Jump to content

Bilstein 5100 vs. Leveling Kit

Xterrable

By Xterrable
in Modifications, Wheels & Tires

 Share

Recommended Posts

Xterrable Enthusiast

Xterrable

Posted
Posted

I do not think I have seen a comparison looking at the pros and cons of the Bilstein 5100's vs. a leveling kit.  Here are my thoughts, but I am interested in your thoughts:

 

I think install time is wash, because on a leveling kit, you dont have to compress the spring, but you have to install spacers and on some, replace the upper control arms.  Where the bilsteins, you dont have to do any of that, but you do have to compress the spring. 

 

Both kits require an alignment afterwards.  

 

Spacer kits actually make the shock "longer" so to speak to raise the suspension.   Spring compression rate remains the same.

 

Bilstein changes the mounting point for the spring, thus using the springs compression to raise the suspension.    Changes the spring compression at neutral stance thus giving a bit more firmer of a ride..? 

 

Better leveling kits account for the difference in the upper ball joints and replace the UCA.  I would assume the Bilstein kits also change the ball joint angle, but they do not account for it.

 

Is all that accurate?  Is everyone doing the Bilstein 5100's just leaving the UCA and ball joint stock?

  • Replies 42
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

Dunn
Dunn

if you want to go 2" it wont matter what kit gets you there (2" is 2").....you can buy eibach or bilstein kit and they will mimick the gm kit and they are cheaper and better quality.....the gm kit get

lapoolboy
lapoolboy

I just installed Bilstein 6112s up front with Icon tubular UCAs and Bilstein 5160s in the rear.  I already had the "Trailboss" 2" lift so I have the longer axles...the Bilsteins I bought were for TB/A

lapoolboy
lapoolboy

Yep, I've run across all kinds of ignoranance and misinformation on the lifts for regular trucks vs. TB/AT4.    It will ALL bolt up just fine....but like you said, it may not level it and yo

Posted Images

EagleRising Enthusiast

EagleRising

Posted
Posted

I am interested in this thread. I have a leveling kit(lower) I have been sitting on debating to install it, or wait and do the 5100 package.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Gangly Senior Enthusiast

Gangly

Posted
Posted

Whether you lift through suspension upgrade, or spacers, the angles are affected equally and the forces applied to your ball joints by the wheel hub are equal between the two styles.  By changing springs and shocks you are changing ride characteristics.

 

Most people lift through a spacer because it is cheaper and less work which makes it a GREAT kit for those who only want a taller stance.  However, for those who find the stock suspension lacking, or just want a higher quality suspension and have the available funds and know-how, they will generally do a shock and spring lift to get the characteristics they are looking for. 

 

Regardless, the forces on the ball joints for a 2" spacer or a 2" suspension lift are the same with all other things being equal.  The only way to alleviate that is to replace your control arms.  Equally important is your CV angle, and to correct that you most often need a differential lowering bracket which effectively reduces your ground clearance negating the lift you just put on.  Tires are the best way to increase lift without affecting your suspension geometry.

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted

This topic is discussed extensively in this forum and elsewhere.   I wrestled with the same dilemma on my '15 and have read literally 100's of pages on level kits and Bilstein's.  You will find lots of support for both.  Maximum setting on a Bilstein gives you <2" of lift.  Installing a level kit with the same amount of lift will not noticeably impact your ride.  Problems are more likely to occur with the larger spacer kits of greater than 2" unless you replace other components.  FWIW, I concluded that a 1.5" spacer kit made the most sense for me. Someday, I might even have it installed!  

Gangly Senior Enthusiast

Gangly

Posted
Posted (edited)

General consensus is to purchase an up-top spacer as opposed to a lower mount spacer.  The lower mount spacers create a situation where a CV boot could potentially be affected by the shock during operation of the vehicle.

Edited by Gangly
RWTJR Enthusiast

RWTJR

Posted
Posted
3 hours ago, Xterrable said:

I do not think I have seen a comparison looking at the pros and cons of the Bilstein 5100's vs. a leveling kit.  Here are my thoughts, but I am interested in your thoughts:

 

I think install time is wash, because on a leveling kit, you dont have to compress the spring, but you have to install spacers and on some, replace the upper control arms.  Where the bilsteins, you dont have to do any of that, but you do have to compress the spring. 

 

Both kits require an alignment afterwards.  

 

Spacer kits actually make the shock "longer" so to speak to raise the suspension.   Spring compression rate remains the same.

 

Bilstein changes the mounting point for the spring, thus using the springs compression to raise the suspension.    Changes the spring compression at neutral stance thus giving a bit more firmer of a ride..? 

 

Better leveling kits account for the difference in the upper ball joints and replace the UCA.  I would assume the Bilstein kits also change the ball joint angle, but they do not account for it.

