Bilstein 5100 Ride Height Adjustables

HollowWatcher · June 30, 2012

Is there a general consensus on what setting is needed on this shock to fit 275/60/20's? Those of you that have installed the the 5100 Ride Height Adjustables on your GMT 900's..What height are you set at and what size tires are you running? The 5100 ride height adjustable shocks allow for stock ride height, .59 inch lift, 1.19 inch lift, and 1.77 inch lift on our GMT 900's. I would like to be able to fit 275/60/20's on stock wheels with raising the front as little as possible and was wondering what setups everyone is running with these shocks? Thanks!

Chris · July 7, 2012

I would say the 1.77

BlackZ71Silverado · July 7, 2012

I would say the 1.77

What's the measurement at the wheel well with your shocks set in that position and are they maxed out on that setting?

Looking to get adjustable shocks soon.

HollowWatcher · July 8, 2012

Thanks Chris..From the information I have been able to gather I should be fine with setting them at 1.19

pacrat1958 · July 9, 2012

If it helps any......I put mine on the top setting of 1.77 and it raised the front end exactly 1 3/4 inches measured from the ground, by the centerline of the wheel to the fender lip. I'm just running the stock 265/70-17's right now, but gonna step up to 285/70-17's when I wear these tires out.

BlackZ71Silverado · July 9, 2012

If it helps any......I put mine on the top setting of 1.77 and it raised the front end exactly 1 3/4 inches measured from the ground, by the centerline of the wheel to the fender lip. I'm just running the stock 265/70-17's right now, but gonna step up to 285/70-17's when I wear these tires out.

Thanks, exactly what I wanted to know.

blackout07 · July 9, 2012

I'd max them out. You will probably need to.

AntelopeLTZ · July 10, 2012

What do you guys think about using these shocks on the "0" setting and using the RC spacer for the lift? My thought, I could be wrong, compressing the spring more by using the 1.77 lift will result in a stiffer/harsher ride. Thoughts?

blackout07 · July 10, 2012

The ride will be virtually the same either way.

Mojavered · September 16, 2012

What do you guys think about using these shocks on the "0" setting and using the RC spacer for the lift? My thought, I could be wrong, compressing the spring more by using the 1.77 lift will result in a stiffer/harsher ride. Thoughts?

Going with the HD shocks would probably be a better cost saver, without sacrificing the ride if you wanted to go with the spacer as well??? Does maxing out the height adjuster shorten the durability of the shock?

kdixer · September 17, 2012

Since the spring compresses 2"-3" with the weight of the truck, moving the bottom spring seat up on the shock body does not change the spring preload as much as some people think. It does result in sightly less down travel, but that is usually not an issue for a daily driver. If the truck did not compress the spring under it's own weight, then chaning the position of the bottom spring seat would have an impact on ride quaility.

If you measure the compressed length of the coil spring in stock form, and then compared it to the compressed length of the coil spring on the bilstein shock at its highest setting, the measurements will be the same. This preload adjustment is irrelevant due to suspension sag when the vehicle weight is applied.

As long as the suspension is not topping out when the tire drops off in a pothole, then ride quailty should remain acceptable no matter what position you set the 5100 at.

Mojavered · September 17, 2012

As long as the suspension is not topping out when the tire drops off in a pothole, then ride quailty should remain acceptable no matter what position you set the 5100 at.

Thank you for the explanation. The above quote is the exact reason for me wanting to change to the Bilsteins. I am almost thinking though that it might be financially better to get a rough country leveling kit with the Bilstein HD's?????

dave_benn · September 24, 2012

where is the best place to buys these on the internet, i have been looking and found its going to cost about $90 per shock. Is this a good price or can they be had for cheaper?