Installing Bilstein 5100s with floor jack method

Has anyone installed Bilstein 5100 fronts on the top spring perch using the floor jack method?

I'm talking with stock coils. If you have not done this method yourself please don't reply.

I've installed some Bilsteins this way before, but not onto the top perch. My concern is that I won't be able to get the spring compressed enough using only the weight of the vehicle with the floor jack. If that's the case, I won't be able to get the shock piston through the top hat far enough to thread the top nut onto the shock.

When I installed these before (lower perch height) I noticed the truck lifted off the jackstand by the time the shock piston was through the top hat enough to thread the top nut on. This time around I'll need to compress that stock coil more.

Will the floor jack method work or will I be forced to have a shop assemble the coilover off the truck (top spring perch with stock coils)?

 

Here is a good video on how to do it. Doesn't look too difficult.
https://youtu.be/jr0v63Q7CQs

 

Thanks. I've done it before, I just haven't tried to install with the spring on the top perch. I will check out the video.

 

So this is not with oem/ factory springs. He's using an OME coil that's 2 inches longer than stock coil (similar spring rate). He's able to compress that longer spring enough to install it (on the lowest perch)...so I think I should be ok with the shorter oem spring on the top perch.

Top perch groove is around 2 inches higher than the bottom perch groove on the actual shock body? Can someone confirm?

 

I did it a few weeks ago on the third setting. The 1.65” setting. It worked. I will say that it seemed like it was close though. I’m sure you’ll be able to get it to work.

I was told there would be settling of about half an inch. I don’t think that has happened.

 

I don’t think the groove on the shock is actually 2 inches higher. I think the effect on the height of the truck is 2 inches.

 

Lol at the settling half an inch. I found that Bilstein's chart was dead accurate. Mine settled maybe quarter inch last time, if that. Once that happened their chart was dead on. They also account for one side installed higher to compensate for taco lean.

I am still a little concerned I won't be able to squeeze that spring enough to make the top perch happen without me stacking dumbbells in the engine bay LOL

 

maybe if you put the jack a little further out on the control arm.

 

But yeah, I was surprised at how accurate the lift was with what they said on the chart.

 

Yeah, good idea...but last time I had the jack directly under where the lower ball joint bolts up (farthest out).

 

Just did mine on the 4th setting last week. Pretty easy you should be good to go with the 5th

 

Ok, good. Did you happen to measure your fender heights before and after?

 

My setup before was 5100s all around with the front set at setting 3 and nothing for lift in rear. I added a deaver AAL and bumped the front up to the 4th setting. I was even all around at 23 inches from the bottom of fender to hub center. I am now at 23.5 up front and 25 in rear

 

That will just make it easier on your arm when lifting the truck off the stands. 6th grade physics!

 

Stand back everyone. We got an internet expert here.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

I've used the floor jack method a few times to change the preload on the 5100s and/or swap springs. Piece of cake compared to spring compressors IMO. You REALLY need to make sure you mark the LCA front/rear cams and the LCA bolts don't need to be super loose; they will rotate if they are too loose. If you mark them, they are easy enough to realign and tighten.

It can take some wiggling to align the lower ball joint to the spindle but it's not too hard.

I would give it a 2.5/5 difficulty.

Watch a few videos and take your time and be safe. Double and triple check torque on ANYTHING you loosen.

 

I guess. I mean it's pretty simple stuff, adding length to the leverage arm makes applying force easier (longer lever), but the amount of force to lift the truck isn't going to change until the truck is heavier or somehow pushed/pulled down.

Can I tell everyone to watch out, and that we have an internet idiot here or no?

 

Have you installed the stock coils onto the top perch?

Great tips. I appreciate it... I've done the install this way before. I just haven't done the top perch position and I had some concerns. I don't wanna get into it and have my truck in pieces until I can get the coils to a legit shop for assembly.

 

Sounds fair to me. Just don't come in here making people feel stupid and I won't be a dick. Deal?