So, with my 2wd Screw, if I buy these Bilstein 5100's, I can level out my truck correct? I don't need anything else?

Do I just need the front? Or should go ahead and buy the rears with no adjustment as well?

 

After some research I've read that it depends on if the lower spring seat is welded on or not. Anyone if this is true? How can some be welded on in the 2wd's and some not?

 

No one????

 

Anyone, anyone...Buehler, Buehler...

 

No idea about the welded on item there, but do some more homework. I was under the impression 5100's are 4WD only. Yes, you should buy new matching rear shocks! I, and many others, always always recommend replacing shocks as a complete set. No reason not to. Rears are not adjustable anyways...nothing you can do to them besides put them on.

 

When you say "welded on", I believe you are referring to the spring perch on the coilover. The OEM coilover shock and a lot of aftermarket ones have the spring perch in a fixed position. The only aftermarket coilovers I know of with adjustable spring perches (so you can raise the front end to level the truck) are the Bilstiens and the Rancho.

 

"2WD Only. Fits 2WD with removeable (not welded) lower spring seat only."

from the below website:

http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/ht...gn=BE5-G739-H0

 

That is some sort of typo. None of the 04-11 F-150's come with shocks with adjustable spring preload.

 

I emailed that website and asked, they said:

"To determine whether or not your truck has the lower spring seat welded on, you have to look at the front shocks to see if it is welded on or not. Unfortunately Ford was not consistent with what they used, and there is no good way without looking at the vehicle itself."

Are you thinking I'm trying to say the shocks are adjustable? I was refering to the lower spring perch, and whether it is welded on or not. Apparently on the 2wd's. some are, and some aren't?

 

I understand what you are saying. I'm just saying that this site has over 100,000 members, many of which have installed leveling kits on just about every version of the 04-10 F-150's and I have never seen anyone mention that their OEM shocks were adjustable (other than the Raptors). Seems like someone would have noticed this.

 

So you're saying even if I bought the 5100's, I wouldn't be able to adjust them to level it out?

 

No. THe 5100's should level your truck out. I think that whoever put that information on that website had some misinformation. Check out the same shocks on other websites and see if you see any mention of this anywhere else.

 

So I don't need to worry about the lower spring seat being welded on?

 

jfire-

Here's some pics of my 2010 FX2 front shocks I took today after popping off the spring perch. It was no problem.

Grab the bottom end of the shock and a hammer, turn the shock upside down, and give the bottom of the spring perch a few good whacks


when it pops loose it falls to the silver ring


pop it again a few times and the silver ring and perch fall to the ground


Easy as that.

My 5100's will be here this week sometime. If I can I'll take the truck in on Sat. to have the P.O.S. ProComp spacers removed and just use the 5100's to raise the front end.

I'll post pics when she's done.

 

jfire

If you haven't looked already, here's the link to the detailed install inst. for the 5100's

2WD
http://cart.bilsteinus.com/pdfs/E4-WM5-Y359A00.pdf

4WD
http://cart.bilsteinus.com/pdfs/E4-WM5-Y362A00.pdf

Check out page three. I'm sure the only difference between the 2WD and the 4WD shock is the stock ride height setting. I ended up getting the 4WD shock and will likely set the spring perch at the 1.5" setting, which I assume will give me a total rise of 2.5" from where it was the day I drove her off the lot. Plenty enough for me.