Those with Bilstein 5100s...how’s the ride quality?

I’m a noob when it comes to all of this...I’m just wondering how the Bilstein 5100s feel compared to the stock OR shocks in terms of highway driving

 

Depends on the springs you use, or if you use the stock springs: which perch are you using.

Mainly they will be more firm and less bouncy than the stock Off-road shocks. Not rough, just more firm. They are an improvement

 

Shoulda mentioned I plan on using OME 887s!

 

I went with 5100+888 up front and they’re a little too stiff for me. I’m at 3k miles with them so hopefully they’ll soften up.

The rear I went with 5100+Dakar medium and I love it. Great combo.

 

So as far as the springs, would 885s feel softer or more firm than 887s, 888s etc?

 

887 is stock or light load. 888 is medium load. 886 is heavy load. 887s will be the softest, the others will be more harsh

I saw that the spring rates have just changed so that is the current setup on rates

 

I have 5100s and 887 springs up front and HS Off Road 3AAL in the rear. I think it rides much better than stock OR suspension. It is a little stiffer but alot less bouncy. I have no complaints.

 

Got any pics? Doing the same set up except with Wheelers AAL

 

That’s the only one I have on my phone. I might have more of the suspension on my home computer. I can post them tomorrow if I have any.

 

Damn that looks so good! Can’t wait til everything comes in. Tire size?

 

275/70R17 BFG KO2s on Icon Rebound wheels

Edit:
I just realized this is a 3rd gen thread but suspension is pretty much the same.

 

In my experience with 5100's and factory springs, the ride quality varies based on height setting.

Basically, don't expect 5100's at max height to ride as nicely as some set at mid height.

Perhaps aftermarket springs might help to alleviate this... I dunno.

 

Aftermarket springs should only be set to the bottom perch. Only the stock springs can go up higher. But yes the springs and the height have the most impact

 

I have 5100s set at 1.5” lift. Factory front springs and a rear add-a-leaf, running 31” 6Ply LT tires.

5100s improve the ride quality on and off road. They eliminate the wallowy feel and nose-dive and the harsh small impact response on road of the stock OR shocks , and they do not overheat and fade driving off road, so you stop smacking your bump stops.

There is just no replacement for a larger diameter piston and more oil volume.

5100s should be the stock shocks from the factory. I don’t know what the very high end stuff (Kings etc) does for you, but the inexpensive upgrade to 5100s makes a world of difference. Worth every penny.