Is there anything else I should keep in mind before putting in 5100s?

The truck I bought had an AAL and is lifted about 1.5 inches in the rear but still has the oem trd billsteins (terrible crashing ride in the rear). Front is totally stock.

I plan on keeping the AAL in the rear and getting the Bilstein 5100 for the rear to compensate for the lift. For the front I plan on also using the 5100s and putting it at the 2.5in lift setting to make it about level.

Is there anything else I should keep in mind before doing this?
Also, is there a preferred vendor or best place to buy these?

Thanks!

 

Maybe do ur ball joints while u have her torn apart....tie rod ends?? Other then that, nothing...hit everything with pb blaster

 

I saw one website offering dustboots for the shocks, is this a common add on that should be put on as well?

 

You might want to pick some upper control arms. I couldnt get more than 0.4 caster with a 2" lift on the front, handled like crap on the freeway. 5100's on the 2.5 setting is gonna ride really stiff btw.

 

Just found your pics. Your probably going to need some springs for the front,,to get it where you want it. Setting a shock height just gives you a broader range of motion,,it really doesn't crank in or remove lift as one might expect or interpret. Just cranking the shock setting to 2.5" gives you a extra 1.25" each way (compression then rebound) as an example of that adjustment. The shock is not holding back coil spring tension per say, it's just riding along to control the speed of movement. Some big dollar systems it does do all of that,,just not yours at this time.

Your terrible crashing ride is probably those oem REAR shocks topping out due to the AAl height. I would almost bet on it.

Mileage is the key on other parts that might,,or might not need to be replaced. Once you get it apart, you get to assess those parts. Coil spring cushions, swaybar bushings, small hardware, Ect. Ball joints were tossed out there,,and again, depending on your mileage and service record of those. Some folks just go ahead and replace,,since it is apart and most of those OEM's are a non greasable joint.

Have your ducks in a row and then give these guys a call, because they are really busy alot of the time, but are always helpful.

 

Cool, thanks for the info and tips everyone.
Would getting the correct front springs to match the shocks at the 2.5 inch setting give better ride quality, or will it still be pretty harsh. I was looking at the old man emu springs on wheelers.

 

The Old Man Emu springs are a really close ride to the stock feel of the truck. Firm at first, then they soften just a bit.

About as close to a factory spring, but taller. Some will disagree on the first part of that. I have the 1.5" OME springs.