Bilstein 5100 review

I've done so much research for Bilstein 5100 and this site as been so helpful that I have to write down a review of these shocks. The installation when really good, according to the mechanic that did the job. I was charged 2 hours for labor witch I think is well worth it if you like me don't have the proper tools .I cannot believe how good my truck now handles, honestly IMO drives better than stock ! They had no problem with the alignment and the truck drives as straight as it ever been . Having them set at 1.75" it sit level and I have the Canadian version on the rear leaf pack (4 leafs) . Also I don't want to forget to mention that I have absolutely no vibrations . Order them from Essex Canada and they were ship to me across the country with a low shipping fee . Hope this help somebody out there like it help me .

 

You reused your stock coils.

 

I did the exact same thing (ordered from essex and set at 1.75" on a canadian 2012) and ended up with the same results. I would recommend these also

 

Yes I reused the stock coils . Here's an after picture

 

Looks good!

 

Just did the exact same thing this week, also ordered from Essex. Rides like a beaut.

 

Thanks for the review OP, these are pretty popular here. I think they are quality products and I like the way they ride compared to the stock POS's. Definitely the best shock in it's class for the money.

 

i used essex as well, $20 for shipping and almost $200 cheaper then anyone that was going to get them for me around winnipeg. and i also have had the same experience as the OP, love them so far and they had no problems with my alignment. ride is straight and smooth.

 

Thanks david2011sr5 , I think I need a more aggressive tire now. I will buy Duratracs next spring , one mod at the time

 

Sweet looking truck jermoids ! pretty much exactly what I'm going for .

 

thank you!! it's subtle but still looks a little meaner!

 

Yes Essex is cheaper than anyone in the states when you add shipping to me in Ontario.... I am going to pull the trigger soon! I m just not sure if I need to do anything in the rear like an AAL dont want to be nose high.. I have the 4 leaf pack but when i throw my sled in the back....

Thread needs more pics though!!!

 

i put readylift 1" blocks in the back. it measured perfectly level without the blocks but looked nose high to me, so i added the blocks. still rides perfect, no vibrations or axle wrap.

how it sits with the 1.75" setting on stock with the 1" blocks....

 

Both trucks look really good, Hoping to get 5100 from Santa!

 

I am very close to buying a full set of 5100's for my beauty..I had one question. For OP and those who set their's at 1.75..at that preload..it still rides better than with the stock shocks? I am not really looking for much lift..I mainly want it to ride smoother..and feel more firm.

 

I have priced them everywhere and as it sits right now downsouth motorsports works out the cheapest even with shipping to Canada.. It is about. A $75.00 cheaper than Essex even with me paying Ontario sales tax. Essex is the nex best for Canadians though

Note to all: Sonny at DSM said his shocks are going up as of January 1st due to an increase from RCD

 

I can only speak from experience with them set at 1.75 but IMO It was a vast improvement over the stock shocks. 5100's are a great way to achieve lift and improve handling.

 

If you don't do anything to your rear suspension ,it will be nose high if you load a sled in the back there's no doubt about it , in my case anyway . I would strongly recommend a 1.5" of lift AAL . Or if you are not going to be loading your sled often a 1" block would also be a good option .

The 5100's will at the limit work with 1.5" of lift in the rear but I did not try this so maybe double check with someone that did . Here's a couple of pictures, the picture that show the front makes it look nose high but in reality it looks better IMO

 

Here's what I think a little more in depth of the ride quality, on the streets I don't feel the cracks and bumps as much with the 5100's .It then's to skip across bumps as appose to have a bottoming feel like the stock one's did. Off-road is where IMO you will see the more of a difference , they are more firm that's for sure but feels like the truck can go through more rough terrain before you feel like the truck want's to come apart . This is my personal opinion , hope it helps you .

 

That's correct. Just ordered a set for 299$,free shipping.