So saddly i think it may be time to replace my stock shocks. I have a 06 super-cab lariat with a 2.5" leveling kit on the front. I have noticed recently that i can feel every bump and hole in the road. I also do some off roading and mudding and it has become uncomfortably bumpy to drive across a hard pack field.

I have been looking at the Bilsten 5100 series shocks. I know it is a very bad idea to run the height adjusting front shocks with the 2.5 spacer already in place. I will probably just get the HD ones for my front two to avoid any unwanted over travel and breaking arms or joints. I was wondering if it would be ok to still get the adjustable height rear shocks?

If it is possible to have the adjustable rear shocks then i could add an inch in the back for hauling my boat or fourwheeler. My truck does not sag in the back yet but i would really like to prevent it from happening. is it ok to run different shocks in the front and back or is this a bad idea also? I am fine with running all HD shocks. Just wondering due to both of them being the same price. Might as well get more for the money right.

Also what can i expect out of new shocks? will my truck feel more like riding on a cloud like it used to or not quite that good? Thanks for any opinions on the matter

 

OK, couple things to point out to get you in the right direction...

-Get the 5100's, remove your spacers, and restore the lift with the shocks. You still be around 2.5" of lift.

-There are no adjustable height rear shocks. The thing that alters the height on the front is the spring (not the shock itself) and the way it attaches on the shock perch.

-If your rear is sagging, shocks will not address that problem in any manner due to the above statement...shocks do not support any weight. You must address sagging with the springs themselves.

-The choice is up to you. Get HD's and leave your spacer, do what I suggested in the first bullet, or get the 5100's an install them with 0" lift and keep your spacer. Yes, you can install 5100's with no lift.

-Some FYI for you and anyone else that doesn't know it; the HD's and the 5100's are identical shocks except for the color and the lift capability. Internally there is literally zero difference between the two.

-Shock perception is something pretty hard to relay as everyone's is different. What I may think is just perfect you may think is entirely too hard or vice versa. When you say "riding on a cloud", most woul associate that with a nice, soft, plus, ride...you will not have that with Bilsteins. They are pretty firm. Not hard and teeth rattling, but firm and controlled. There's a differnce.

 

oh ok. Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure about the back shocks being able to lift anything but it said they did on the website where i was looking. And my truck isnt sagging i just thought they might help when i want it. Sounds like i should just sell my spacer and use the shocks. From what i get out of what I've read there are less problems that way.

Yeah i guess i miss spoke about the riding on a cloud thing. i just want to be able to drive offroad without getting the crap beat out of me. For some reason, my truck always makes its way towards any mud hole. Couldnt tell you why

 

For the rear shock comments on the website, what it means is the shock will fit trucks with X" to X" about of lift (already installed)…not that it will lift the truck that amount.

 

This. Personally, I love the way the 5100's ride.

 

Hi all,
I also need to replace my shocks, I have a 2008 F150 4x4 regular cab with about 96000 miles. The bilstein 5100 shocks have caught my attention because I have been interested in leveling the front end. Will it be cheaper to use the bilstein height adjustable shocks as opposed to using a conventional shock and buying spacers? Is it as simple as just changing the shocks or will I need to get the front end alligned? What can I expect to pay for the bilstein shocks front and back?

 

Well I'm no expert but you will definitely have to get an alignment either way. Any time you change the height of your truck you will need an alignment. It has to do with the angles of the front arms and how your tires will wear.

I spent $75 for my kit from hell bent steel two years ago and paid a shop about $90 to put it on and align it. Not bad if you ask me. Shocks will definitely cost more but I counted tell you which is the better way to go. Everyone on here seems to go for the shocks but i have had no problems with my kit so far.

 

I believe if you change over to the bilstiens and get rid of your spacer you will like the ride way better then before. Since you probably need new shocks anyways you kill to birds with one stone.