Hey ya'll,

Been on a couple other sites/forums and you guys get a lot more descriptive. That's what I need right now. I wanna change out my front shocks to the adjustable bilstein 5100s on my 05 F-150 SCAB Lariat, 5.4L - 2WD. This should give me the added 2" to level out the truck. I understand that the spring perch will need to be adjusted. Here's my question. Because the suspension in the front is a coil-over shock absorber, is sit just a simple as replacing the factory coil over shocks with the new Bilsteins, or is there more that is needed besides an alignment when done.

I am opting not to go with spacers b/c I want to kill two birds with one stone.

Second question, the bilstein ads on their site do not show a picture of the coil over system, they just show the 5100 series shocks. What actually comes in the package? I assume it should be a shock (pretty zinced out) with a coil that can be adjusted.

Last question, has anyone found a front pair of these for under $300.00? It seems like Shockwarehouse has the best price.

If anyone has changed theirs out and put on some Bilsteins w/ pictures, you would be greatly valued!

Thanks for your help in advance,

 

You have to remove the coilsprings from your oem shocks and install them on the Bilstiens. This requires a heavy duty spring compressor. You will also need an alignment when you are through.

 

Thanks. Where does the spring perch come into play. Is it a mechanism of the spring assembly or the Bilstein shock it self? Someone told me I can/have to adjust the spirng perch either 0", 1", or 2".

 

The shock's body has a couple of grooves machined into it that allows the lower spring perch to be set at different positions.

 

Your the man. So nothing more is needed than to just buy the shocks, dismantle the OEM springs, and put the new shocks on set at the 2" level. Of course an alignment is needed.

Some have said that you don't need a spring compressor. Are there other ways to bypass that or is it unavoidable? Any tips?

 

Sorry another one. Bilstein advertises that these 5100s are made specifically for lifted trucks. Mine has no lift kit. Will this be a hindrance or do they advertise that b/c they can accomodate trucks with lift kits?

The pictures in the link on my profile should give you an idea of what my truck's stature is.

 

I've never noticed Bilstien advertising them just for lifted trucks. You should need the oem replacement model. As for installing them without a spring compressor, I don't see how it would be possible.

 

I just replaced mine with the bilstien hd's. I have a 6" procomp lift with a spacers in front. They weren't bad to change. I did use a spring compressor, but have heard you can do it without by putting a jack under the lower arm and removing the upper nut and slowly lowering it down and use the jack to compress it back up. Not a safe way to do it. Wouldn't trust it. Using a spring compressor is easier and you can work with it on the bench. I was going to go with the 5100 adj. but didn't need the adjustable part and the Hd's are pretty much the same shock, different color. By the way they ride awesome.
Would recommend them.

 

The OEM replacement model will not give me the 2" adjustment I am looking for. I agree the Bilstein OEM replacements would give me a fine ride, though I am looking for both, a fine ride and the 2" leveling out.

I'll take your advice and rent a Spring Compressor.

 

Wandell - Sorry man, I was typing faster than my mind was calculating. Your right the adjustable 5100s install like a factory replacement. Forget what I stated earlier. PART # BE5-C300-H0 times 2 equals $299.00 from Shock Warehouse. Should get em later in the week.

Thanks for being patient.