Bilstein 5100 - Quick question for those that have them

Stevens03 · February 13, 2015

Seems wrong, All my years, boots up. Years ago, I installed shocks boots down and the ride was HORRIBLE.. switch them and walah.. ride was great

Chad2815 · February 13, 2015

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.

Yeah I agree, the body roll is gone, I think they even helped with the groans and squeaks in the interior too. I have the Max Tow and I kinda feel like I could have gotten away with just fronts but I went ahead and did it all while Inhad the chance. I feel like there is a lot less movement front to rear as well, for the life of me I cannot figure out why GM didn't put these shocks on from the factory, they cannot be that much more expensive and the ride is night and day. It reminds me of when I put a strut tower brace on a 1997 Camaro, just plants the front end and feels good. You got a great deal on the install, mine was done by Chevy and cost 340 bucks without an alignment. Still worth it tho.

sugarjohnson · February 14, 2015

Yeah I agree, the body roll is gone, I think they even helped with the groans and squeaks in the interior too. I have the Max Tow and I kinda feel like I could have gotten away with just fronts but I went ahead and did it all while Inhad the chance. I feel like there is a lot less movement front to rear as well, for the life of me I cannot figure out why GM didn't put these shocks on from the factory, they cannot be that much more expensive and the ride is night and day. It reminds me of when I put a strut tower brace on a 1997 Camaro, just plants the front end and feels good. You got a great deal on the install, mine was done by Chevy and cost 340 bucks without an alignment. Still worth it tho.

I also have the Max Tow and did the rears previously myself. I agree with all your points. Others think I'm nuts putting new shocks on a new truck but oh well. I still can't get over the boot down on the rears!

I feel I have a nice setup now, 6.2L Max Tow, GM Borla catback duel side exit, Bilstein all around, Timbrens, Michellin LTX MS/2, Diablo Tune, MIT/Airaid with Oiless filter, Rx CC, Bedrug, front tint, Acess tuneau, 15 tow mirrors, VLED reverse and cargo led, added Kodiakz Nav and integrated everything to the sharkfin, H11 to H9 conversion, and 9005 to HIR1 Conversion.

Still trying to find oem fog replacements that will run higher watt halogen bulbs. Rigid would be nice but to rich for my blood now.

chuckl1218 · February 14, 2015

Seems wrong, All my years, boots up. Years ago, I installed shocks boots down and the ride was HORRIBLE.. switch them and walah.. ride was great

I know, it doesn't seem right, but both Bilstein and Allshocks.com told me they designed them (5100s) this way for the 2014 GM trucks. Their 4116s go the other way...

esexton · February 14, 2015

I went with the highest (1.8) setting on the front and did put Bilstein all the way around. I also installed Hankook 275/70/18 tires. The tires are LT and the stocks were P rated. Even with the stiffer tires the ride is much better than factory. I love the way the truck is set up now.

mookdoc6 · May 14, 2017

So let me resurrect this Bullshit......Bought the Bilstein's 5100's 70.00 per why not it's cheap and maybe it holds the back down better than the cheap ass squirrel y rear end. Was a 12 minute job in and out! went back under the truck pulled the boots down to even out and noticed the ****ing labels were upside down!

So I went huh thats weird now it looks like I installed em backwards? Check the box, nothing! Go to the forums and what do you know more confusion except on GM-Trucks looks like BOOT DOWN???? WTF I thought my life already sucked now I am supposed to pour 0w-20 into motor and put shocks on so they look like they are upside down?

Anyway it's good to see other people had this problem and felt the same way.........I look at the shocks and think how F'N retarded they look upside down? But they are not!!!!