Leveled w/ Bilstein 5100s, are new Upper Control Arms needed?

[ChevyRoofer]

Thanks, I have read the Bilstein pages and believe it is a good product. However, I am missing where it claims Bilsteins do not create any different angles to the suspension geometry. You cannot increase the height of the strut without altering the stock angles of your control arms, as well as the drive and steering components.

 

I'm just basing my info on what they published - I've copied and pasted the correlating info below, none of this is from me, directly from Bilstein.

 

I believe it's because of the following statements made on their website though:

 

" 5100s prevent over-extension of the suspension but do provide an increase in overall wheel travel...while strut extensions can create over-extended down travel causing possible ball-joint failure, CV joint, or driveline component damage."

 

"Loss of Down-Travel or Droop A Spring Preload kit does not provide for more overall wheel travel. By lifting the vehicle in this manner, all you are doing is increasing the static ride height within the stock limited amount of wheel travel. The result of utilizing a spring preload kit is a loss of down-travel. For example, with the static ride height increased by 2”, droop has been decreased by 2” causing the stock shock to top out sooner. Keep in mind, a certain amount of down travel must be maintained in order to maintain a decent ride quality. Vehicles with little or no down-travel deliver extremely poor ride characteristics. Bilstein 5100 Series Leveling Shocks are longer than the O.E. shocks by 1/2” to 3/4”, depending on application. Now when the ride height of the vehicle is increased by 2”, the Bilstein 5100 Series Leveling Shocks offer additional droop. By maintaining the factory up-travel, this combines for an increase in overall wheel travel. The result is the lift you’re looking for - along with a great ride."

 

"Maximize All Available Wheel Travel The 5100 Series Leveling Shock will allow for 1-2” more up-travel than a strut extension. As for the droop or down-travel, the extended length of the shock also allows for more overall travel. The goal is to maximize wheel travel without inducing any ball joint or driveline bind. What we have found in most cases is that the OEM manufacturers have designed a coilover unit using a short travel shock with long shock body. What this means is we can increase the extended length of the shock without effecting the collapsed length. With the 5100 Series Leveling Shock is installed, you will gain more wheel travel while maintaining the factory compression stops."

[Zachlovesfood]

So which Cognito UCA's should I get if I have the Bilsteins on the top setting (2" level)? Their site only displays two different kinds, but neither part descriptions specify what lift heights they apply towards. Thoughts? I'm game to spend money on anything that improves ride quality further.

 

 

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[Donstar]

Bilsteins set on max height raise the front of your truck close to two inches. Bilsteins have a good reputation as a quality shock and I would definitely consider replacing my OEM shocks with Bilsteins if they needed replacing. They are not better than equal height spacer lifts as a method of creating lift. Pros and cons of leveling apply to both. The benefit of leveling with Bilsteins, as I understand, lies in the quality of the shock absorber.

[ChrisTronyxYocum]

My understanding is that they are just better overall and will cover any of the height settings available with the 5100s.

 

Just look at the difference in the below reply w/ pics from the first page:

 

 

They're not "needed" but definitely worth the money to correct the angles. My upper ball joint was making all kinds of noise (Fox coilovers installed) until I installed new arms. The quality of Cognito UCAs are definitely higher than the OEM arms too.

 

Before:

 

 

After: