere.  I'm having some installed as we speak and I asked them to leave it on the lowest for stock height.  I actually like the rake and don't care to level it out.  After I get through a hunting season and figure out if I want some lift I may move them up a notch or two for clearance.

 

How many people are running the 5100's on their lowest setting?  If you did, did you end up raising it later?

[2k10CrewCab]

I just traded in my 2015 for this 2018. On my 15 I leveled the rear but on this one I want to level the front. My first choice was to do it using a spacer but I think I've decided to go with the Bilstein shocks instead. Where is the best place to buy them from? Would I be able to do just the fronts and the the rears later and how hard is the install? I've done suspension work on my Camaro but never on a truck, especially not a 4x4. Thanks