Bilstein 5100 vrs Radflo shock question

[OregonTrail]

Ok, so I have a 2011 TE that I've had a little over a month, really like it so far but have a question and am somewhat new to doing aftermarket upgrades, anyway here is my question.

So far I've not done anything but replace the OEM tires with some stock size Duratracs which are really nice.

I'd like to just upgrade the shocks to something better and maybe bring up the front end to level it - not really wanting/needing a lift.

I know this has been asked plenty of times and most go for the Bilstein 5100 upgrade and just dial up the front - but I remember seeing a post about the back shock bushings being an issue with the 5100's. The bushing is of a smaller diameter and doesn't really fit properly.

So anybody done the shock redo with some Radflo shocks instead of the Bilsteins? Couldn't I get the same results with the Radflos as with the Bilsteins? Never seen anyone post that the Radflos have any issues as far as proper bushing size or anything else.

Any thoughts pro/cons on this would be appreciated.

 

[Jtraskell]

Ok, so I have a 2011 TE that I've had a little over a month, really like it so far but have a question and am somewhat new to doing aftermarket upgrades, anyway here is my question.

So far I've not done anything but replace the OEM tires with some stock size Duratracs which are really nice.

I'd like to just upgrade the shocks to something better and maybe bring up the front end to level it - not really wanting/needing a lift.

I know this has been asked plenty of times and most go for the Bilstein 5100 upgrade and just dial up the front - but I remember seeing a post about the back shock bushings being an issue with the 5100's. The bushing is of a smaller diameter and doesn't really fit properly.

So anybody done the shock redo with some Radflo shocks instead of the Bilsteins? Couldn't I get the same results with the Radflos as with the Bilsteins? Never seen anyone post that the Radflos have any issues as far as proper bushing size or anything else.

Any thoughts pro/cons on this would be appreciated.

Can't help you with the Radflo's, but I do remember somebody posting that a simple fix for the rear bushing issue on the Bilstein's was to simply use larger washers. I can't explain how it works, but apparently, once done, it is no longer an issue.

 

[FERAL 4R]

I think any upgrade you do over OE shocks will be an improvement. Bilstein is good, Radflo is good...You can't go wrong with either.

Bilstein has the correct shock for the rear, and are coming out with the correct front, soon.

 

[OregonTrail]

I think any upgrade you do over OE shocks will be an improvement. Bilstein is good, Radflo is good...You can't go wrong with either.

Bilstein has the correct shock for the rear, and are coming out with the correct front, soon.

Good to know - any idea of how "soon"?

 

[FERAL 4R]

Good to know - any idea of how "soon"?

Bilstein 5100 rear shock part # : 33-187174

It was mentioned on here somewhere...But supposedly the correct front will be available Fall time frame....

 

[Overland Warehouse]

What are u looking to achieve with the shocks?

We offer a kit that uses the stock rear coils and the the adjustable front Radflo coilovers and Radflo rear shocks.

People who have the OW 2.0 kit love the step up in performance on and off road.

 

[OregonTrail]

What are u looking to achieve with the shocks?

We offer a kit that uses the stock rear coils and the the adjustable front Radflo coilovers and Radflo rear shocks.

People who have the OW 2.0 kit love the step up in performance on and off road.

Most OEM shocks are not that great, kinda like OEM tires so I was hoping to have a little firmer ride and to bring up the front end just a little - level it I suppose. Looking at the OW 2.0 kit is what got me to ask the question regarding the Radflo shock only option which would be a little less costly overall.

 

[Overland Warehouse]

Most OEM shocks are not that great, kinda like OEM tires so I was hoping to have a little firmer ride and to bring up the front end just a little - level it I suppose. Looking at the OW 2.0 kit is what got me to ask the question regarding the Radflo shock only option which would be a little less costly overall.

The OW 2.0 kit will be quite step up from the OEM setup. The front are adjustable coilovers, you can adjust for the ride height you want without any disassembly ( you do need to lift the front off the ground and also if the height is adjusted the alignment will also need to be done).

The special order 2.0 kit does not come with our rear coils, but even with the stock coils the high pressure shocks will raise the rear slightly (less than 1/2").

The shocks (frotn & back) are high end rebuildable units & can also be custom valved in the future if needed, with that said we spend a lot of time dialing these in to give great dynamic response.

The Billies have the ability to have the front adjusted when the while strut is dissambled by moving the lower spring bucket on the shock body for more preload in fixed steps, kind of a pain as the whole assembly needs to be removed from the vehicle, the coil compressed then adjusted. With that said it is not something you will do everyday, so depends on your requirement how much of an issue/non issue this will be.

A lot of people are using 4th Gen Billies on the 5th Gen as you probably have read. The Billies are valved for a firmer and more controlled ride compared to OEM, but doesn't give the same performance or flexibility as the Radflo units, however some people find them adequate for their needs.

So it really depends what you would like to achieve today and also what your future plans may be, as well as budget

 

[OregonTrail]

OW - thanks for the great info - I had also looked at the Special Order 2.0 as an option. With your info I think it might be the answer since it does exactly what I was looking for with little to no lift - excellent!!

 

[453030]

OW - thanks for the great info - I had also looked at the Special Order 2.0 as an option. With your info I think it might be the answer since it does exactly what I was looking for with little to no lift - excellent!!

I have now been rolling on the full 2.0 kit for 7 days. The truck has settled nicely and drives as smooth as stock, yet firmer and more controlled. Cornering is very flat. The truck goes where you steer it. Despite some hesitation, the full lift was best for my needs and as I look back after only a week I can't believe I almost did not adjust the rear.

I'm sure the special 2.0 kit is a huge upgrade over OEM, and I considered it myself, but in the end Overland Warehouse is known for their complete tuning of a system front to back. I did not care about the money either way, but for a few more dollars you get their rear coils and then acquire all of the system's advantages.