How Do You Like Your Bilstein 5100s

[dennismc]

I have a 2008 1500 Sierra 4wd z71, I am looking at the Bilsteins and was wondering

how much firmer they are on the hiway as compared to stock.

[johnfusc]

I have had my Bilstein 5100`s on for a week now and Love the ride, I also gained between 2 - 2.5" of lift in the front running 285 70 17 nitto TG. I don`t notice much difference on Highway but real noticeable difference on bumps and pot holes just takes them better. I would not go back to stock now!

[alaska511]

Very pleased with mine. Much improved ride when it gets rough. Highway ride is as solid as stock.

[dennismc]

They sound like just what i'm after,about the same on the hiway and much better on the

rough stuff. My 99 gmt 400 had the factory bilsteins and really liked them. Did the rear

hieght remain the same after replacement,i'm looking for 1-2 inch lift for the front and would like

for the rear to remain close to stock.

[txab]

I love mine.

[seadoons]

Um - shocks can't give your truck any additional height. Shocks are there for one reason - to absorb shock. You can get additional height by cranking the torsion bars or adding a lift.

 

To the original question - I added mine about six months ago and like them. Are they noticibly better than a cheaper pair? I can't tell. It did improve the ride though as they replaced shocks that were almost 7 years old with 120K on them.

 

Edit: it looks like someone above got the additional height from the new tires - not the shocks. Tires can give you height - not shocks. If you have a 4x4 have the torsion bars cranked up!

[dennismc]

The bilstein 5100s front shocks are adjustable from 0-1.75 inches

the rear are not.

[66nova]

Um - shocks can't give your truck any additional height. Shocks are there for one reason - to absorb shock. You can get additional height by cranking the torsion bars or adding a lift.

 

To the original question - I added mine about six months ago and like them. Are they noticibly better than a cheaper pair? I can't tell. It did improve the ride though as they replaced shocks that were almost 7 years old with 120K on them.

 

Edit: it looks like someone above got the additional height from the new tires - not the shocks. Tires can give you height - not shocks. If you have a 4x4 have the torsion bars cranked up!

 

Actually, with the 5100 series Bilsteins you can adjust the front ride height.

[VMax2007]

Um - shocks can't give your truck any additional height. Shocks are there for one reason - to absorb shock. You can get additional height by cranking the torsion bars or adding a lift.

 

To the original question - I added mine about six months ago and like them. Are they noticibly better than a cheaper pair? I can't tell. It did improve the ride though as they replaced shocks that were almost 7 years old with 120K on them.

 

Edit: it looks like someone above got the additional height from the new tires - not the shocks. Tires can give you height - not shocks. If you have a 4x4 have the torsion bars cranked up!

 

Actually, with the 5100 series Bilsteins you can adjust the front ride height.

 

 

+1

 

Correctonate me if I am wrong, but it is the coilover that gives you ride height adjustment, not the actual shock, right?

[geektoad]

Um - shocks can't give your truck any additional height. Shocks are there for one reason - to absorb shock. You can get additional height by cranking the torsion bars or adding a lift.

 

To the original question - I added mine about six months ago and like them. Are they noticibly better than a cheaper pair? I can't tell. It did improve the ride though as they replaced shocks that were almost 7 years old with 120K on them.

 

Edit: it looks like someone above got the additional height from the new tires - not the shocks. Tires can give you height - not shocks. If you have a 4x4 have the torsion bars cranked up!

 

Actually, with the 5100 series Bilsteins you can adjust the front ride height.

 

 

+1

 

Correctonate me if I am wrong, but it is the coilover that gives you ride height adjustment, not the actual shock, right?

 

 

There are multiple spring perch mounts. The max is actually 2.5 if i remember correctly...

[seadoons]

So it is the coil-over springs - not the shock absorbers - that add the height? I still stand by my original post.

[seadoons]

A little more info - there are two 5100 series:

 

1. 5100 Series

2. 5100 Series Ride Adjustable

 

I have the first kind - not adjustable. The second kind changes up the factory springs so the shock does not give you the height. Does anyone know if the ride adjustable will give you the same amount of height as adjusting the torsion bars?

 

Here is the descriptions for both:

 

5100 Series

 

The 5100 Series offers traditional Bilstein technology with applications for lifted trucks, Jeeps and prerunners. Our 5100 Series shock absorbers are designed for specific manufactured lift kits utilizing the stock O.E.M. mounting configuration. 5100 Series shocks feature Bilstein's superior single tube high gas pressure design for the upmost in consistent fade-free performance and long life. Bilstein's patented Digressive self-adjusting valving delivers improved damping control and a smooth ride on all road surfaces at any speed.

 

Self-Adjusting Deflecting Disc Valving

High-Flow Piston Reduces Harshness

Independent Rebound & Compression Tuning

Larger Working Piston Area for Exact Damping

Superior Control for Large Diameter Tires

 

5100 Series Ride Adjustable

 

Zinc-plated shocks that install like factory replacement shocks and are designed to correct the factory rake. The OEM spring seat is repositioned to provide more preload to the factory spring. The result is a level front to rear ride height. An extremely simple and effective solution, offering increased wheel travel while accommodating a 33" tire.

 

Applications available for numerous later model Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota trucks and SUVs

 

**Ride height varies according to application

[geektoad]

GMT900s don't have torsion bars. hence the springs...

[seadoons]

It all makes sense now. Sorry...that was a dumb question...my truck doesn't have springs and I know that.

 

So no torsion bars on the new body style, huh? That is good to know as I am looking to buy a used '07 or '08 soon and one of the first mods will be to level out the front end. Cranking the torsion bars wears out the front end quicker on my body style of truck - is changing up the springs on the NBS trucks not as hard on the front end?

[johnfusc]

Um - shocks can't give your truck any additional height. Shocks are there for one reason - to absorb shock. You can get additional height by cranking the torsion bars or adding a lift.

 

To the original question - I added mine about six months ago and like them. Are they noticibly better than a cheaper pair? I can't tell. It did improve the ride though as they replaced shocks that were almost 7 years old with 120K on them.

 

Edit: it looks like someone above got the additional height from the new tires - not the shocks. Tires can give you height - not shocks. If you have a 4x4 have the torsion bars cranked up!

 

Actually, with the 5100 series Bilsteins you can adjust the front ride height.

 

 

+1

 

Correctonate me if I am wrong, but it is the coilover that gives you ride height adjustment, not the actual shock, right?

 

 

There are multiple spring perch mounts. The max is actually 2.5 if i remember correctly...

 

 

 

Correct there are 4 settings, the struts are set at stock height and you have to move the C clip to the height desired up to 2". (The fronts are coil over struts and the back are shocks) I went with 1/2" longer shocks in the rear. As far as the tires just giving me the height in the front: no, I could take off the 285`s and put back on 245`s and I will still be 2-2.5" higher in the front over stock height.