In another post a forum member posted this:
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Bilstein 5100 Info - From Bilstein
Hey all
I emailed Bilstein about their 5100's and why some have 2 settings and some have 3. I also asked them to settle the dispute on which way the rears get mounted. Boot up or boot down.. Here is their reply..
----- Thanks for you inquiry for Bilstein shock absorbers. You have made a wise choice with your decision to use Bilstein 5100 Series to level your F150. I am sure you will be very pleased with the end result.
As for your questions. First, Bilstein produces two different shocks for this application. One of which, is proprietary through RCD Suspension. The other is Bilstein's general aftermarket offering. Both shocks are exactly the same with the exception of the snap ring grooves.
Part# BE5-C298-H1 is Bilstein's standard product. This shock has 3 grooves for 0" - 1" - 2" ride height options.
Part# BE5-C293-T0 is the RCD product. This shock has 2 grooves, 0" & 2".
As for the rear mounting orientation. The rear is designed to mount body up with the boot down.
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So I look around for the 5100 with the 3 grooves # BE5-C298-H1 and several sites and end up at Summit Racing Equipment (free shipping).
They have the front 5100 but cant give me the rear PN and try to sell me the HD rear shock insisting that the Bilstein part numbers dont show the rear 5100 for my truck.
So then I email Bilstein directly and ask a few questions like, what is the difference in the 5100 and HD and can I mix them since the HD's are a few bucks less and this is the response:
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There is no problem mixing the Bilstein 5100 shocks and the HD’s. Internally, the basic design of the shocks is the same, and though there is a slight difference in the shock stiffness between the HD’s and the 5100’s, it is minor. The HD’s will be slightly more comfortable, but the 5100’s will handle slightly better, but on normal roads at normal speeds, it will be virtually impossible to tell any difference. It is far more important to get the shock that is the proper length, which in your case would be the BE5-C299-H0 shocks.
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This is the link for prices of the 2 types
So here is my question to the forum.
Anyone ever mix front and rears this way?
If not, would you, why and or why not?