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5100s vs Leveling kit

valleyfreak45

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valleyfreak45 Enthusiast

valleyfreak45

Posted
Posted

Now before everybody jumps me to search and read previous posts, I have read the entire 33 pages of the Bilstein thread and the last 15 of the Leveling kit thread. With that said, I want my truck to sit level (no rake) but do not want a harsh ride that might be incorporated with a 2.5" level or highest setting on 5100s. My question is if I get the Bilsteins and set them on the 2nd or 3rd setting, is there a rear block I can remove in my truck to have the truck appear level? AKA not set the front as high and take some out of the back to sit level. I'd be looking at 275/70/18s on the stock Z71 rims which I think should easily fit, correct me if I'm wrong. Any input would be great.

Rkaroll953 Enthusiast

Rkaroll953

Posted
Posted

the 5100 will do 2 inch max once they settle so with that being said u will have 3/4 inch of rake now take the rear block out u would have to maybe come down one or two settings on the 5100's to be perfectly level. the 2.5 kit front 2 spacers in without putting the rear block in will be perfectly level.

dieselbeef Enthusiast

dieselbeef

Posted
Posted

im in on this too. id like to not go lower tho..but the shockas instead of the leveling kit?

 

whats the advantage one over the other

valleyfreak45 Enthusiast

valleyfreak45

Posted
  • Author
Posted

So there is a rear block I can safely remove and still drive without? Will the truck drive smoother/harsher without the rear block? Without the block would I still be looking at 5100s in the rear or the 4600s?

TJay74 Senior Enthusiast

TJay74

Posted
Posted

you can remove the 1" rear block that sits between the leaf springs and the rear end with no issues. You will need 3-4 large washers for the 8 u-bolts to take up the space. That is how I lowered mine in the rear, no issues at all.

VinnyZ17 Enthusiast

VinnyZ17

Posted
Posted

Now before everybody jumps me to search and read previous posts, I have read the entire 33 pages of the Bilstein thread and the last 15 of the Leveling kit thread. With that said, I want my truck to sit level (no rake) but do not want a harsh ride that might be incorporated with a 2.5" level or highest setting on 5100s. My question is if I get the Bilsteins and set them on the 2nd or 3rd setting, is there a rear block I can remove in my truck to have the truck appear level? AKA not set the front as high and take some out of the back to sit level. I'd be looking at 275/70/18s on the stock Z71 rims which I think should easily fit, correct me if I'm wrong. Any input would be great.

I had 2in of rake after in spray in bedliner. I went with a motofab 1.5in front spacer. It still has .5in of rake but you can't tell and it looks level. The hood sits higher than the bed rail and I think that is what makes it look level even though it still has a little rake.

TJay74 Senior Enthusiast

TJay74

Posted
Posted

Thanks TJay! I'm assuming the washers go on top of the springs to hold space between the springs and the threads on the U-bolts?

 

I put the washers on right before nuts, just needed to take up some space so the nuts wouldn't bottom out. You will have a decent length of the u-bolt still showing but it works perfectly fine and was almost free. I used lowering shackles on the last truck and it never seemed to ride right afterwards, this truck rides fine this way.

ctay61983 Enthusiast

ctay61983

Posted
Posted

Might be a stupid question but... Will these leveling kits work for 2016 models? Motofab isn't showing kits for 2016 yet so I wanted to be sure since the front end is the only thing different about the trucks.

pcruis1 Enthusiast

pcruis1

Posted
Posted

I put 5100s on my 14 Z71 with 275/65/18 Toyo AT2 tires and it sat perfectly level on the highest setting (I also have a bedcover). I recently upgraded my suspension, but I was very happy with the ride quality at the highest setting on the 5100s.

cbrsilv15 Senior Enthusiast

cbrsilv15

Posted
Posted

I put 5100s on my 14 Z71 with 275/65/18 Toyo AT2 tires and it sat perfectly level on the highest setting (I also have a bedcover). I recently upgraded my suspension, but I was very happy with the ride quality at the highest setting on the 5100s.

Still have the 5100's?

pcruis1 Enthusiast

pcruis1

Posted
Posted

I left the billies (front and rear) with the guys who installed my new suspension. They may still have them if you're interested; though it might cost more to ship them then they're worth. Probably should have kept them and put them up for sale on CL, but I didn't. I do have the tires sitting in my garage; however.

amxguy1970 Senior Enthusiast

amxguy1970

Posted
Posted

Be warned if you sit perfectly level based on the tape measure it might look nose high because of how substantial the front ends are on these trucks and the higher hood.

 

With that said your plan is a pretty good one, I would do 5100's one setting up from stock and remove the rear block. It will not affect the rear ride and I would add 5100's in the rear as they would match the shock valving of the fronts.

 

Personally I would want some rake left in it for towing or hauling but many seem to prefer the look over function aspect.

 

Tyler

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