Bilstein 5100 - Quick question for those that have them

GMC-AT · February 3, 2015

Are you guys installing the REAR shocks with the boot facing down? I saw this on a few... seems weird. All my trucks in the past had the boot facing up towards the bed....

Jackseric · February 3, 2015

The Bilstein video

shows the boot at the top. The product flyer here shows boot at the top. The explanation document here shows boot at the top.

I'm guessing the boot should be at the top! :-)

Horhay7 · February 3, 2015

boot down on the k2's. Go based on the bilstein sticker

GMC-AT · February 3, 2015

I'm seeing that .... just seems wrong... like seeing a priest in a strip club... but I guess that the way it is with these new trucks. Boots down it is!

sugarjohnson · February 4, 2015

The Bilstein video

shows the boot at the top. The product flyer here shows boot at the top. The explanation document here shows boot at the top.

I'm guessing the boot should be at the top! :-)

These references show the fronts not the rear. Several of us have called Bilstein and they keep saying boot down. I agree seems weird but seems to be the verdict on the K2.

chuckl1218 · February 4, 2015

Before installing them, I confirmed boots down with Bilstein and Allshocks.com for the rears on the K2. Other vehicles go boots up. Rule of thumb is to go by the label so that you can read it.

Green 1364 · February 4, 2015

How much has your ride improved over the stock Rancho's? Thank you!

Jackseric · February 4, 2015

These references show the fronts not the rear. Several of us have called Bilstein and they keep saying boot down. I agree seems weird but seems to be the verdict on the K2.

Apologies if I misled anyone. Just trying to help. Yes, that does in fact, seem very weird.

sugarjohnson · February 4, 2015

Apologies if I misled anyone. Just trying to help. Yes, that does in fact, seem very weird.

No worries.... I looked at mine for 30 minutes before saying F it boot down!

Jackseric · February 4, 2015

No worries.... I looked at mine for 30 minutes before saying F it boot down!

So when putting them on boot down, does the Bilstein logo show upside down?

sugarjohnson · February 4, 2015

So when putting them on boot down, does the Bilstein logo show upside down?

No....with the boot down you can read the label right side up if that makes sense.

Pop-I · February 6, 2015

Am I missing something. If you put the boot down...will it fill up with dirt or is it sealed?

chuckl1218 · February 6, 2015

Held on with a zip tie. Bilstein says it is not an issue.

Chad2815 · February 10, 2015

What setting did you guys finally go with....getting mine installed tomorrow and I am torn between the 1.25 and the 1.85?

sugarjohnson · February 13, 2015

What setting did you guys finally go with....getting mine installed tomorrow and I am torn between the 1.25 and the 1.85?

Got my fronts on today. I went with the 1.25 setting. Truck measures 1 inch rake now. 38 front 39 rear. This is perfect as I tow. My timbren have 1 inch before they engage so when I hook up my TT should stay nice and level. Overall really happy with my choice. I have had Bilstein before on my 2011 but just continue to love them. I think the truck rides some much nicer. I think an underrated part of this upgrade is body roll. I have always been impressed how they can help while cornering. I also feel it provides a more stable platform while towing as well.

I considered doing the job myself but glad I found a local shop. I used a guy local who specializes in big rigs. He showed me his spring compressor used to compress dump truck components sitting next to 2 city of Milwaukee Salt trucks in for service. I laughed and felt confident he was capable for my tiny 1500. $200.00 out the door with alignment.

FYI-He also said alignment was off from the factory and not just a little bit either. My truck only has 6,000 miles on it. Just so happens he also drives a 14 Silverado and said his alignment was off from the factory as well.