BILSTEIN 5100's

[mikegronholz]

The titan in my sig is my old titan ... it had the 3rd lift released by CST. A lot of what i had done to it was "the first". When trying to build coilovers for it before there were selections, i talked with a large number of people ... Donahoe, Bilstein, SAW, King, Fox, Greg (aka PRG) etc. i ended up fabbing some massive Bilstein 9100 under it. Fox and king were were close seconds in product. Greg and the guys at Donahoe were resources for me to pester and ask questions. donahoe said their coilovers had once been made by SAW, but do to the quality associated with Donahoe, they moved manufacturing in house. Greg shared the same sentiment and it surprises me (now that i am back in a Titan) that he is selling them.

i had the opportunity to see some SAW compared with Bilstein, Fox and King in various applications ... mainly the heavy duty dodge coilover conversions a shop near by does. The SAW by far took the most maintenance and repair. SAW also makes Skyjacker coilovers and another shop here locally love Skyjacker ... until it calls for coilovers. They flat will not sell them.

Just my opinion ... but i am also not building this titan to destroy like the last ... i have 2 Jeeps for that stuff now. The Titan is the toy hauler. Bilstein, Fox and Donahoe are my favs ... you can call and get DIRECT access to engineers and the guys doing the designing. i chose Bilstein because i was not looking for complete replacements ... just something other than the ever crappy Nissan shocks ... coils are easy to change and have built and i learned enough off the last one to know that the factory springs are more than adequate for what i need ... minus the Deaver mini-pak ... but i will probably deviate from greg's design a hair and deal direct with Deaver (another set of absolutely awesome guys !!!).

[gary748]

Originally Posted by mikegronholz

I'll do you one better ... I'll do a write-up !!!

Thanks 2Point for the info and photos! Mike a write-up would be awesome! I was planning on upgrading the OEM shocks and really didn't want to go with the Bilstein HD set-up...not thrilled about the the rear having to be mounted upside down on the 2wd to fit. I'd like to also level the truck out a bit so the new 5100's seem like the best of both worlds.

[mikegronholz]

Price update ... best price now is $329 shipped form shox.com ... still waiting for mine to arrive.

[SFCIngrum]

Looks good, keep up the good work.

[blueskys]

Originally Posted by mikegronholz

Price update ... best price now is $329 shipped form shox.com ... still waiting for mine to arrive.

Thanks for the research Mike. I pulled the trigger on a set of 4.

[mikegronholz]

All ... well, I think I figured out why the OP didn't give more info on his actual install !!! So, I set the clip where I wanted it. And jacked the truck up (both sides makes it easiest as the droop is a little more). Took the wheel off and followed Bilstein's instructions. You WILL need spring compressors (the strut type) and air tools will make it much easier. Next thing I knew, was done. Total install time for the front was like 90 minutes. No ball joints were touched. guys, this had to be the easiest install for a lift I have done (I have done a lot of lifts ... mainly Jeeps). Guys, this was CAKE !!! Bilstein's instructions are perfect and do not leave any part out. Where there is not specific detail, it is obvious what needs to be done.

For the record, I tested both the 1" and 2" ring positions. Here are the results for my 08.5 SE 4x4:

1" theorhectical = 7/8" actual lift
2" theorhectical = 1 3/4" actual lift

Rear shocks are even easier ... rear took about 20 minutes to change.

[sportbiker929]

i am pickin up some tomorrow.

Mitch

[smoked24]

So how is the ride? I am thinking 2008 and up models get a little less lift since they start out around an inch higher.

[mikegronholz]

ride is amazing ... Just like 5100's always are. As for height, see above. That is on a 2008.5

[Herbpov]

Originally Posted by mikegronholz

ride is amazing ... Just like 5100's always are. As for height, see above. That is on a 2008.5

Is the ride really that different. I have an 04 with stock shocks and the ride to me seems very nice. 40,000 on her.

[sportbiker929]

I am currently at the local muffler/do everything shop to have springs transfered. Tried the rental type from autozone and was envisioning the compressor flying off and my chin being permanently removed. Rears are done and were simple. 3/4in nuts and an impact gun for the bottom and my foot on a 3/4box end ratcheting wrench on the top. I knew I could never have enough tools. Have to drive to LA later tonight and will give a ride report.

Mitch out

[mikegronholz]

Originally Posted by Herbpov

Is the ride really that different. I have an 04 with stock shocks and the ride to me seems very nice. 40,000 on her.

Yes !!! My 04 and my 08.5 was "mushy". I live out in the country and it just seemed sloppy. These firmed the ride up and still easily absorb the bumps. They are NOT harsh ... they seem to give more stability around the corners at speed. I swear by 5100's as I have them on my rock-crawler Cherokee, my wife's JK and have had them on the last 3 heavy duty Dodges. These definitely live up to my expectations. They are easily worth the cost. The ride is MUCH more comfortable !!!

[blueskys]

About any after-market shock is going to be an improvement over the oem shock. I have heard the oem shock is not even nitrogen charged. They give a smooth ride off the dealer lot, but they don't last. Why should they, they already sold the vehicle.

I put HD Bilsteins on my 2004 Titan XE and liked it.

Now, I just put 5100 Bilsteins on my 2007 SE 4wd and so far, I like em. They do provide a more truck like ride, but it is not a bone jarring ride. I do imagine a few of the wives would not like these.

[sportbiker929]

well the ride is firmer but i like it. Its like a truck should be. Handles better in the turns. My front fender is @ 40 inches from the ground and thats on an 08 PRO-4X.

Mitch

[07cajuntitan]

For bluskys & sportbiker...what height do you have them set at? 0", 1" or 2" of lift? It was mentioned in another thread that adding height by pre-loading the springs (which is what the adjustable 5100's do) will be detrimental to ride quality. I also read somewhere that a guy set them at 0" height and the ride was excellent. Thanks.