My question is this what is the advantage or disadvantage of one versus the other? My first thought is price, but what are the long terms ills or concerns with one or the other. Thank you.

 

Bilstein's will probably outlast your stock shocks. You will probably gain a good deal of front end solidity (not sure if that's a real word.. it works in my head,) as well. By setting these to the +2 setting, it will increase the load on the springs, making for a stiffer ride. This is good and bad. I don't have them personally, so I can't tell you how much it differs.

If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably get the Bilstein's.

 

One gives you a high quality shock and the other is inexpensive. That just about sums it up. They both achieve the same thing as far as increasing ride height.

 

I have the stock height Bilsteins on my 03 but the 5100s from what I understand are the exact same shock only longer. Gotta tell ya, they are awesome. Huge improvement over a standard shock. The ride is a little stiffer too, which I prefer. The wife loves riding in it too.

 

I had checked over on the Shock Warehouse website that sponsers here is that a good price? ($138). I think that I want to go that route. Another question what about the back shocks? Do I just use a regular Bilstein there. I am not looking to gain any height there as I am trying to level the truck out. Thanks.

 

The rear shocks are not coilovers, so you won't gain any height there.

 

Hey check out this guy on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.ca/4-Bilstein-Shocks...QQcmdZViewItem
Great prices and beats shock warehouse prices even with the discount for site members. $360.00 for all 4 is a great deal plus 19.99 for shipping still cheaper.

I would buy for shock warehouse if he would match the price. Ill have to call them and see.

 

How about the Ranchos? Anybody have any input on the Ranchos that allow you to level the truck + adjust ride as opposed to the Bilstein's?

 

I think you should listen to Wandell. If you buy the AS at some point later down the road you will need to replace the stock shocks. Why not replace the shocks with better quality ones and get the lift you want?

I have the 5100s on my truck and it was a night and day difference. The truck does have a firmer ride, but it also handles better. However I must say that I have not lifted my truck yet. I have mine on the stock setting because I haven't purchased larger tires, still waiting on the oems to wear out.

 

I think that I will be doing the shock change here in the early to late spring, and getting tires in the fall. That way I don't have to take such a big hit all at once. (I know tires are a big enough hit by themselves). Thank you all.

 

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=314390

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=315521

 

i just installed the 5100's yesterday. night and day difference. much better performance wise. i did notice that they are the same length as stock but the shaft is acutally smaller. but im super proud of myself for doing it without a spring compressor or paying for it.

 

Hey tinknocker41,

I have my 5100 on order and plan on installing them myself also. Could you tell me how you went about doing yours your self!