Will bilsteins fix the ride with levelling kit

bndawgs · January 11, 2017

I can't say for certain if they would help your situation, but I would think most would agree that the bilsteins are an improvement over the stock ranchos any day of the week.

amxguy1970 · January 12, 2017

Spacers do not change the ride, they have no effect on the coil or the shock at all in terms of tuning or changing the rates. Those that keep saying it need to stop as it is false. The minimal change in geometry will not be felt, what will be felt is the the suspension reaching full droop more often but the coil and shock retain the same factory spring rates and settings. What most people feel is the LT or more aggressive tires that they install.

Now using a pre-load type lift does stiffen up the ride, this is what 5100 adjustable shocks do when you lift using those at max setting. They handle larger bumps better with improved tuning for rebound but in most instances they will ride rougher. If you were to replace the factory shocks with 5100 at a zero setting you might gain some ride back, but ride is subjective and what might be good for one person might be rough for another. The best bet would be to get shock made for higher speed off road travel like something from King or Fox as they are softer, yet those are extremely expensive and work best with the corresponding springs. You can go to a P rated tire which would get back some of your ride, but this is a truck and a good car like ride won't be had regardless...

Tyler

seasled · January 12, 2017

I have 5100 set to 0, with a rc 2.5 lift, and it rides great! Big improvement over stock ranchos!

Bomberfan · January 12, 2017

I have 5100 set to 0, with a rc 2.5 lift, and it rides great! Big improvement over stock ranchos!

Thanks!

papageoff · January 12, 2017

Spacers do not change the ride, they have no effect on the coil or the shock at all in terms of tuning or changing the rates. Those that keep saying it need to stop as it is false. The minimal change in geometry will not be felt, what will be felt is the the suspension reaching full droop more often but the coil and shock retain the same factory spring rates and settings. What most people feel is the LT or more aggressive tires that they install.

Now using a pre-load type lift does stiffen up the ride, this is what 5100 adjustable shocks do when you lift using those at max setting. They handle larger bumps better with improved tuning for rebound but in most instances they will ride rougher. If you were to replace the factory shocks with 5100 at a zero setting you might gain some ride back, but ride is subjective and what might be good for one person might be rough for another. The best bet would be to get shock made for higher speed off road travel like something from King or Fox as they are softer, yet those are extremely expensive and work best with the corresponding springs. You can go to a P rated tire which would get back some of your ride, but this is a truck and a good car like ride won't be had regardless...

Tyler

I disagree. I didn't change my tires yet stock (SR-As), but I noticed that the ride is a bit harsher. It's not something I can't live with, but it's different. With this being my first truck, I expected a fairly harsh ride when I bought it. It was much more floaty and soft than I'd have thought... Like an old Caddy. With the 2.25" leveling spacers it's still compliant, but bumps make a bit more "bang" before the suspension absorbs it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, though.

This is just a stop-gap for me. I didn't like the nearly 3" rake my truck had so for me this is acceptable. If I were to do it again, I'd try the bilsteins, but I'm not going to spend the money now. I'll eventually be putting a proper 4-6" lift once all the warranties expire. I'm not going to do anything serious in the woods with it before that anyway. It's still too pretty to beat up.