Well gang I think I've tried to educate myself to the point of confusion. I need to replace the stock shocks on my 05 S-crew 4wd. The problem is I have no idea what I need to be using. I've done a bunch of reading in the suspension threads, but as I said I think I confused myself. Right now my truck has the 2.5" AS spacers up from, nothing in the rear. Am I right in understanding that the Bilstein 5100s are only for trucks with true lifts? Failing this, what are my options and what have other folks had success with?

As always I appreciate the help!

 

Im not familiar with the 5100's but I have turned a wrench or two....Typically IFS trucks still have the same travel when lifted. The lift is just a relocation of the front suspension via brackets that move your control arms away from the frame. Most are arched springs or block in the rear which increses your travel. This would means the rear would need longer shocks if lifted. Hope that helps, perhpas you can check the deutschland shocks lenght vs the oem?

 

That would be incorrect. The 5100's aren't FOR trucks with a true lift, but they can be used on trucks with said lift. The front 5100's can be adjusted from 0 to 2 inches. So if you are willing to drop your front a half inch, you can just set the 5100's to 2" and get rid of the AS all together. Or keep the AS and just set the 5100's to the default setting. The 5100 rear shocks are just a straight OEM replacement.

Can also consider the Bilstein BST HEAVY DUTY shocks. Which are not adjustable. These are the shocks I currently use(I have a 1.5 AS ).

 

And this is why this is my go-to site with questions! Thank you for clearing that up for me. In the interim I started looking at the Ranch Quick Lift and now I have a decision to make.

 

im also thinking about investing in the 5100's. i also have a 2.5" AS up front which i am just going to keep and leave the shocks at the 0" setting. everything ive read about them has been good.

Lonestar, how do you like the heavy duty shocks? any particular reason you chose those over others?

 

I like em. Ride is better but don't expect a huge difference. Went with the HD's over the 5100's because they are cheaper and I didn't need the adjustable shocks.