Bilstein 5100, for the 97,362 time....

OK....I've read through thread after thread after thread.....and confused myself more than I was BEFORE I started researching the subject. SO. I'm going to ask my own VERY specific question. I'm looking for a VERY specific answer. Not so much interested in "other options"....

Here we go. If I was to use a Bilstein 5100, set at 2.5, which coil spring would give me a decent ride and NOT make the front end pogo off every bump in the road? I know 2.5 translates into a good bit of preload, but I'm good with that. I understand that much preload AND "good ride" aren't generally spoken in the same sentence.

But....I have a set of 5100's on the way. Gonna make 'em work. I need 2.5 worth of lift. At this point, I'm hearing 887's more than any other coil. Right or wrong. I'd prefer to hear from folks who have actually used this combination.

Also worth mentioning, the desired end result is no MORE than 3" total lift (from "stock") And there will eventually be a US Offroad hidden winch mount/Warn 8000 winch added to the front end, just not yet....

Help me out here.

 

If you're going to buy new coils then there's no need to set the bilsteins to 2.5". Get your 2.5" of lift from the coils (like OME 885's), and set the bilsteins to 0" for the best ride. You get lift from aftermarket coils since they are longer and have a higher spring rate than stock.

 

this^^^ .

 

Now we're getting somewhere. I have got so much conflicting information on coils from so many sources......This is why I'm asking for specifics from people who've done exactly what I'm trying to do......Which is, 2-1/2" of lift with 5100's, and ending up with a decent ride. I do 25,000+ highway miles a year and don't want to end up with a truck that rides like a brick.

 

I have Bilstein 5100's with the factory recommended Eibach springs which are designed to provide 1.6" lift. My 5100's are set at .85. I measured slightly greater than 2.5" lift on my DCSB 4X4 when all was said and done.

I am very happy with the ride quality.

 

Here we go...

I got 2.5" of lift with stock coils and my 5100s set at 1.75. I have an access cab V6 - not sure what you have OP, your profile just says '11 TRD OR. I am happy with the ride until I'm prepared to put serious money into the suspension. There are many ways to get 2.5" of lift. If you are prepared to shell out the money now, get coils like 885 or Eibach. They will be a better ride than preloading stock coils. Also, if lifting with the coil you don't need adjustable struts. I did it the way I did because 1 - I wanted to spend that money on other items, and 2 - shocks/ struts are wear items and need to be replaced eventually anyway (unless yo buy ones that can be rebuilt).