I have a set of Bilstein 5100s for front and rear. I have a set of Dobinson springs that are supposed to raise the front just under 3”. My question is when I put 1 of the front struts together the measurements don’t seem to be close to 3”. Am I doing something wrong? When it’s all together it only seems like the shock is going to let it about an inch taller. Sure could some help.
My lift 5th gen
- Thread starter htrddah
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hwnrunner
New member
which spring # is it? I would assume the 3" lift comes from the DOB spring, not the strut, so the stiffer spring wont sag from the weight of the front end like the stock springs??
It’s the Dobinson C59-448 I’m trying to keep the truck from riding really rough once it’s lifted cause I don’t have any extras on it
codyHTX
Member
IFS geometry is different from a solid axle. examples:
in the rear if you add a 1" taller spring of the same rate to the same truck you will raise the rear static height 1".
i think what i'm about to say next is correct lol...
in the front a 1" taller spring of the same rate installed into an IFS coil over is going to increase the static ride height more than 1" because the LCA pivots from a fixed point and extends out to the spindle/knuckle with the shock mount in between those 2 points.
in the rear if you add a 1" taller spring of the same rate to the same truck you will raise the rear static height 1".
i think what i'm about to say next is correct lol...
in the front a 1" taller spring of the same rate installed into an IFS coil over is going to increase the static ride height more than 1" because the LCA pivots from a fixed point and extends out to the spindle/knuckle with the shock mount in between those 2 points.
daytonaviolet
New member
The 5100s measure about 1” longer then stock shocks. The Dobinson springs measure 3” longer before I put the strut together. When I put everything together the measurement is about 1” longer then factory. I measured everything separate when apart and together. It’s probably right and will lift the truck just under 3” just seems like it’s going to make the truck ride rough when all together. I’m using c59-448 springs in front with bilstein adjustable5100 set on lowest setting and using c59-325 in the rear with 5100s.
I’m just trying to keep a little comfortable ride for road trips and raise the truck up. If what I wa told was right the truck will raise just under 3” in the front and just under 2” in the rear to make it level and just be a little stiffer for when I add extra gear for trips
plasticsnaks
New member
That Dobinsons Coil is supposed to give you 3” lift. It is also listed as “light load” which is what you say you’d like. The front bilstein 5100 with this Dobinsons coil installed (at lowest clip level) should give you ~3” of lift. Even though the actual extended measurement of the 5100 with and without the coil is only 1” longer than your stock shock, the geometry of the suspension along with less “sag” from the longer Dobinsons Coil, will give you ~3” lift. Also note ** with this much lift you will want to consider aftermarket upper control arms so that you can get your alignment to desirable specs (higher caster). You probably will not be able to get enough caster (you’ll want 3-4+) with your factory uca’s with 3” lift.
Another example to use to explain this would be a top plate “spacer” lift. If the spacer installed is 1” (thus making your shock 1” longer) you will end up with ~2” of lift because of the ifs (independent front suspension) geometry.
Hope this helps.
Thank you very much just wanted to make sure I didn’t do something wrong when putting everything together. Wasn’t sure if I missed a step or something. From all the measurements when all said and done it should come out just under 3” so hoping factory UCAs work for now if not I’ll replace them. I appreciate your help. Like I said just thought I didn’t measure right when figuring out how to get this thing set up the way I want it to sit and to ride. Thank you
Took your advice and ordered JBA UCAs. Might as well do it right first time. Thank you for your help
plasticsnaks
New member
Your welcome! The JBAs have a big following and they look well made! In the long run, I believe you’ll be happy with it. The added caster makes a big difference when on the highway. Drives so much better. Don’t be afraid to go 4+ on the caster.
