5100s @ top notch that bad?

So i see lots of people saying 5100 at top notch are a no no for the 3rd gens. Is it really that bad and if so what is bad about it? Are we talking ride quality, performance, damage to other components?

 

You're essentially cranking down those springs as tight of a preload as they will go. Its gonna be stiff, but I doubt it'll break anything. Just won't be comfortable.

 

Ever imagined driving Fred flinstone’s car with rock wheels. It’s like that, only a little bit more harsh.

I don’t think it’ll damage the truck... but do you like your kidneys where they currently are?

 

Even if you don't mind a stiff ride your truck will, it's a quick way to develope interior rattles and squeaks.

 

I actually have experience in exactly what youre saying. I put it at top notch and it was like having rocks for a suspension. You’ll feel the tinest bumps in the road. I lowered it to the bottom. You need old man emu coils. Do it right the first time so you dont have to redo it later.

 

Lift via preloading springs reduces articulation and introduces risk for coil bind.

Lift with the correct spring for the job, select a damper with the right rate to control the spring. Enjoy your driving experience.

 

167 bucks more and you can add some springs and drive around in comfort, at the the same height.

 

Yeah i ended up getting ome shocks and 887s. Hopefully that will level me out just right.

 

Has anyone run them at the top setting with stock springs and with a steel bumper and winch out front? Thinking it could mellow out that flinstone ride?

 

On my 3rd gen Access Cab Off Road, I'm using 5100's with factory springs up front. Initially set at 1.1" (3rd notch), the ride quality actually seemed a little better than stock. Later changed to 1.55" setting (4th notch), and ride quality was stiffer and slightly worse than stock. Bilstien recommends against the highest setting on the Access Cab, and probably correctly so. On my particular truck, I think the ride would be too harsh.