Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks VS Level kit?

[Steve1199]

Which is better? my concern with a level kit is changing the geometry and limiting travel for off road use. as i've been reading and learning, i've seen the references to using the adjustable 5100 Bilstein shocks and adjusting the front up some. for light offroad use (casual weekend trail work) and some towing work, which is a better route? level kit is cheaper, but are the shocks better and will they maintain the stock geometry and avoid excessive wear? i've heard from some friends that have done level kits (on fords though) that they had increased wear on front end parts and i would expect the same from a level kit (rough country?).

 

just checking if the shocks would be a better option over level kit.

[amxguy1970]

Both will add wear to your front end components. The 5100 will help save some of the wear on the ball joints (supposedly) by limiting the amount of max travel. With that your truck will ride rougher when turned all the way up as it pre-loads the spring (this is a common complaint, may not be rougher but firmer to some, just depends on what you feel). Still going to have the same angles whether spacer or 5100 level. Honestly I would say the 5100 is better by a little bit as it has a shock to match the new pre-load amounts but in the long run you can still have wear depending on what you do.

 

This is a good read about them not from the company trying to sell you their product...

 

http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/bilstein-5100-leveling-kit/

 

Tyler