Blown 5100's...new set-up?

First post...wow..I've been pouring through these forums for years gaining knowledge and would like to start by thanking everyone for the $.02 they contribute. I have utilized this website for a long time.

Here is my situation and question...I drive 45 miles to work every day and 35 of those miles are very rough gravel roads...I try to take it easy but I hit A LOT of bumps. I also guide hunting out of it in treacherous conditions. I occasionally will drive it long distances on smooth roads but this truck gets beat...I love this truck very much though.

I put 5100s around with a new leaf pack plus wheelers AAL in back and stock coils with 5100s max setting in front...fairly level. After 2 years a front shock blew out 6 months ago and I'm sure it's shot by now and needs to replaced...

Here is my question..
Do I replace the 5100s with new ones and try to take it easier, or is there a better front end set-up for my situation...just put addicted offroad tube bumped on too...85# I think.

Thank you for any comments and I'm excited to actually be posting after stalking all you people for years.

 

Don't they still have lifetime warranty? I blew out the front shocks in my Chevy that had been in there for 80K miles and Bilstein swapped them out. Might be worth checking.

 

5100s have a lifetime warranty. Contact Billistein and get a new one.

 

Will do. That would be simple.

 

Time for kings

 

Stick with stock springs or upgrade?

 

Blew out a 5100. Switching to icons. Can't wait.

 

I'd recommend switching to OME shocks, from my experience they last longer than the 5100's. But if you can get it replaced then why not.

 

Upgrade the stock springs to an OME 887 spring and set your new 5100s to "0". You'll still get the lift but the ride will be smoother.

 

Does the warranty cover the bushings?

 

5100s are basically a stock stock with perch options to preload the springs with, if you go above the 0 setting.

In your conditions preload is a horrid idea, and you have it at the worst possible position.

I would go ahead and get the replacement, because you can. But I'd also start shopping for a suspension that will behave much better for your use. IE springs that accomplish any lift you want and proper dampers to control them.

Call Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road and get her input and quote. If it costs more than your budget at the moment, slap on the replacement shock, get both springs off that top perch, and save your $ till you can pay for the good stuff.

 

^this

 

If I get a replacement 5100 should I upgrade to OME 887 coils and set to "0" as boogie said?..would that take care of the preload? Thanks for the advice.

 

I'd rather have 5100s than OME.

Ran both, noticed zero difference except the 5100s were silent, not bright yellow and cost $100 less.

 

So your Bilstein warranty requires you to ship them the shock for inspection, then they'll either deny the warranty, or provide you with a pro-rated price on a replacement shock. From my research, they deny warranty any chance they get. A member here had a blown 6112 and his warranty was denied because of offroad use.

By the time you pay shipping to them for inspection, maybe get denied, or they sell you a shock direct (plus cost of shipping to you), you could've replaced your shock elsewhere for less money and not wasted 2 weeks of time.

 

Follow the last line of post 11

 

10-4.