 

Is all that accurate?  Is everyone doing the Bilstein 5100's just leaving the UCA and ball joint stock?

It appears from your Bio you have an AT4. This means you already have a 2" lift over a stock 4X4 Seirra. Therefore, any additional lift should probably include properly sized upper control arms (IMHO).

 

Any lift will change your factory ball joint angle. How much is the question? The non-lifted stock Sierra and the 2" lifted AT4 share the same UCAs and ball joints. So you have a ball joint already working at increased angles to accommodate the AT4's 2" of lift. GM has supposedly engineered for this accommodation.

 

The Bilsteins only provide a maximum lift of 1.1" on the AT4 and yes some just leave the factory UCAs. I can only guess it's due to the small 1.1" or less increase. However, when you consider the AT4 already has 2" of lift on it, the 1.1" additional lift is essentially 3.1" of lift on the factory ball joints.

 

I wouldn't add additional lift to an AT4 without, at least, replacing the UCAs with some that are appropriately sized for the lift.

 

JMHO

No expertise implied or expressed

 

EagleRising Enthusiast

EagleRising

Posted
Posted
General consensus is to purchase an up-top spacer as opposed to a lower mount spacer.  The lower mount spacers create a situation where a CV boot could potentially be affected by the shock during operation of the vehicle.
It was a gift, prior to extensive research. That's why it hasn't been installed. But I've seen just as many positive no issue reviews as I've seen negative on lower kits.

I have just a standard 19 LT Z71 package so leaning more towards the Bilstein option. Just want to level and get the benefits of better shocks as well. I plan on running 275/70/18s essentially 33s on stock rims.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Xterrable Enthusiast

Xterrable

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Good information.  And yes, I have a AT4.  I just added 285/70/18 Ridge Grapplers.  They claim 34" tall. But I found real world off the truck, they are about 33 1/8....  far cry from 34"..  But to be honest, i think a 34" would have been dang close to rubbing.  And the contact patch is a hair over the factory 275's.

 

And I am fine with 1" lift up front with the Bilstein's.  Thats all I really want.

 

Does anyone make an UCA that does not bring it closer to the tire?  I have about a finger's width between the tire and UCA now....   And I do not want to run spacers.

 

When I move back north, sadly I'll have to get new wheels anyway.  I'll need to push the wheels out to get chains in.  I could never run chains being that close to the UCA... 

Gangly Senior Enthusiast

Gangly

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, EagleRising said:

It was a gift, prior to extensive research. That's why it hasn't been installed. But I've seen just as many positive no issue reviews as I've seen negative on lower kits.

I have just a standard 19 LT Z71 package so leaning more towards the Bilstein option. Just want to level and get the benefits of better shocks as well. I plan on running 275/70/18s essentially 33s on stock rims.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 

I have an LT Z71 as well and installed the Eibach kit (adjustable up to ~3") that included springs with the shocks.  Its been a really nice suspension upgrade so far and the more I use it off road the more I understand its characteristics.  For the price it cant be beat in my opinion, so check it out as well.

Xterrable Enthusiast

Xterrable

Posted
  • Author
Posted
6 hours ago, Gangly said:

I have an LT Z71 as well and installed the Eibach kit (adjustable up to ~3") that included springs with the shocks.  Its been a really nice suspension upgrade so far and the more I use it off road the more I understand its characteristics.  For the price it cant be beat in my opinion, so check it out as well.

I don’t see a listing under 2020 for the Sierra.  Only Canyon.

Dunn Senior Enthusiast

Dunn

Posted
Posted

 

issue i have with spacer kit vs coilover suspension lift is the travel of the shock......on adjustable shocks you dont lose much if any compared to spacers.....and on some you gain travel,

 

suspension over spacer 100% of the time for me

 

seems most people end up there anyway after messing around with a few spacer kits

Rtalliston Enthusiast

Rtalliston

Posted
Posted

I put the billsteins on my 20 lt z71 myself and i found the ride to be much improved over the factory...the front end felt a little squishy from the factory like riding in a buick goin down the interstate...i did the install myself which saved me a couple hundred bucks so it was a no brainer for me....if youre looking for more economical ive read that upper spacers are better.

Duramax3oh Enthusiast

Duramax3oh

Posted
Posted (edited)

I am not a fan of the stock shocks on my LT Z71 so replacing them was important to me. Using the 5100’s over a spacer was a no brainer in my opinion. The quality of the ride is just much more greatly improved over the stock shocks with a spacer, and the net cost all in just isn’t that much more to not do it - unless you’re on a major budget. 
 

