Bilstein 5100 install thread

I'm looking into getting a front/rear set of the 5100's, and I saw a set (all 4 shocks) for ~$350. Of course, I can't find the link now, since I'm at work... It was from a place up in Washington State somewhere I think... I'll try to remember the link when I get home...

 

Order from downsouth motorsports. Should be around $290 shipped.

They are a preferred vendor on here, just PM them.

 

I didnt remove the sway bar bolts. i just unbolted the strut and slid it out.

 

i threw the 881s and bilsteins up front with out having to remove sway bar just 3 top bolts and bottom bolt...and with 265/75/16s on it i got 38.5 inches to bottom of front fender flare

 

funny, that's who I saw the $350 price from, just couldn't remember the name.

I'm definitely ordering from them!

$290, is that for all 4 shocks??

 

Yes, sir!

Got the same set from DSM last week too

 

You guys ordering your Billies from DSM make sure to ask Sonny (or whomever you talk to) if new hardware is included (new washers,grommets,etc: I guess some guys had to buy the "hardware kit" that should really just come with it IMO, think it was an extra $20...

 

thanks guys!!!

I'll be sure to ask re: hardware.

 

This is good advice. I got my 5100's from DSM and the fronts did NOT come with the metal washers/grommets that go on the top hat. I had to order them from Toytec, which was supremely annoying. But I figure with the amount of miles on my truck better do it right.

 

I put my 5100's today, set at the middle level. I also put on some new wheels. KMC enduro 16 x 8, with Hankook Dynapro ATM in 265/75/16.

Here she is:

 

Sweet !!! Looks great bro' & you're gonna love the ride from here out....

 

Thanks fellas, I'm really happy with it. I drove around on stock tires for a day after I put on the 5100's, it handled great. And now with tires, mmmmm mmm goood

 

Bumping an old thread here...

I was just about to order some 5100s for the front and go with a ToyTec AAL in the rear (trying to spruce up my sagging suspension on a 250k mi 2001 DC for cheap $$), but it sounds like I can't? The rear stock shocks won't handle it?

Asus--nice looking rig!

 

You want to freshen up your suspension, but yet, you want to keep your factory worn out rear shocks?

Just order a full set of 5100's + the AAL for $400 shipped and bam, you go yourself a fresh suspension.

Honestly though, if your suspension is all original w/250K you probably need new leafs, shocks and coils. That being said, 5100's all around will make a significant improvement in ride quality.

 

On 2nd gens I'm pretty sure you can do an AAL w/stock shocks but with 1st gens even with just an AAL your going to find your stock rear shocks are maxed out, you can do it temporarily but no offroading until an upgraded shock is on. (I went with the 5125's & lifted my rear 3" with no issues)

 

I have question for you guys do anybody know a tool to widen the lower rear shock mounts to make the bushing fit on a aftermarket shock????

 

I can only think of 2 ways off the top of my head. One way is to cut off one side of shock mount (I say one side because the other side remaining would be for proper alignment when a piece w/eyelett is fabbed & welded into place) the other would be to cut the whole damned thing out & fab a mount up that will be wide enough & take your chances on getting it welded into place with the right alignment, what kind of aftermarket shock is it anyway ...??

 

I got bored yesterday and installed my Bilstein 5100 plus OME 880 coils. Looks good. I will have to get some pics when the weather clears up.

Here is a comparison of my factory shock and coils with the bilstein/ome combination.

 

Much better.

 

Here is what mine looks like with the Bilstein 5100's up front with OME 880 coil.
I set the bilstein on the lowest setting. I have a rear AAL.
I really need to get some bilsteins for the rear.