Advice for Bilstein 5100 front shocks please!

Yeah, looking good buddy. The only thing I would add, is if you are going to leave the rear as is, you should adjust the headlights. With the angle the truck is at now, you will be blinding people.

 

Ok thanks. That shouldn't be too difficult. The mechanic told me in the future if I wanted to level it out that he could drop it down or add a block in the rear. I know I said it looks level but I can tell it's just a tad higher in the front.

 

I second this. Have mine at .85 and getting ready to go up in a few weeks.

 

Is there a big difference between AAL or going with a block? Just in case for future reference? Thanks

I had the truck aligned right after and so far so good.

 

I have no experience with blocks.

 

My bud, who is a mechanical engineer, told me to stay away from blocks and spacers. Says they will f* up the truck. Best to stick with springs and leaf packs.

 

The only AAL I'm familiar with on 2nd gens is a 2"....that gives a full 2". (Deavers) I think the one available through Toytech is a 2" version also. There may be a 1" AAL, I'm just not familiar with it. Blocks are available in 1", 2", etc..... I've used 1" blocks. They aren't as prone to "axle wrap" as taller ones. From what experience I had with 1", there was no detectible wrap. They worked just fine on my truck for 84000 miles. I needed more than 1" when I did new shocks/front coils, so I went with 2" AAL, and removed the blocks. Wouldn't hesitate for one second to use 'em again if needed. With blocks, you also have to use longer U-bolts. I WOULD think before using taller blocks....

 

I knew you weren't done....

You got all kinds of options buddy.....

As far as AAL's...They do make a 1.5", as well as 2" AAL. There are also different types of AAL's. There are the single leaf (the type I have), and the multi leaf progressive AAL's. From everything I've read, the multi leaf gives a better ride, and the single is better for load handling. I have heard guys say the single has a terrible ride, but I have no complaints with mine. The single's are the cheapest as well. I got mine for ~ $75.

I think a 1.5", or even a 2" AAL would have that thing sitting perfect. Take some measurements to know for sure how much you want to add though.

Even with the leveled look, I think you should still have 1" of rake, for looks, and functionality. 2" of rake is the factory level.

 

Is it just me or (because of the picture angle) looks like the front is higher than the rear? Either way though, I like it LOL!

 

It is just a tad bit. I like it also, but down the road if I feel the need to change it I'd like to know what's the best option between dropping it down to .85 or adding something in the rear.

 

Love it brother! So is it set at .85 or 1.75? LOL

 

1.75 setting.

 

Well, I did finally measure, and sure enough, with a full tank of gas, there's definitely the lean to the driver's side. Doesn't bother me at stock height, but I will deal with it when I lift up the front.

 

The great thing about these shocks is that you can adjust them if your not happy with the ride or lift or add something in the back that's not too much trouble. It's cool you have options that aren't too crazy to get the look and ride you want. This post and others have opened my eyes to that along with teaching me a lot about my truck.

 

Just read the whole thread... I have a Quick question for y'all

I just bought a 1" block to get a little rake back in my truck.. i think my crappy OEM leaf pack settled some more... 5100's at 1.75" up front , TSB out back

although now Im thinking the mech. maybe put em on at .85" ... cause my truck doesn't look like others i feel....

does this look like the 1.75" setting? sorry I'm a noob, and possibly just paranoid

 

how long does it take to take em off and re- adjust ? just so i know what type of cash I'm looking at.. i think that job would be outta my skill.. i can do rear stuff hahah

 

That looks like 1.75 to me. You should have ~ 22" measuring (in the front) center of hub to fender.

I would think most shops would charge an hour, maybe two.

 

I spent a lot of time looking through different threads on this and then I started my own. You sound like myself. @Fitz235 knows his stuff on this and he is right on. Shouldn't take that long if you feel you want to change the setting. I agree off hand it looks like the 1.75 setting and I like your set up. That is where mine is at, but initially the perches were wrong so I had to go back and have that taken care of. You got options if you want a change. Drop it down or add something in the back. Either way, good looking truck.

 

ahhh thanks guys... I appreciate the quick responses as Im about to install a 1" rear block in my truck... Ive never wrenched too much on my truck myself, but I have a buddy, and this forum.

I guess I could probably see what setting my perches are on just by crawling under the truck and looking .

thanks again boys

 

Anytime. This forum is a huge help. Post the results because I'm curious to see how it looks with that 1 inch block in the back.