So after looking at all my options with levelling kit's and what not and spending a lot of time reaserching them, I found out about these shocks the 5100 adjustable Bilstein's I have a few question's about them. My goal is to level out my truck a couple inches in the front and at the same time not stress ball joints c/v's ect.. So by going this route would this be a wise idea?

How much adjustment would I get with these, to those who have intsalled them how do you feel about them? Can they be adjusted once installed on the truck or do they have to be adjusted before install?

I really want to hear what you guys have to say about them.

I will be going with 33/13.5r20 tires once I figure out the best way to lift (Level) my truck.

My truck - 2007 FX4 Supercrew.

 

The replacement struts would be the best idea. I love mine, it matches the rear PERFECT. The rear end of my '04 only sits 1/8" higher, absolutely perfect. The ride is pretty nice, its obviously not as smooth as OEM but it feels nice and smooth and the body doesn't flext on the sides much anymore. They come with either 0" lift or 2" lift options ( its a clip on the shaft, it comes shipped at 2" )

Before:


After:

 

This is my next mod, just saving up for it now? how was the install did you do it your self Darren?

 

Love mine, stiffer ride, much improved handling. levels nicely.
I wouldn't go any other way.

 

Much better than the leveling blocks. I love mine and that's what I used to level the truck before I lifted it. Only pic I have with the 5100s only that I can find. It was dead nuts even.

 

yeah, i got about 2.25 inches out of my shocks.

Heres a link to some pics, as others have said, i wouldnt have it any other way, worth every penny

https://www.f150online.com/forums/wh...new-tires.html

 

I'm also very happy. These shocks really mellow out the rough bumps, especially on the the frost heaved roads around these parts. My stock shocks were finished, but even earlier on the truck's life it would bounce around over this type of stuff. The Bilsteins have made a huge improvement.

They have to be adjusted before installation. Then you need an alignment.

Pics in my gallery.

 

Hey since you live right around the corner from me I have to ask where did purchase yours from and who did the install?

 

I noticed on the Superlift site they are selling the Bilstein's which have an option of 0",1" or 2" adjustment. Around $200.00 for the set. The leveling kits are by far the cheapest, but if you want to firm up the ride a bit and level, the shocks might work for you.

 

I contacted Bilstein aboput the difference between 0 and 2" shocks and the 0, 1, 2" shocks. The Ones that have that have 3 setting (0, 1, 2') are the general produced shocks. Ones with 2 settings (0, 2') were made specifically for a specific retailer. Same mechanical shock. Same process line, just a different body. Thats all. And the ones wit 2 settings are alittle cheaper, but only available from 1 retailer...

This is my plan for the spring. But I only want the 1" lift. The 2" setting is level, but I think it sits a tad to high. I know its only 1 inch... But 1" is still noticable up or down..

And I also asked them for proper mounting of the rear.. Body points up, shaft point towards the ground.

Steve

 

Nice!! Very good information thanks a lot bro! I was wondering how they were to mount. I guess they come with the boot already installed also, my plan is to go with the 2" in front and 1" in rear that should work out perfectly!

I'm so glad I didn't go for the leveling kit..

 

There is no lift for the rear brotha. The rear shocks will accomodate a 2" lift, but they don't actually raise the rear. Only the front struts do.
Oh, and yes, they come with the boots.

 

FYI, you can buy the shocks with only the 0" or 2" setting and machine a new slot for 1" or 1.5" lift.
Zabeard just did this with a set that be bought, I believe he has his notched for about 1.5" of lift.

 

The rear shocks were a breeze to put in, very easy. I paid my dealership $180 to install the struts and $40 to align it.

 

I had the AS leveling kit first then put the 5100's on about 8 months later due my factory shocks crapping out. I put the 0" and 2" ones and the AS I had was the 2" kit. The shocks on the 2" setting is just a little lower than the 2"AS, I didn't take before and after measurements but I would guess about 1/4" to 1/2" but it was a noticeable difference. The truck hands bumps much better but at the same tire rides a decent amount stiffer. I would definitely do the shocks over a standard leveling kit. You get some lift and better shocks at the same time.