I contacted a nearby shop to install my front Bilstein 5100s and got a response that caught me by surprise. Can anyone confirm if this is necessary for a 5100 install in which my goal is to do about 1.75" lift on the front:

"Since it is a strut truck, you have to tear the front end down to change the
shocks, it throws off the geometry of the steering. If you set that 5100
series shock at a level height, you will also need cambolts to correct your alignment angles."

I understood it was a swap in while using the existing springs, followed by an alignment. I have to pay a place to do the install as I had cervical spine surgery that impacts my ability to work on the truck.

 

You shouldn't need cam bolts. I installed my 5100s in the driveway and the alignment shop lined it right up. They a looking to make sure extra labor off of you.

 

Those instructions would be somewhat correct if your truck had struts. All the '04 and newer trucks have coil-overs; strut is a waaaaaaay overused, incorrect term. Coil-overs do not change the geometry nor require an alignment. It's almost comparable to simply changing a shock with the exception of the coil spring attached to it. Only thing requires for you is the upper control arm must be taken apart at the spindle to make some room, but this affects nothing and is no big deal to do.

 

You can't do it. I pulled a set apart just cranking the T-bars. It also depends WHAT 5100's you have. Some are adjustable.

I have the HD's.

 

He said he's going for 1.75" of lift so he is going to need an alignment otherwise it will be off. Otherwise everything you said I completely agree with.

 

Yea , you only need new after market cam bolts if you crank the bars way up, or possible w/some kinds of lift kits.

 

Oh, in my experience anyway..

 

Brew...you're talking about the wrong model truck there brotha!

 

Crap he has a12. Yep, way off. Thanks for setting me straight lol.