Bilstein 5100's vs Rough Country 2.5 lift

[bthomas22]

I have a 2016 Sierra SLT quad cab with stock 20" wheels and Z71 package. I'm debating between getting the Bilstein 5100's all around on highest setting or going with the RC 2.5 in lift. I drive a significant amount of highway miles, but i'd still like to put on the 275/65r20 Nitto Terra Grappler G2's mostly for the look of a real truck that I can actually take off road.

 

My biggest concern is ride quality due to the amount i'm on the highway.

 

Does anyone have experience with both of these setups and any feedback?

 

Thanks!

[Rkaroll953]

the 5100 will without a doubt ride better than spacers and rancho shocks. just get the 5100 and forget about it. you can fit your tires. i am kicking myself for not doing those when i did my level. maybe after this winter im going all bilistien

[cbrsilv15]

I can't really tell a difference in my ride with the RC 2" spacer. I've heard the 5100's on the top setting ride like crap.

[mmwest]

I currently have the 2.5"RC and can't stand the ride. Looks great...... rides like crap. 5100 rears today and may fronts in a couple of weeks

[bthomas22]

Thanks for the feedback...the consensus sounds like Bilstein. Has anyone run a 275/65r20 tire under the 5100's?

[SouthPawCO]

Has anyone ran 5100 on stock setting with an RC level? I didn't notice a change in ride quality till I added the MT tires and I'm trying to smooth it out some.

[bdkidd01]

I have a 2016 GMC Sierrra 4x4 with the Bilstein 5100's on the highest setting, rides great running 275/60/20's on the stock rims definitely plenty of room for a bigger tire.

 

 

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[cev103]

I currently have the 2.5"RC and can't stand the ride. Looks great...... rides like crap. 5100 rears today and may fronts in a couple of weeks

I couldn't agree more with this statement. I was running a RC 2" level and then decide to install the full RC 2.5" w/ rear spacers......what a horrible ride! That lasted for about 2 weeks and then I pulled it out and went back to just a 2" front level.

[MOhunter92]

Any level kits won't really effect ride that much. It's the tires that do the most as far as ride quality.

 

Bilsteins ride like poo on the top setting, and you will probably only get 1.7 inches of lift. Not really worth it to me, I'll go with a spacer level kit and once my truck is out of warranty a BDS 4 inch kit.

 

There is an entire thread on this subject, you will see 80 percent of the level tread is the RC 2.5 kit and almost every single person that posted was satisfied and said ride was pretty much the same but slightly more firm.

 

Ive rode in trucks with up to 3.5 spacers and they all ride great on all terrain tires. If you switch to an E load 10 ply, that will do way more damage to your ride comfort than a level.

 

 

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[Kevingorr]

I just put Billy's on yesterday. Put about 200 miles on since. Noticeable difference in ride quality for the better. I out them on the second highest setting as I use the truck for work stuff. It's the way to go!

[Bully.207]

Any level kits won't really effect ride that much. It's the tires that do the most as far as ride quality.

 

Bilsteins ride like poo on the top setting, and you will probably only get 1.7 inches of lift. Not really worth it to me, I'll go with a spacer level kit and once my truck is out of warranty a BDS 4 inch kit.

 

There is an entire thread on this subject, you will see 80 percent of the level tread is the RC 2.5 kit and almost every single person that posted was satisfied and said ride was pretty much the same but slightly more firm.

 

Ive rode in trucks with up to 3.5 spacers and they all ride great on all terrain tires. If you switch to an E load 10 ply, that will do way more damage to your ride comfort than a level.

 

 

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[Bully.207]

Couldn't agree more love my rc 2.5 level and 305/55/20 toyo at2 xtremes the ride is smooth as butter tires are the difference

[Dio1983]

I currently have the 2.5 inch rough country try lift with 295/55r20 Cooper discoverer sst pro tires. Doesn't ride that bad. I just got a set of the 5100's and I'm curious if I should set them at the top slot and use the upper spacer, set at stock height and keep the kit, or set at the 2nd slot and keep the bottom block. I think they would all keep about the same lift height. Anyone have experience with this?

[A.J. Curtis]

Any level kits won't really effect ride that much. It's the tires that do the most as far as ride quality.

 

Bilsteins ride like poo on the top setting, and you will probably only get 1.7 inches of lift. Not really worth it to me, I'll go with a spacer level kit and once my truck is out of warranty a BDS 4 inch kit.

 

There is an entire thread on this subject, you will see 80 percent of the level tread is the RC 2.5 kit and almost every single person that posted was satisfied and said ride was pretty much the same but slightly more firm.

 

Ive rode in trucks with up to 3.5 spacers and they all ride great on all terrain tires. If you switch to an E load 10 ply, that will do way more damage to your ride comfort than a level.

 

 

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I totally agree about the tires. I have the 5100's on the top setting and love the way it rides. I am running 285/70-17 bfg ko2 tires. I got a little over 2" on the top setting. With my leer cap on the rear It sits perfect. My coworker has the same truck but with an ARE shell and with the Rough Country 2.5 spacer kit and stock Ranchos and it rides horrible. I think there was something wrong with the stock ranchos? As soon as I let him drive my truck he ordered the Bilsteins before he got out of my truck! If you want the best ride for a level/lift you will want to do full coilover and upper A arm swap.

[A.J. Curtis]

I currently have the 2.5 inch rough country try lift with 295/55r20 Cooper discoverer sst pro tires. Doesn't ride that bad. I just got a set of the 5100's and I'm curious if I should set them at the top slot and use the upper spacer, set at stock height and keep the kit, or set at the 2nd slot and keep the bottom block. I think they would all keep about the same lift height. Anyone have experience with this?

I would think based on this video from bilstein to not use the top spacer with the 5100's. Maybe keep the bottom spacer, ditch the top spacer and pick a setting on the 5100 that works for you. I know there are other members on here that have combined spacer lifts with the 5100's I can not comment on what settings or spacers they have used though!