Bilstein 5100 Settings for dummies

This what mine looks like for reference.

 

That sits nice. Thanks for the pic! I know it’s subjective but how’s the ride quality with the single AAL I’ve read it’s harsh?

 

Its a bit give and take. The back suspension is definitely stiffer and it feels like I can feel more of the little bumps on the road. That has got a bit better when I had the 160 lbs of camper shell put on the back. The 5100s definitely do a better job smoothing out the large bumps and the front end doesn't plunge as much when I take turns because of them.

 

Hey guys. Is there any cons to running 5100s at stock height both front and rear? I just bought some and not sure I want to lift the truck any. I'm thinking since the shocks are slightly longer they might limit the suspension travel on the fully compressed end, like if you're off-roading and have it fully flexed with one tire stuffed up in the wheel well, it wouldn't compress as far?

I hate the ride of the stock shocks so had to upgrade to something. I could have went for the 4600s but figured if going that far, should at least get the 5100 to keep the option to level or lift if I changed my mind. I almost got the 6112s but just thought that'd be overkill for my needs, maybe it isn't though.

I'm just not excited that if I lift it, even just 0.65" or 1.1", I'd end up doing the ECGS bushing, 1/2" lift block in back, 1 degree axle shim, longer leaf spring pins and maybe longer u-bolts.

 

If you are just going for a better ride you might be better off selling the 5100s and buying Sumo Springs.
They are a lot easier to install as well

 

Never heard of them. Just looked. Aren't they just an alternative to airbags?

This 2022 SR I have is odd. It has Hitachi shocks that ride like crap. Super jittery and you can feel every small imperfection in the road. What's odd is that I had a 2018 SR that also had the black Hitachi shocks, and it rode super soft. Couldn't feel any of those road imperfections. Same exact tire model, size and load rating were installed on both trucks. That said, I don't really "need" to lift it but have considered going with 0.65" front with 0" rear or 1.1" front 0.5" rear but am undecided. The main thing I want to avoid is the ECGS bushing install. It looks like a pain.

Back to my question though, trying to find out if running the 5100s at stock height can causes any issues like limiting the compression travel or something?

 

the sumos are replacement bump sticks that smooth out your ride considerably.
I’ll find a link when I’m not on my phone

any reason you don’t want to lift?

The front 5100s at zero gain setting should have no issue

for the rear it might make your ride a little rougher but I’m not sure

 

I don't really "need" it per se. I live in a ski town so drive in the snow a ton but don't do any wheeling, just some mild stuff and fire roads sometimes to get to trailheads or camp. I have a KTM and mountain bikes for all my real exploring. Looks wise, I like the way it looks now. I have the 17" TRD Pro wheels and 265/70r17 Wildpeaks and like the look. The main reasons I'm hesitant to lift though is just the needle bearing and need for more improvements to the rear like lift block and longer ubolts and leaf pins.

Bilstein does list the fronts as 0-2" and rears as 0-1" so zero should be fine.....

 

I’ve been researching installing 5100s. I had them installed after lots of thought. I bought truck with 24k already leveled. Way too much and finally went for a change. Removed 2 inch spacer in front and 2 inch block in rear. I had already changed tire size from 285/75 to 265/75. I had new 5100s installed in front with clip in 3rd slot. I also now have a 1 inch block in rear. Looks like about 1 inch rear to front stance now. Much happier with the look and ride now. But I also understand everyone sees the lifts, levels, wheels, and tires differently.

 

I really like that

 

An update. The ride on these new 5100 shocks is much improved over factory hitachi shocks and old lift spacers. Should have done this several years ago.

 

I just installed the 5100's with them set on the top clip. I got a little more than 2" on the front and I put a 1" block in the back. The truck sits almost perfectly level but the shop said that it would settle a little bit. I will eventually change the 1" block to a 1.5 AAL and swap out the needle bearing with the ECGS bushing. The shop said since the truck only has 3500 miles on it not to worry about it for a little bit, but I should have it swapped for preventative maintenance.

I want to be able to put 275/70r/17's on the truck, but im sure they wont fit on the stock sport wheels without spacers. When looking for wheels, what offset should I look for to be able to clear the UCA and have the 275 fit without rubbing? I dont mind removing the mud flaps, etc, but im not in to cutting the cab mount.

 

Thx for this information. I’m moving mine to 4th clip and I installed 1” block in the back. Did you install new uca? New member here. Thx in advance.

 

with 4th clip you should be ok with stock uca, ive been at the exact setup your talking about for a year and im happy with it

 

with 4th clip you should be ok with stock uca, ive been at the exact setup your talking about for a year and im happy with it

 

x2 here

 

Thx for the 411!

 

Question. I’m going to be doing this, as well. I’ll be doing the back with a 1 inch block. Which brand should I go with? There are so many made of different materials like aluminum and steel. Cut out or solid options. Also, prices are all over the place from cheap to expensive. What are you guys using?

 

I used Toytech. 1” Kinda pricey.
Had to cut the 10” u bolts after installing as well. I’m satisfied and like the look.