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Leveling with Bilstein 5100

agraves138
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agraves138 Enthusiast

agraves138

Posted
Posted

Hey all, 

 

I just received my complete set of 5100's for my 2015 Silverado 1500 LT. I'm looking to level the front with the back using only the adjustments on the front struts (leaving the stock blocks, etc...). Presently the struts are on the stock setting (1 of 4 notches). My question is, which notch should I set the circlip on, to get the front level with the back? My truck is mainly a city driver, so I'm not worried about nose lift when towing and such. Just want the nose level with the rear during my city driving. Your help is appreciated.

 

Notch 1 - Stock

Notch 2 - 0.75" (19mm) Average Lift

Notch 3 - 1.26" (32mm) Average Lift

Notch 4 - 1.85" (46mm) Average Lift

 

Thanks, 

Ant

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crushNchowda
crushNchowda

FWIW I have Bilstein 5100's all 4 corners top setting in front w/ 33" 275/60R20 Nitto Terra Grapplers + 2.25" (+1") rear blocks. My total before/after ride height for the front was a hair over 2.5"...

2016LTCC
2016LTCC

I like this look. Would you say the ride is better unloaded around rough town/city driving? Also, have you noticed any difference in wear on your front tires?

Kubs
Kubs

I also installed Firestone Ride Rite air bags to keep the truck level when towing.  Its rides great loaded or unloaded.   IMG_20180601_140227534_HDR[1] by Mike Kubiak, on Flickr

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Darmichar Enthusiast

Darmichar

Posted
Posted

When I put the complete set on my 2014, I had to put the clip in the 4th notch to make it level.

xMEATxHAMMERx Enthusiast

xMEATxHAMMERx

Posted
Posted
Hey all, 
 
I just received my complete set of 5100's for my 2015 Silverado 1500 LT. I'm looking to level the front with the back using only the adjustments on the front struts (leaving the stock blocks, etc...). Presently the struts are on the stock setting (1 of 4 notches). My question is, which notch should I set the circlip on, to get the front level with the back? My truck is mainly a city driver, so I'm not worried about nose lift when towing and such. Just want the nose level with the rear during my city driving. Your help is appreciated.
 
Notch 1 - Stock
Notch 2 - 0.75" (19mm) Average Lift
Notch 3 - 1.26" (32mm) Average Lift
Notch 4 - 1.85" (46mm) Average Lift
 
Thanks, 
Ant
The dealer told me it was 1.5 to level and if I wanted it to ride at the 2500 height, it would be 2.5 in the front, 1.5 in the back.

And as always... Enjoy your ride!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Paul_Aris Enthusiast

Paul_Aris

Posted
Posted (edited)

I tow so has anyone gone on the tallest notch on the front and 1 up from stock on the rear? Wonder what that would be like height wise and when towing? Or it appears the rears ones may not be adjustable. 

 

Edited by Paul_Aris
Darmichar Enthusiast

Darmichar

Posted
Posted
45 minutes ago, Paul_Aris said:

I tow so has anyone gone on the tallest notch on the front and 1 up from stock on the rear? Wonder what that would be like height wise and when towing? Or it appears the rears ones may not be adjustable. 

 

Rears are not adjustable but you'll likely want to install a complete set as the damping on them likely wouldn't match up with any other shocks.

 

When I installed mine the truck was about 1/4"-1/2" lower in the front than the rear.  When I would tow my boat, the rear would be about 1/2" lower than the front (measured at the center of the fender arch).

parthery Enthusiast

parthery

Posted
Posted (edited)

Mine are on the middle (1.25") notch.  It's - for me anyway - the right amount.  I'm staying stock on the tire size and I tow a 6000+ boat regularly so I was concerned about squat if I went up the full 2".   Ride is waaaaay better over the Ranchos....

 

Looks like this.....

 

43106829255_806f71d4fc_b.jpg

Edited by parthery
Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted
8 hours ago, agraves138 said:

Hey all, 

 

I just received my complete set of 5100's for my 2015 Silverado 1500 LT. I'm looking to level the front with the back using only the adjustments on the front struts (leaving the stock blocks, etc...). Presently the struts are on the stock setting (1 of 4 notches). My question is, which notch should I set the circlip on, to get the front level with the back? My truck is mainly a city driver, so I'm not worried about nose lift when towing and such. Just want the nose level with the rear during my city driving. Your help is appreciated.

 

Notch 1 - Stock

Notch 2 - 0.75" (19mm) Average Lift

Notch 3 - 1.26" (32mm) Average Lift

Notch 4 - 1.85" (46mm) Average Lift

 

Thanks, 

Ant

You have received some good responses.  Here is a link that will provide many more:

 

2016LTCC Enthusiast

2016LTCC

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, parthery said:

Mine are on the middle (1.25") notch.  It's - for me anyway - the right amount.  I'm staying stock on the tire size and I tow a 6000+ boat regularly so I was concerned about squat if I went up the full 2".   Ride is waaaaay better over the Ranchos....

 

Looks like this.....

 

43106829255_806f71d4fc_b.jpg

 

I like this look. Would you say the ride is better unloaded around rough town/city driving? Also, have you noticed any difference in wear on your front tires?

  • Like 1
parthery Enthusiast

parthery

Posted
Posted (edited)

No comparison the ride is better.  The truck bucked like a bronco over freeway expansion joints, speed bumps, etc...  with the Ranchos.   

 

The truck has 39K on it.  The tires went on at 35K....and the shocks went on about 1000 miles ago.  Too early to tell yet on the wear.  I did have the front end aligned again after the 5100s were installed.  

Edited by parthery
2018GMC Senior Enthusiast

2018GMC

Posted
Posted (edited)

3rd notch got me 1.5”. I left rear alone and have 1.5. 2” of rake. I hook up my 400lb tounge weight trailer and its level. I want some rake so I’m not nose high when hauling or towing. 

 

Heres a pic with 250 - 300 lbs of stock wheels and tires in bed. 

 

 

CCF14239-5C0E-4838-B837-F12A3903428A.jpeg

Edited by 2009GMC
  • Like 1
2018GMC Senior Enthusiast

2018GMC

Posted
Posted (edited)

Edited by 2009GMC

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