Hey guys, just got done installing the Bilstein 5100 rear shocks on my 2014 4x4 SCrew STX. I had blown rear shocks, so I replaced them, but now it is evident the fronts are also bad. So, I ordered a set of Bilstein 5100s for the front as well. The height settings are Stock, .79", 1.26", 1.75" and 2.1". Trying to decide on the height setting to go with. I know I dont want stock or 2.1" I do want some lift, but i dont want to have extreme suspension angles and I do like having rake, I think it looks good and I haul heavy for work. Leaning towards either .79" or 1.25", I'm thinking these will give the best compromise for ride, angles, lift, and rake. Very hard to find pictures of the 2014 model year specifically, since these have the different front struts, and different height settings than the 2009-2013 trucks. All the treads I have found are for the 09-13s and most everyone has them set at 2.25", a few at 1.5", and none at .75", plus they dont really apply to the 2014 since they have different suspension. So, I'm looking for pictures of 2014 model year 4x4 F-150s with the Bilstein 5100s set on .79", 1.26" and 1.75" height settings, for comparison. As of right now, heavily leaning toward the 1.26" setting, as it is the middle position on the strut. Please post pics and thoughts/recommendations. Once I make my mind up and get them on, I will get some pictures and post them as well. I appreciate the help.

 

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2.1" Bilstein 5100s in front, 3" blocks with Bilstein 5100s in rear.

I know it's not what you asked for, but at least you can see what the top notch looks like.

Chris

 

See picture in sig. Setup is Bilstein 5100s on 1.75" setting, 315/70/17 tires.

 

Setup is Bilstein 5100s at 1.75" setting, 315/70/17 tires.

 

How is the ride quality on the 1.75” setting? Is it level or is there a slight rake? Your truck really has me considering the 1.75” setting.

 

The paper work on my 5100's said the 4 settings are stock, .75", 1.5", 2.25".

I set mine at the 1.5" setting.. I was going to go with the .75, but went to the next setting at the last minute...

I don't have a pic of the truck.. It has the stock 20" wheel/tire size and it did 'level' the truck and I even had to adjust the headlights.

I later wished I had stuck with the .75 setting.... But, after driving it around more, glad I did the 1.5" setting in the end.

So far they are far superior to the OEM shocks and when I take the same bumps/speed bumps now, it basically just floats over them.. Where before they would basically jolt the truck.

I didn't do a before/after pic, but I did take these...



And just the rears for reference..



So far so good and I would recommend these to anyone! Level setting is your choice of course!

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Ride quality is superb, especially after switching from a 2" steel spacer. I would go with Bilsteins as OEM replacements even if I didn't want to change the ride height. Has the slightest touch of rake, only noticeable at certain angles, otherwise it's pretty much level on flat pavement.

Honestly though, in the future I'd probably go a notch lower and get the next size down in tires. I love the look of the truck, but when I hook the boat up (about 5,000 lbs), it causes the front end to sit higher than the rear just enough to be noticeable, and I'm not a fan of that. It's tolerable, but still bugs me. Something to consider before installing the shocks and choosing your tire size.

 

Decided to go 1.26”, center notch. I’ll get some pics when I pick the truck up later. Thanks for the help.

 

Looks good and rides great. Only issue is it is making a popping sound when turn to full lock to the left and you are moving forward or reverse. Doesn’t do it to the right. The garage checked all the fasteners again and everything is tight and torqued. The mechanic said he thought it might be the snap ring for the adjustment and the sleeve moving around, or just settling in and will go away. He said if it keeps up bring it back and they will try to fix it. It’s a good reputable shop and I trust their work. Anyone experience this and know the cause and the solution? I guess it could be something else, maybe a CV or a ball joint or tie rod end link? I’m going to check the bolts myself tomorrow as well. Thanks in advance.

 

You might try jacking the front of the truck up and put it on jack stands. I put my jack stands on the frame, right around where the trans cross member is.

Then, take your floor jack and jack up under the lower A arm until it just lifts it off of the floor jack on the side that is popping.

Turn the wheel to full lock and manually spin the tire and you should be able to pin point where the popping is coming from.

That kind of sound is usually the CV joints, but it could be anything really...

Mine didn't do that after the change. I did mine myself, but I have since done full lock to lock turns while moving and I don't have any popping noise. I've got 56,000 miles on my truck.

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Sounds like an actuator not fully disengaging. Not sure why that would be affected by the Bilsteins though. Truck looks good.

 

So the noise is not there today. Did it a couple times when I first picked up the truck yesterday, and once again last night, but not at all today. I’m thinking it was something just settling in. I also got under there and lubricated every fastener and pivot point on the front suspension and the steering stops, read that some who had popping did this and it fixed it. Unless it comes back I’m not goin to worry about it. Love the ride, Love the look of the 1.26” setting. This is how the truck should come from the factory. Perfect setting for stock 275/65/18s. Just a little rake. Thanks guys. I’ll get some better pictures to put up.

 

Looks perfect!