Adjusting Bilstein 5100s

I have Bilstein 5100s on the front of my Taco currently set at 1.75".

I want to go up to the 2.5" setting.

How do I adjust them? Do I need to pull the struts out, or can I simply adjust them while on the truck (wheels removed and jacked up)?

Also, I have the Firestone Ride Rite airbags on the rear, and will be adjusting those accordingly to sit level with the front.

Thanks in advance!

 

You have to remove the strut assembly and separate the spring from it. Move the clip to the right position and reassemble.

 

that^

 

Yup just like they ^ said. The only ones you can adjust while on the truck are the Coilovers that have the threaded adjustability

 

Thanks for the info!

Might be a little too advanced for me.

Is there a DIY write-up on here? Any special tools needed?

NOTE: I don't have a spring compressor!

 

You can do it without. There's a video on using a jack to release the pressure. You can also reverse the method to reinstall.

 

You can rent spring compressors from your nearest autoparts store, but if you're not familiar or comfortable using those, I would be very wary of trying this yourself. Even what's shown in the video mentioned above could be very dangerous to someone unfamiliar with how to remove shocks. It won't take long for a local shop to do this, but will probably run you a couple hundred to completely uninstall, adjust, and reinstall. But safety first in this situation!
If you are comfortable doing this or know someone who is, it's pretty simple. My only concern would be how many miles have you put on the 5100s? I've never tried this myself, but I imagine after a couple thousand miles those adjustable snap rings will be pretty tough to unseat. Again, haven't tried it with mine though so who knows?

 

My local shop wanted $300.00 + an alignment for to raise mine up. I called just to get an idea and ended up using the video method again. Second time using it and works great and really easy every time, and i'm no mechanic.

 

This
IMO the jack is much safer than the spring compressor.

 

Thanks for the input! I'll definitely consider asking a friend to help out, or as a last resort heading to a local shop to have them done professionally.

I've probably put about 10,000+ miles on the Bilsteins; I'd definitely agree that the adjustable rings may be a little tight and stubborn to adjust.

 

Haha... I enjoy doing (as much as my technical abilities allow) projects myself and try to save the major work for the pros. In this case, I'll weigh my options and see what the best scenario is.

Thanks!

 

This is the video for not using a spring compressor. Any suspension work should only be done by someone experienced!!

http://youtu.be/vkVLBOnAifc

 

best of luck with install! I'd like to hear how easily those rings change position. Also be prepared to need new Upper Control Arms if you can't get the tires in alignment after the lift. I needed new UCAs after my 2" lift with the 5100s to get the camber correct, but it also seems some people on here have gotten away without them. The Light Racing ucas are relatively cheap and very good quality for what you would need

 

Thanks for all of the advice and help guys! I'll definitely come back and post my write-up and experience!