bilstein 5100's
 

I am considering adding the bilstein 5100's to my '08 2wd. Anyone running these?, and how do you like them? A sidenote, the rake on my '08 is not at all like on my '06 scab 4wd, seems almost level, but needs about 1" in the front. Will I need a block in the back if I add the bilsteins?
Thanks~

i haven't read about anyone using them on a 2wd, but the posts i've read about the 4wd versions have been nothing but positive. i'm going to get a set for my rig soon.

Be carfull with your choice. I have the 5100 and maybe the heavy duty are more my taste because the 5100 are much more stifier than expected.

Here in Mexico with our very bad streets are not as comfortable. In usa with the quality of the streets and highway there is no problem at all.

Bilstein 5100s are an excellent choice. I wouldn't recommend anything else unless you're going to be upgrading to a replacement coilover like Kings, Camburgs, SAWs, etc.

...Come to New Orleans... I have been to Mexico, once. Our roads in N.O. are worse. Ford salesmen use the streets as a selling point for extended warranties here.

Iraq probably has better streets now. :confused:

-- Kevin

No gripes for me with the 5100's on my 4x4. :thumbsup:

Thanks for the feedback. I think the 2wd is sprung lighter, I put on a slightly larger tire (265/70's) in lieu of the stock 235/70's. I never drove the truck with the smaller tires, but noticed over rr tracks, or a drop in pavement the wheel seems to drop down with out much resistance as compared to my 06 4wd scab. So I was thinking I could take care of the nose down and go to a little stiffer compression shock. I do like the soft ride though, and don't want to compromise too much. I'm wondering if the valving is the same on the bilsteins for their 2wd and 4wd 5100's.

I have the bilsteins on my 2007 2wd, I would think that the valving is probably different than with the 4wd. I really like mine, I did notice a firmer ride but it wasn't anything I can't live with. I really like the fact that it corners and turns much better since the truck doesn't roll like it did with the factory struts. I don't think you will regret the bilsteins at all, I would say go for it!!!!!!

As far as needing a block............I wouldn't think you would need one if you use the 1" settings. I went with the 2" setting on the front of mine and I am going to get a 1" block in the rear soon. Empty I am fine, the truck is level, but I was carrying about 500lbs of concrete the other day and I definately need something back there when truck is loaded down......

have the bilsteins on my 2007 2wd

Did you do the rear shocks as well?
Thx for the info. I was hoping for alittle more firmness, but nothing too crazy. I've done the too stiff shock thing on previous trucks, load range "e" tires, etc. One thing I like about the latest gen. f150's is the ride.
Btw, tires made a huge difference. My old '06 had the hankooks that had horrible sidewall roll in the corners.

Do you need to get a re-allignment after the Bilsteins?

If you lift them yes, if you don't no

Are the 5100`s for the 4x4 off of back order yet? Im looking to do this soon.

Sorry Wolveine for the late post, buy Yeah, I just did the back ones and they really helped too......

I ordered mine from topgunz a couple of weeks ago they arrived in about 4 days...FYI

I put the rears on last week and took it to a shop to do the front this past Tuesday. The rears made a nice difference. After putting the fronts on it does ride stiffer than I thought it was going to be. It's not too bad it is a truck not a Cadillac. The things I notice the most is that the truck does not side step as much when going over rough sections of the road and feels more in control. Going around corners might be the biggest difference though, the truck doesn't lean nearly as much now. I can cruse through roundabouts much faster now

Now the bad news. The shop that put the fronts on some how ripped the inner CV boot on the driver’s side. The truck is currently at the shop so they could look at it. They just called me and give me the line I was expecting..

"I just don't see how we could've done that. I recommend that we fix it though and it will be about $175." I hate shops that do this crap. I'm certain they know that the tech. screwed up cause I looked at it before I picked it up and there was no grease anywhere and a block down the street while I was getting gas there was grease all over the lower control arm. By the time they got the truck off the lift and drove it all the way across the parking lot there should have been some grease coming out of the boot but it was clean as could be before I drove off. I bet the tech. wiped it off after he parked it in the lot. Needless to say I told them they are not touching my truck again and I'll be in later to get it.

I guess I patch this boot up like I did on the other one. A little rubber silicone glue and after that sets up for an hour or so then wrap it with a rubber radiator hose repair tape. This has worked on the other boot for at least 8 months since I don't use the 4wd often. If or when the band aid fails I just replace the axle and call it a day.

Sorry for the thread jacking. All in all the 5100's seem to be a nice shock just watch out for the shop if you take it have them installed.

Oh yea I forgot to mention that I had the AS 2" on it before and now with the 5100's at the 2" setting the front does sit a little lower than it did with the AS. Which I don't mind, it probably helped the upper ball joint angle some. The tires rub just the tiniest bit when in reverse at full lock. I don't have any before and after measurements but it is noticeable that it does sit lower than it did.