Bilstein 5100 or HD's with 2" leveling...

Rock777 · 10-26-2009, 05:44 PM

I've searched the heck out of this topic everywhere and did find several threads that were helpful, but still don't really have an answer to my question. Basically, I'm going to get one of these two, but it seems the 2" is right smack at the crossover between the two. BUT if I get the 5100 it's going to add another 1/2" that apparently is too much and will cause some contact of UCA or coilbucket.

So, I guess my question is will the HD's be okay with the 2" level, or will it be too maxed up, since they say it's good for up to 2" of lift....???

I've read lots of good things about both and will be doing very little off-roading. I might possibly just add a 1" block in the rear in the future, so am keeping this in mind also....Guess I could go with 5100's in the rear regardless.

Any input or experience with similar situation would be greatly appreciated.

**adkl1** · 10-26-2009, 08:09 PM

I will be testing out the 2" spacer / 5100"s setup when my shocks come in but i have the RC UCL's. I guess the 5100's are 1/2" longer than the factory shocks and will make hitting issues with anything over a 2" spacer.

Rock777 · 10-26-2009, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adkl1

I will be testing out the 2" spacer / 5100"s setup when my shocks come in but i have the RC UCL's. I guess the 5100's are 1/2" longer than the factory shocks and will make hitting issues with anything over a 2" spacer.

I am curious to see how that works for you, but it is a different ballgame since you have different control arms. The 1/2" increase in height is exactly what I am concerned about.

Scooter700 · 10-26-2009, 08:46 PM

Just give Greg a call at PRG and he can set you up with the 1 1/2" leveling kit. Then with 1/2" the 5100 Bilsteins give you (set at zero) you will have your two inches. This is what I'm running.

Rock777 · 10-26-2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooter700

Just give Greg a call at PRG and he can set you up with the 1 1/2" leveling kit. Then with 1/2" the 5100 Bilsteins give you (set at zero) you will have your two inches. This is what I'm running.

Scooter, I'd have to say I agree too. I know, in the back of my head, that this is the most practical solution. I just don't want to spend more $$ for a spacer .25" shorter. Even though I could then sell my current ones, they obvsiously wouldn't bring what I would pay for brand new 1.5" spacers....Thanks for the response, seems perfectly logical.

Anyone else use a 2" leveling kit with Bilsteins?
How about a 1" rear block with either of these shocks?

**adkl1** · 10-26-2009, 09:08 PM

Sorry i forgot to say yeah go with the rear 5100's with the 1" block and you will be good to go !!

Rock777 · 10-27-2009, 08:37 AM

I guess what I'm hoping for is that someone has tried either of these Bilsteins on a truck with 2" leveling kit. I just spoke to salesman from a big retailer/distributor that was unaware of the 5100's actually raising 1/2" and said he believed they would be fine.

Can anyone on here confirm for certain that the 5100's caused a 1/2" more of lift???

Thanks in advance....

Pops · 10-27-2009, 09:38 AM

I helped VolcmStar install a pair of HD with 2.5" spacers on his 2wd. The onroad ride is awesome and VERY smooth.

Rock777 · 10-27-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pops

I helped VolcmStar install a pair of HD with 2.5" spacers on his 2wd. The onroad ride is awesome and VERY smooth.

Thank you Pops, that helps me. I think I'm leaning this direction, unless the 5100's can work without selling my spacers and getting shorter ones.

USN HM 350Z · 10-27-2009, 03:16 PM

Interested in how this will work out for you.

**layer1** · 10-27-2009, 06:40 PM

Subscribing as well. I've read and spoken to couple folks already but I'm going to toss this out there for additional feedback.

I have an 08' 4x4: I have the Bilstein 5100's front and rear coming soon. I currently have Gregs PRG 1.5" leveling kit and like the way it looks now, nice and level.

What I like to do is raise the suspension by 1"-2" more all the way around and keep the level look. What would be my best option?

Keep in mind the Bilsteins 5100's will be installed front and rear. I'm not worried about the rear as either 1" or 1.5" blocks will take care of the rear. So, focusing on the front.
1) Bilstein (preload set to 1") + 1.5" leveling Kit + PRG Upper Control Arms + PRG New Swaybar Endlinks (these are not listed on PRG site)?
2) Bilstein (preload set to 1") + 1.5" leveling Kit + RoughCountry Upper Control Arms + PRG New Swaybar Endlinks (these are not listed on PRG site)?
or
3) any suggestions are welcome.

**adkl1** · 10-27-2009, 08:22 PM

You cant just buy RC UCL's without buying the kit also you have to call PRG to order the endlinks.. It would be cheaper to get the RC kit and just sell the spacers but either way you go you should be happy.

NorCal 4x4 · 10-27-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock777

I guess what I'm hoping for is that someone has tried either of these Bilsteins on a truck with 2" leveling kit. I just spoke to salesman from a big retailer/distributor that was unaware of the 5100's actually raising 1/2" and said he believed they would be fine.

Can anyone on here confirm for certain that the 5100's caused a 1/2" more of lift???

Thanks in advance....

Greg says the 0" setting gives 1/2" and the 1" setting gives 1.5" ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrerunnerGreg

If you plan on doing a leveling kit AND shocks at the same time, your best bet is to typically combine a small spring lift (with either new coils or a small adjustment on the shock body...ie Bilstien...not Rancho quick lift). Typically I will suggest the 5100 shocks on the lowest setting, which is 1/2" of lift and a 1.5" leveling kit for a combined 2" of lift on a 4wd. Or to run the shocks on the 1" setting, actually 1.5" lift, andstill the 1.5" leveling kit for a bit over 2.5" on a 2wd. The other option is to save a few bucks on the shocks and run the HD series (yellow) and use the '08 springs, again with the 1.5" kit for a combo of 2-2.5" lift. The reason for the small spacer is that this will maximoze wheel travel and not decrease extension or ride quality while providing the innitial 1.5" lift. The other option is coilovers.

Since you have stock UCA and want to keep your 2" level kit, you should go with the blue and yellow HD ... F4-BE5-B623-H0. They can easily handle the 2" net lift level kit. I bought a pair a week or two back from Greg and borrowed a used 2.5" level kit to use temporarily with my 4x4, (with aftermarket UCA). [I need to get my DRE's, (Icon's), nitrogen level topped off, and their filler is up under the coil bucket].

**layer1** · 10-28-2009, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adkl1

You cant just buy RC UCL's without buying the kit also you have to call PRG to order the endlinks.. It would be cheaper to get the RC kit and just sell the spacers but either way you go you should be happy.

Thats what I figured. Just more concerned if there will be any contact anywhere, mainly up top with the RC UCL's.

So, looks like I have the cheaper route to go. I have the rear blocks, Bilsteins and leveling kit already. So, just the UCL's and PRG End Links.

Front-> Bilsteins 5100 (preload 1") + PRG 1.5" Leveling Kit + RC UCL's + PRG End links.
Rear -> Bilstein 5100 + PRG 1" block.

This should give a level look and raise the truck 1.5" all the way around.

Any last thoughts on this setup?

Rock777 · 10-28-2009, 06:13 AM

NorCal - It's good to hear from people with first-hand experience. I think this officially pushed me in the direction of the HD's. I appreciate you addressing my thread/issue as well. What do you personally think of the ride/handling?