2016 Silverado Bilstein 5100 Adjustable question

Travis1024 · October 10, 2016

New to the Chevy world - I've done a little research and was not able to find the answer, short of calling Bilstein, so here goes my question -

Does anyone know the height level options on the Bilstein 5100 for the '16 Silverado 1500?

Reason I ask is because i have a 1.25 inch Level right now (top spacer), and I'm not super happy with the way it sits. Ultimately i want some more height in the front - figured I might as well increase my ride quality in the process rather than just replacing my spacer with a 2.5 inch making it potentially worse than now. Would essentially want to install these on one of the lower heights in conjunction with my spacer I already have on there.

Would really love to have some "real world" figures as to how high each setting will lift the front end. Any input is appreciated!

cbrsilv15 · October 10, 2016

I think the highest bilstein setting is 1.8" for the 5100's.

A.J. Curtis · October 11, 2016

It's the same for 2014-2017

Travis1024 · October 11, 2016

It's the same for 2014-2017

Yes! This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Much appreciated! Looks like with the second from the highest setting i can get about 2.5 inches in conjunction with my current spacer.

Think this will mess with the geometry and make my ride worse? or think it will be better higher with the Bilsteins AND my spacer than it is now with my Ranchos and spacer?

A.J. Curtis · October 11, 2016

Yes! This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for. Much appreciated! Looks like with the second from the highest setting i can get about 2.5 inches in conjunction with my current spacer.

Think this will mess with the geometry and make my ride worse? or think it will be better higher with the Bilsteins AND my spacer than it is now with my Ranchos and spacer?

I am no expert by any means. I know people have combined spacers with them. I am sorry I can not give you more detailed information on it. If no one answers on this page, you can look at topic link below and hopefully get your answer.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/168860-bilstein-shocks-thread/page-1

I have the Bilstein 5100's on the highest setting and really like them. The truck sits level in my eyes and I have a leer cap on my bed. The ride is stiffer on the highest setting but I actually prefer it that way. off topic a little but one thing you might want to consider is that going over 2" will give you a "cali lean" (higher up front-lower in the rear) unless you lift the rear a little. In my experience the rear suspension is so soft that if you put anything in the bed you will defiantly have a lean. I haul stuff and can not stand a sagging bed so I installed the airlift to solve that.

Travis1024 · October 11, 2016

I am no expert by any means. I know people have combined spacers with them. I am sorry I can not give you more detailed information on it. If no one answers on this page, you can look at topic link below and hopefully get your answer.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/168860-bilstein-shocks-thread/page-1

I have the Bilstein 5100's on the highest setting and really like them. The truck sits level in my eyes and I have a leer cap on my bed. The ride is stiffer on the highest setting but I actually prefer it that way. off topic a little but one thing you might want to consider is that going over 2" will give you a "cali lean" (higher up front-lower in the rear) unless you lift the rear a little. In my experience the rear suspension is so soft that if you put anything in the bed you will defiantly have a lean. I haul stuff and can not stand a sagging bed so I installed the airlift to solve that.

Definitely appreciate the info and input. Completely agree! the last thing i want is that "cali lean" or "carolina squat" (called where i'm from). I think what I'll do is maybe swap out the stock 1.25 rear block with a 2.25 RC one depending on how it sits all said and done in the front. Would definitely rather have a little more rake rather than sit nose high....

Would love to see a picture of how yours sits if you have one and don't mind posting it

A.J. Curtis · October 11, 2016

Not at all! This is with the 5100's set on the highest setting (1.85") with no lift or add a-leaf on the rear.

Travis1024 · October 12, 2016

Not at all! This is with the 5100's set on the highest setting (1.85") with no lift or add a-leaf on the rear.

Looks awesome man! I think ill do the 1.26 setting in conjunction with mine to get me 2.5 total. Will probably sit about where you are since i dont have the 300lb shell on there ;)

cbrsilv15 · October 13, 2016

Your ball joint angles will hate you. 2" is perfect. 2.5 and above tear through ball joints.

Silvern Sentry · October 13, 2016

I dont know and not a pro but I have heard stacking lifts and levels is just bad news. I think you should do a little research and find out the potential issues. I would talk to a pro shop before going forward they usually do not charge to ask questions but there are so many opinions about this stuff online it will be hard to make heads or tails of it.

Its a nice truck it would be a shame to drive around with floppy ball joints.

Travis1024 · October 17, 2016

I dont know and not a pro but I have heard stacking lifts and levels is just bad news. I think you should do a little research and find out the potential issues. I would talk to a pro shop before going forward they usually do not charge to ask questions but there are so many opinions about this stuff online it will be hard to make heads or tails of it.

Its a nice truck it would be a shame to drive around with floppy ball joints.

Your ball joint angles will hate you. 2" is perfect. 2.5 and above tear through ball joints.

I agree, the last thing i want to do is to mess my geometry up too bad. it seems alot of people have 2.5 on theirs, but everyone's truck is different. I just want a little more height without doing a full suspension lift....maybe I'll do some research on the spacer in addition to the 5100's and if all is well, ill have them set at the .75 collar getting me to 2"......too many decisions......

A.J. Curtis · October 17, 2016

I agree, the last thing i want to do is to mess my geometry up too bad. it seems alot of people have 2.5 on theirs, but everyone's truck is different. I just want a little more height without doing a full suspension lift....maybe I'll do some research on the spacer in addition to the 5100's and if all is well, ill have them set at the .75 collar getting me to 2"......too many decisions......

Another thought is to just get the rough country 2" level kit and run the bilstein 4600 non adjustable shocks for a better ride. This way you are not putting more "pre-load" on the spring making a more comfortable drive.