My problem is I have a massive case of scope creep and ended up going with the 6112’s over the 5100’s. ? I also added a rear block and did 5160’s in the rear. I am extremely pleased with the result even though they’re overkill for me. My wife even made a comment that the truck rides so much better. 

Edited by Duramax3oh

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • Chuck FB
      Multigate Connector Difficult to Connect Fully

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      This is just a thought as I can't claim this is the correct thing to do but will suggest it and you can decide if its something you would try. First round up some electrical contact cleaner spray as they at least claim its not supposed to damage the components ( brake cleaner depending on the type is a real destroyer of plastic etc ) and to use that to assist to clean out any grime from the pins as well as the mechanism by spraying and working the lever etc. Then my next thought is to use silicone spray lube and not on the pins but on the seal and the pivot assembly. It may not be possible to spray it on certain area's and have to use a q tip as Davestar mentioned to keep it from getting on the pins. Dielectric grease can be fine on some things but its easy to get too much on if not careful and then gunk things up and a possible risk of getting it on the pins or sockets. The silicone spray is able to get into a mechanical component to help lube and on surfaces its just a fine film to reduce friction such as that seal. Also it can be doused off with a good flush of the electrical contact cleaner the next time for a repeat of a "clean and then lightly lube" step process to wash off any dirt that had stuck to the exterior etc of the plug.   Free advice, yes. Good advice ... now there's the question mark !    
    • JohnRoy
      2020 Sierra 2500 windows rolling down

      By JohnRoy · Posted

      Hey thanks yall for the info. It apparently was the key fob - the "reserve" key fob works just fine. Yall were all over it. Great input! JRD
    • PunchT37
      Wow I'm in a pickle. (Broke down truck) and a story.

      By PunchT37 · Posted

      I just bought one of these.   https://www.topdon.us/collections/diagnostic-tools/products/artidiag-pro   Yeah, it`s got a cable. $250/year after 2 years. Do I want more? Yep. But, I`m not working any more and can`t afford a whirlpool in my tool box.
    • Atlas
      Wow I'm in a pickle. (Broke down truck) and a story.

      By Atlas · Posted

      Why don't I have a good scanner? I've always wanted one when I've needed one.   My latest reading says I don't need to do a relearn on the ckp sensor on a 1995 with OBD 1.5. The relearn is prescribed for the later-model 1995's which shipped with actual OBD II when GM completed the transition in prep for the 1996 MY. I need to confirm that. Did you know forums are disappearing? Knuckleheads on Facebook... it's not the same. It's just not.   So, scanners. Again, shooting myself in the foot for having eBayed my Snap On MT2500 "brick" with all the adapters. Not that I couldn't buy another but those are getting quite old, and mine wasn't new enough to work on 2000's vehicles.   Damn it (as I'm scanning my email between paragraphs here). Did you know there's a 2000 Jimmy 2-door on BaT that's ending this morning? It's local. I want it. 14k miles. Absolutely beautiful.   Back to scanners. MT2500's are old. Solus, now that could be a contender. There's a ~2008 Verus with a system error that's basically new in box for cheap. Hmm...I'm not sure about a scanner that runs an archaic version of windows (95 or CE, I can't tell).   I want the ability to reset and rotate TPMS, test individual modules, bleed ABS, electronic parking brake controls for servicing brakes, relearn procedures and other bidirectional controls.   Snap On does an MT2600. It's a new model as of last year, marketed as their "entry" scanner. Entry? Only where $1900 gets you through the doorway plus, I'm guessing, $1000/year if you wish to keep it current. So goes scan tools actually designed for production environments. Want decent products with excellent support, you pay for it.   Everyone is raving about Autels and TopDons and Foxconns and all these newer brands that are selling the $500 "prosumer" scanners for backyard hacks like me. They're tempting...honestly. Updates are cheaper, base prices are remarkably cheaper... And you get to deal with bugs and translation whoopsies and, well, just don't use it on anything expensive, OK? Having a dealer replace an ECU because it needs to be re-imaged after an adventure in scanning is no joke. But I think most people are getting by OK with these units.   eBay on a scratch-and-sniff pro-model oldie, a shiny new TopDon, or???   God dang it, I can't stop looking at this Jimmy. I'm ready! I'll Bring The TRailer! It's beautiful.
    • Texasdeere
      What have you done to your K2 today?

      By Texasdeere · Posted

      I removed the OE running boards.  It looked so much better.  I wish I took them off a long time ago.     I had to put something back on for my wife.  I wanted Westin Sure Grip Running Boards but they are very pricey, like $600 plus.  I was going to go with the Ionic 41's like I had on the 2019 Silverado but went with Westin Outlaw Drop Steps instead, about $200 cheaper.  They are sturdy and functional but not super crazy about the look, but it works.  

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...