Here's the deal... Had 2" Autospring for the last 6 months. For many here, it seems the leveling kit works very well for the money. For me, it was horrible. Living in New Orleans, the streets are deplorable. The "look" of the truck was great, but the handling sucked. I almost hated to drive! I knew the AS had to go, as the new angles of the suspension did not lend themselves to the car-eating holes in the street.

So, I ordered all 4. I did the rears yesterday, and boy were they needed. I could compress the rear shocks in between my two hands with my index fingers.

Today, I set out to remove the Autospring 2", and install the new Bilsteins. Prior to disassembly, I measured the difference in height, and the front was 1/2" higher than the rear. It did appear that way when looking at the truck. I decided to go with the 1" setting, so the front would end up being 1/2" lower than the rear.

After taking one quick look at my coil spring compressors I bought years ago on sale at Harbor Freight, I decided to take the advice of many here, and save my teeth and face. I called 3 local shops, and they really did not understand what I needed done. Surprisingly, PepBoys knew immediately what I was talking about. Nearly two hours later and my pocket $40 lighter, I trekked home to reinstall. I also, again this time, borrowed the 250 ft-lb torque wrench from AutoZone for $97. Mine only goes to 150.

After the quick reinstall, I took a look at the truck. I was very pleased with the lift the 1" setting provided. Just a very slight rake.

Took it for a test drive - and WOW. I am so amazed at the ride on this truck now. Excellent handling on these pathetic streets. I am so pleased with this upgrade.

Thanks to all who contributed to the many Bilstein threads - made my purchasing very easy.

... Oh, and I have a set of 6 month old 2" AS for sale

-- Kevin

 

got any pics?? where did you end up getting the shocks from? I am interested in doing this as my truck jumps around over big bumps.

 

I had the camera ready, but I was dodging intermittant thunderstorms... plus, there are already two excellent threads with pictures, so I did not want to start another. I can answer any questions about it, though.

I got the rear shocks from Summit, and the front two from 4 Wheel Parts. I shopped around and found those were the two best prices, with shipping.

I must comment also about the rear - an absolute piece of cake to install. Everyone can do this themselves.

Nooo more jumping around for me - I am very happy.

 

Could you please provide the current height for each the front and rear? I will be doing the same install within a week and want to confirm the 1" front raise is what I want.

 

Which bilsteins did you get?

 

I did the samething, My rear stock shock wouldnt recoil at all. The stock shocks were complete junk. The Bilsteins are so much better. I took my 2'' AS and through them in the garbage. The truck doesnt side step when hitting a pot hole coming around corners any more either. These are a great investment. Even the wife likes how it rides.

 

The 5100's. The part number for the...

REAR - F4-BE5-C301-H0
FRONT - F4-BE5-C300-H0

I will go get exact measurements after it stops storming

I can't stress enough how much of an improvement this made.

-- Kevin

 

How much for the whole setup?

 

Don't forget to get it aligned!

 

wth did you need that torque wrench for?

The lower control arm bolt? I would have just put it on the with the impact or 1/2" ratchet

I used an impact

 

I know, but I like to do everything to the "T". Probably not necessary, but I needed some QD electronic cleaner as well, so I borrowed the wrench while I was there. Plus, the store is on the way home.

And the alignment comes Friday...

-- Kevin

 

I see

That takes too much time for me

 

Glad to hear you are pleased. My turn to get Bilsteins!

 

Are there two different options for the Bilsteins in the rear? I've noticed that my ride is substantially worse, I am still using the shocks that came with my procomp kit.

 

I'd skip the 5100's. I've had them (before my lift) and currently have the 5150's in the rear with my pro comp kit. I went with the longest travel they make since I'll be raising my truck up two more inches and putting 37's on. 5100's are nice but the 5150's are (to me) a noticable difference above the 5100 and the price difference is too small to not go with 5150's. Here's the part number BF5-A198-H1 for the ones you should run