5100 leveling shocks on front only?

Norcal Flyfisherman · August 30, 2015

Hello all,

I have a 2014 silverado crew cab Z71. Everything is stock at this point, but I am planning on upgrading to some 10 ply tires soon and thinking about raising the front a little for slightly taller tires. I currerntly have the 265/65r18 tires that came on the truck. I dont want a drastic lift, but I drive on rough roads periodically and clearance has been a concern. I'm very surprised the air dam has survived this long, I'll probably remove that soon as weĺl.

Would there be a problem with only adding Bilstein 5100 leveling shocks on the front? Most posts I see are about changing all 4 shocks. I have been satisfied with the ride at this point. Would I also have to adjust the headlights and/or speedometer? My apologies for my lack of knowledge, I have kept all my other trucks stock. I'm also apologize if this has been covered in other posts; I either missed the answer or it was over my head.

Thanks in advance!

bdbake01 · August 30, 2015

Curious about this myself. Considering changing just the fronts as the rear does OK, but I'm not overly happy with the front's performance.

Rawyzf · August 30, 2015

You can do just fronts. Also, no need to adjust headlights or speedometer with just a level.

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fondupot · August 31, 2015

To OP, if you are gonna do the fronts. I say you might as well do the rears. They are easy enough to be swapped wihtout any jack stands in your garage in about 30 minutes. You will like how the truck rights wiht 5100's on all four corners. I promise you.

You can do just fronts. Also, no need to adjust headlights or speedometer with just a level.

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I disagree about the headlights. With a level, they are going to be pointed up slightly. After adding 5100's and leveling to the 3rd setting on the struts (not even the highest setting mind you). I kept getting flashed by other drivers when i had my low beams on. And I noticed they pointed up and not on the. I had to readjust them and they are now way better. Super easy to do too. See this video:

Rawyzf · August 31, 2015

I've been leveled 2" for a while now, never been flashed or brighted.

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Norcal Flyfisherman · August 31, 2015

To OP, if you are gonna do the fronts. I say you might as well do the rears. They are easy enough to be swapped wihtout any jack stands in your garage in about 30 minutes. You will like how the truck rights wiht 5100's on all four corners. I promise you.

I disagree about the headlights. With a level, they are going to be pointed up slightly. After adding 5100's and leveling to the 3rd setting on the struts (not even the highest setting mind you). I kept getting flashed by other drivers when i had my low beams on. And I noticed they pointed up and not on the. I had to readjust them and they are now way better. Super easy to do too. See this video:

Thanks for the input fondupot. I'm looking to hire a shop for the job. In the middle of moving into a new house with a newborn, and just got married.... too many projects and not enough time/talent to add this one to the list.