front end get the bilstein 5100s or strut extensions

b1sh0p · February 19, 2016

I ran down to my local truck shop and was discussing about adding 2'' informed him i was looking into installing the Bilstein 5100s as I read where ppl love them and I can adjust from 0-3" ...well we got to talking abt different possibilities and he said I should just lift the front with some strut extensions and call it a day and would be level with the rear got me thinking well when I went home I measured the fronts and rears and as you can see my fronts are abt 3'' lower from my rears ....I install those strut extensions I'm still going be abt an 1" short in the front and but if I install the Bilstein 5100 I should be abt even with my rear if not off by 1/8 give or take .....should I just stick with my original plan and run with the Bilstein 5100s or get the strut extensions ? .......

amxguy1970 · February 19, 2016

Bilstein alone won't get you 3", they are between 1.8 and 2" is what everyone is saying (some of the other models like Tacoma can get closer to 2.5). Going 3" will be awfully hard on your front end suspension and components and cause premature wear. Plus going exactly level tends to make these trucks look a little nose high (even though it isn't it will look it). Put a 2 inch spacer in, keep an inch of rake to help anytime to carry anything and it will be cheaper. If you go the bilstein route and have them all the way up they preload the spring and it will ride a little rougher.

Search, tons of info on these exact questions have been answered many of times (probably one of if not the most asked question).

Tyler

b1sh0p · February 19, 2016

i have spent some time n days combing though hrs of similar post...wasnt fully going to extend the bilstein was just saying just wanting ppl opinions on each pros n cons

Edited February 19, 2016 by b1sh0p

Travis Whitmore · February 19, 2016

2" level kit on my 4x4 crew cab put the front 3/4" lower than the rear but it looked level. Now I'm running the 5100's at the top setting (2" of lift) an additional 3/8" thick top spacer and Cognito UCA's and have about 3" front lift. Added a 2.25" rear block in place of the factory one and the rear sits just 1/2" higher than the front.

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CH15GMC · February 19, 2016

2" level kit on my 4x4 crew cab put the front 3/4" lower than the rear but it looked level. Now I'm running the 5100's at the top setting (2" of lift) an additional 3/8" thick top spacer and Cognito UCA's and have about 3" front lift. Added a 2.25" rear block in place of the factory one and the rear sits just 1/2" higher than the front.

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Thinking about doing something similar to your setup. Couple of questions if you don't mind. Where did you get the 3/8" spacer? Thinking about doing a spacer with the 5100 on a lower setting the springs aren't so compressed. How is your ride at the highest setting? With the Congnito UCA's does that relieve any damage or concern you might have running at such a high lift? Other than replacing the UCA's what are the parts to be concerned with when lifting the front past 2"-2.5"? I've been on here for a year and I'm still a little confused on those concerns.

Travis Whitmore · February 19, 2016

The UCA's alleviate the problems associated with going over 2". The spacer I bought off eBay from "Motofab". They sell it as a 1/2" lift. Mine measured 3/8" thick which would equate to closer to 3/4" of lift. 5100's at the top setting are a little more firm than the Rachos but absorb big stuff way better. No more pogo stick front end over big dips or speed bumps.

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