Ride quality question

Wondering if the better ride would be bilstein 5100’s set to 2.5” or a 3” spacer on top of 5100’s set to 0? I realize most people don’t like spacers but would like some feedback.

 

I'm not sure how Bilstein 5100's up front work, but I will say that anything over 2" up front and you should be upgrading your upper control arms.

Plus, setting that much preload on your Bilsteins means they will ride stiff.

My suggestion?

Taller tires and set for 2" lift, forget the spacer altogether.

 

The best ride form 5100s would come from pairing them with OME (881, 882 etc) coils, with the height set at 0".

Spacers suck because when you just lower the shock mounting (especially 2+" lift), you run the risk of bottoming out the shock before you hit the bumpstops. You could put spacers on the bumpstops, but then you are just unnecessarily limiting wheel travel. You also run into other issues like CV angles, and as @Kwikvette said, upper control arms. At 2" you'd probably be okay with keeping stock UCAs, 2.5" might even be okay since the full OME kit is 2.5" and doesn't use new UCAs.

Also keep in mind, while the 5100s are a great shock, they are also digressive, which means they handle a little stiffer on the road (but handle well off road). For a "softer" ride, Monroes (nothing special, just replacement stock shocks) or the more spendy Kings or Fox shocks are what you'd want.

OME coils cost like $170. Just do that.

 

Soooo, this is what I currently have. I want to replace the shocks but want to maintain the lift (which I believe is 1.5”) but want a nice road ride. Not concerned w/ off road performance as it rarely goes off of it. Bilstein or Monroe w/ the spacer? I should mention it rides a little stiff as is, and I have no idea if those are OME coils or were changed out earlier. I appreciate your opinions as that is my next project. Thanks