Hey All

I am keeping my truck (04 150) and decided to replace the shocks. Any recommendations on what to replace them with? It is standard right now, but would like to do the level kit in the near future. I see Bilstein has two different models. Whic is the best?

Also while I am under there, is there any other suspension parts I should replace?

 

Based on people's reviews, I will be going with the bilstein 5100's that you can use to level the front end. They will also provide more wheel travel and won't bind like the standard leveling kits. You can find a set of all four 5100's for around $360-370.


A lot of people buy them here. http://www.topguncustomz.com/Store/G...view=193574766


(disclaimer - I have no experience with this company) http://levelingpros.com/store/produc...cf905211ac8067

 

Thanks for the info. I never hear of levelingpros. I fired them off an e-mail.

 

I just found them with google, so I have heard no feedback about them...

 

Yeah, I hear ya. Their price is good. I e-mailed them to see how good they are on shipping to Canada, or if they'll ship to the UPS Store in New York for me to pick up. I'm also waiting on a reply from Topgun. I messaged them from eBay.

 

Thanks for the info.

So im confused. How do the shocks add height? Dont the springs or the spring perchs do that? Just cant picture how a shock would do it.

Is the shock a better way to go as opposed to the spring spacers?

Anyone have before and after measurements with using the bilsiens?

- Thanks

 

The shocks add height because of the way the springs sit on them. Nothing complicated about it, just moving the coil up or down essentially. The shock is better than a spacer, because it provides more wheel travel (bilstein claims 1-2"), and won't let your suspension over-extended to bind the CV joints or balljoints. They will add 2" on the 2" setting.
The spacers are normally fine, will have a factory ride, just don't go too big on them.

Here is what the 5100's look like installed...

Where the bottom of the springs sits on the shock, there is a tab or a disc that can sit in multiple positions depending on how much height you want.

 

Great. Thanks for the picture........ It is worth a 1000 words...

Did yours have the 0, 1 and 2" settings? I hear some guys say that their shocks have 3 settings. I wonder what the 1" would look like. I jus know she is going to bitch if did the 2" plus 1.5" for the tires....

 

It's not mine... I'm not sure if it has the 1" setting or not, I don't think anyone even uses the 1" setting to be honest. You will hardly notice 1" I think.

My wife stopped complaining about things I do to my truck a long time ago. Half the time she doesn't even notice now, lol. She didn't want me to take the steps off either, but once I did she said, "Oh it's so much easier to get into now."

 

I just ordered a set of Bilstein 5100's.
I got the factory 4x4 set, this will give me a 1" front lift.
Will make my 2wd sit with a 3/4" rake.