Bilstein 5100 Settings for dummies

Took the truck out for a short Offroad (sand, rocks, graded FR). There is a noticeable improvement to the dampening. Definite improvement over the stock suspension. I would recommend my exact set up for anyone trying to achieve what I explained in my OP. Thanks for the input all.

 

This is very good input. Thank you for taking the time, and really exactly the kind personal explanation I have been seeking.

Currently looking at Bilstein 6112's which are $679 set, and the 5160's are $189 each. After/during I will start my own post as well.

 

I just ordered that exact setup off Headstrong Off Road, best customer service I;ve had in awhile, and the best pricing I've found for assembled coil overs.

 

Cool!

Their price is nearly exactly the same as my local shop (Mule). I have been holding my tongue on bad mouthing the stock Sport (Hitachi) shocks, because they are actually quite nice on the street. But wow they absolutely SUCK on any whoops or even moderately bumpy dirt road. The truck gets uncontrollably bouncy even at low speeds and the shocks don't stand a chance.

 

I purchased all 4 bilstein 5100s from headstrong ( best price i found shipped) and installed over the weekend using the no spring compressor method. After install and alignment it ended up giving me 1 1/4" of lift on the 3rd setting. My experience with lifts has been, with the exception of bodylifts and rear lift blocks, you can count on ended up with a little more lift than what is claimed. 1.1" turns into 1.25".

 

Hi Pablo, did you ever make this change? How do you like your ride now?

 

No, saving money again. I just paid for my lockers, gears, etc........and Christmas! Probably will do early 2020

 

Txs for that Caleb. Now that it's level, are you happy you didn't bother with the rear? That's what I've been looking to do without.

 

I’m still happy with it, it looks and rides great. However I am planning to do something to the rear in the future as I am planning on running 285s on the next round of tires.

 

And that is with the OEM springs too Caleb?

 

Correct, I didn’t change out springs yet but will when I do something in the back

 

Hold on im no pro here, but you the spring length are not the same. The top hat does not move relative to bottom clip. The top hat is at a fixed location and when you move the clips up, you preload the spring. The preload is what gives you lift, or rather the spring is stiffer so the weight of the vehicle does not sag it as much. Now in terms of ride, the stiffer the spring, the stiffer the ride. What i am still confused about is what happens to travel when you preload the coil. The actual travel or the shock has not changed just because we preloaded the spring, only the reaction of the spring to weight to the travel. So it would take more weight to move a preloaded spring, hence less down travel under normal weight. I am not sure if up travel is affected In the same manner as the spring cannot be decompressed from its preloaded condition, so im thinking up travel is not affected. Anyone with real knowledge, please correct me if i am wrong

just reading the comments, the spring length yes will be the same length with the wieght of the vehicle on all clips, because weather pressure from the wieght of the vehicle or from preloading, its just pressure from both sides of the spring, the spring is designed to be a certain length for the same wieght. That in no way means the spring will react the same because under preloaded conditions, you have created a stiffer spring, meaning stiffer ride. I think my thoughts on travel remain unchanged

 

Just checking in to see if the OP has any updates. I appreciate the anecdotal step by step information. I've been starting from the opposite end with tires/wheels.

I'm planning on going with a minor 1" lift so this setup sounds like a good option once my stock shocks wear out. I may need to look more into AALs since I want to maintain the factory take though.

 

Post 2 is about the most helpful response I've seen around here.

Post 5 is the typical BS that has kept me in the dark to the answer to this question.

 

Here she is 4th setting up front rear 1.5” lift. Factory rake. Rides excellent. Super stoked on my set up.

 

I emailed Bilstein directly. See below:

 

Amen. 71tattoguy this was what I was talking about.

 

@Douros

This is the same setup I just installed on my 2017 DCLB OR with 28,000 miles at the end of January. The ride only changed due to the new valving difference of the 5100's. Alignment went perfect with a very minimal adjustment. Great setup for only $375 + $169 for lifetime alignment. Very easily done in the driveway in a couple of hours. It's a great setup to lift/ level the front. Good choice...
I plan on installing my F5's 16x8 4.5bs on 255/85/16's once i get some more miles out of my factory tires. Killing me knowing they sit in the garage.

The great misconception of preloading on 5100's is too funny. The loaded height of the factory coil remains the same no matter the clip setting. The only change is how much further the bottom of the shock extends creating the lift. How would the exact same loaded height become firmer or stiffer? I get a good chuckle every time I read it.

 

Thanks so much for your help bro

 

EXACTLY ... The spring/coil raises the the truck and the shock is either longer or simply extends. The truck doesn't "push back harder to compress the coil" That'd be like saying you weigh more on the second floor.