Ordering Bilstein 5100's

[chuckl1218]

Actually is not that snap ring. It's literally on the rod. It's a very small ring. Let me see if I can take a pic of it, guess that would help. Lolimage.jpeg

Well, that one...I don't know...

[treefort]

Is it necessary to get the rears with the fronts? Do they add any lift?

 

TIA

[Clocked92]

Is it necessary to get the rears with the fronts? Do they add any lift?

 

TIA

 

No you don't need to buy them together. The rears don't lift any either.

[chuckl1218]

 

No you don't need to buy them together. The rears don't lift any either.

 

The rears just have longer travel to accommodate small lifts better than stock.

[treefort]

Ok, thanks Chuck. In your opinion, is it worth it to get the 5100 rears or should a person wait until the stock rears fail?

[bdbake01]

I'm running just the rears at the moment since I'm waiting on my fronts to ship (expect them this Thursday from 4WP). I can tell a difference. Rear isn't as skittzo.

[tnchevy]

I would replace all four at the same time. The OE shocks are junk anyway.

[chuckl1218]

Ok, thanks Chuck. In your opinion, is it worth it to get the 5100 rears or should a person wait until the stock rears fail?

 

You can wait, but it really depends on what your goal is. I put on the Bilstein 5100 shocks to improve overall ride of my truck. I didn't like the way we felt like we were bouncing a lot over bumps. Wife used to call it "the Bobble Head" truck. I did not level or change stock ride height. So, I changed all 4 at the same time. The install of the rear shocks took me ½ hour in my garage and really improved the ride. I had my dealer install the front since that is a bit more involved and I wanted them to check alignment. Now, if I ever do want to level the front or change it from stock, I can have it adjusted. No longer a Bobble Head. More controlled ride even on curves.

 

UPDATE: I agree with the two posts above...not as "skittzo"...and yes, the stock are junk..drove mine with just the rears changed for a couple of weeks and couldn't believe how much better it handled.

 

Side note: I would have gotten the 4600s since I am not leveling, but they weren't in stock and I got the 5100s for the same price.

[treefort]

Awesome, thanks a lot guys.

[Red_5]

Anyone running 5100s on their Max Tow even if just on the front?

[fondupot]

Ok, thanks Chuck. In your opinion, is it worth it to get the 5100 rears or should a person wait until the stock rears fail?

 

I would do all four corners. because if you do just fronts, or just rears, you will have different dampening rates and could make the ride suffer

[SMiller]

Anyone running 5100s on their Max Tow even if just on the front?

Nothing really different on a Max tow, the shocks will help make a safer towing experience.

[Red_5]

Nothing really different on a Max tow, the shocks will help make a safer towing experience.

 

My understanding is that the Max Tow has stiffer rear springs than non-Max Tow trucks, not sure if 5100s are valved for the stiffer rear springs. Up front both are the same. I haven't been able to find any info on a good replacement rear shock for Max Tow vehicles.

[moosehead1]

+1 to Red5's comments, would love to upgrade all 4 corners at OEM ride height for max tow and want to make sure the Billy's (or alternative) would be compatible/complementary especially under tow loads. Will check with both Billy and a few local 4x4 and trailer shops.

[cev103]

When I set out to buy them I ordered from 4WP but after a few days, I called and they had no clue when they would be in. Next, I ordered from Suspension Connections because their site said in-stock .... They were not. Next I called Michigan Truck Springs and they confirmed they had them. Ordered, fast shipping, easy. They are a little more pricy but it wasn't worth $25 to not know when they would ship. http://www.truckspring.com/products/Bilstein-5100-Series-(Ride-Height-Adjustable)-Front-Shock-Absorber-GM__24-238304.aspx

 

I like them, they did the job of leveling it. I set it on the top setting and I enjoy that height. Ride is more firm but in a good, responsive way.

 

Here is a pic. Pretty level. I have my old wheels and tires in the bed so it's weighted down a little.

What size tires are you running?