Bilstein question

D

Dkon82

New member
I just received my 5100's in the mail today and in the next few days I will attempt to install them myself. Before I do so, I wanted to know if there are any drawbacks and or drivability differences between the four different height settings.
For example: highest setting at highway speeds, will it feel less stable than on the lowest setting?
If I set them at 1.75, does that mean I lose 1.75 of overall travel?
What is the easiest way to move the adjustable ring?
Lastly, if I'm going for more of a leveled look, which setting are you guys most liking the results?

Stock V8
Thanks for your help!
 
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The higher you go, the more top heavy it will feel. Even at the 2.5", the affect is minimal though. If you move the coil clip .5", itll lift 1". Yes, you will loose some down travel, but it'll be half the lift height, not the whole amount of lift. I've tried mine on different settings, really never felt a difference, but on paper it does exist. For a leveled look, I'd do the third notch for about 1.75" lift. This should level it out nicely. If you tow frequently or load the rear down, the second notch may be a better choice so that it's still level with a load. If you'd like more lift, do the 2.5 setting and a daystar 1.5"rear spacer ($40 at 4wheelparts). I used needle nose pliers and a flat screw driver to move the ring up.
 
Thanks ARK, again you have been most helpful. I was also leaning towards the 1.75 setting and since I do have the 1.25 spidertrax, I'm not as worried about feeling top heavy.
 
Ya I'm pretty excited; I have a little more research on how to do the install before I tackle this project; it's a bit more than what I'm used to doing. I've found a couple good threads I'm going to print out.
 
Definitely go with the spring compressor-less install. If you haven't done it before the first side will take some time to figure out. The other side will go at least twice as fast. Pretty simple to do. Wear gloves!
 
Dkon82 said:
What do you mean by spring compressor less install? What is the alternative?
Click to expand...

+1

If your installing Bilsteins in the front, you have to compress the springs to change the shocks.
This person must ave been thinking of the different top out spacer options.
 
Start by jacking the truck up, place a jack stand near the rear lower control arm then jack the front up and put a stand opposite of the rear one. unbolt the sway bar end link use a puller too separate the tie rod end, then the 4 lower ball joint bolts support the hub assembly,now start jacking up the lower control arm you will see the coil compress unbolt the 3 outer bolts.. start unbolting the center one once its unbolted lower the jack and the bottom bolt.
This is how to take it apart.

This is a general idea on how to do the (Compressor less) There is more to it
do a search you will find some pretty good write up's on it you will need a big pry bar or something to get leverage as well.

From what I have seen this method is safer than those cheap spring compressors you rent! Plus you work your ass off with those things trying to get it to crank and line up.

There is also the way of using ratchet straps to compress the spring I don't know if I would go that way but have heard of a few guys doing it.

Just do some looking on the web you will figure it all out. :nerd:
 
I have a good write up for the front struts. See my profile under Daystar Lift Thread.
I definitely recommend swinging the LCA down method. So much easier. Take 2 bolts out at the spindle, loosen the ones at the frame until it swings out of the way. You're getting an alignment, so no worries.

I got a good spring compressor at Autozone with safety pins. I felt very safe using that style compressor.

It's free, you just put down a deposit. Get you money back within 90 days.
 
Last edited:
Thanks blue. So essentially the compressor less method uses the weight of the vehicle to compress the springs by properly positioning the jacks and stands. Nice! Sounds a lot more safe.

Doug: thanks, I will also check out your write up as well. I definitely want to make this experience as easy as possibly as this will be my biggest DIY project to date.
 
Lexmetic: thank you for the well illustrated write up.
With all the help you guys are giving me my confidence is growing and I'm getting excited to do this! Thanks to all!
 
It's all good. These forums have definitely given me knowledge to do many mods and maintenance to my truck on my truck saving me thousands I'm sure. Good luck with the install. It worked for me.
 
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