RC 2" Level and Bilstein 5100 Shocks

jarettg · May 1, 2013

My set up on my 09 Sierra all terrain is as follows:

1.25" rc body lift

2" rc front level

3" readylift rear blocks

It's getting close to the time to replace my shocks/struts and I would like to add a bit more front lift to my truck to make it more level without loosing any of my current height.

Does anyone know of have experience with the bilstein 5100 shocks with the rc 2" level?

I'm wondering how much higher I can go before putting too much stress on the joints in the suspension, I'm assuming around 3.5" from what I hear.

I am wanting to lift another .5" or 1"

JrocK817 · May 1, 2013

IMO 2.5" in the front is the most you should go if you dont want to have issues with OE parts. Different truck but my brother went with 3.5 (3 is the max for them) in his F150 and has all sorts of problems. Also cant get it aligned right.

RC sells the 2.5" kit. its just an extra spacer for the top of the strut to go along with the one you already have on the bottom. You'll have to call or email them about it though.. its not listed for sale separate from the kit they sell.

Big Whiskey · May 1, 2013

Yep, 2.5" total is the highest you'll want to go in the front (not including your body lift of course, because it has no effect on the suspension). Some people say 2" is the max, but many guys run 2.5" without any problems. So, you could probably run those 5100's on the first or second setting above stock (I've forgetten what the exact measurements are for each setting) and be ok.

jarettg · May 1, 2013

I could probably live with that. Do the cool overs have to be replaced as well when replacing the front shocks?

Does anyone know if the Bilstein 5100 are softer than the Rancho 5000 that are stock?

jarettg · May 1, 2013

It looks like the part numbers for the front shocks are 24-186940 and for the rear are 24-186957. Is it necessary to replace the coil overs?

I got a hold of RC, the part number for the 0.5" spacer is 1306 and the cost is $29.95.

I still have my rear shocks fully extending out with the rear blocks...i'm debating whether i should get the rancho shock extenders and the front spacer piece or just replace all of the shocks with the bilstein 5100??

scz71864 · May 17, 2013

I have the 5100 adjustable shocks all the way up with a .5 spacer on teh bottom so i have around 2.5 in the front

jarettg · May 17, 2013

yeah, we attempted to install the 5100's yesterday, but our spring compressors were not strong enough so i will be taking it into a shop to be installed. i will be setting it up on the 0.5" setting with the 2" RC spacer.

I replaced the rear shocks with no issues, only took 20 minutes.

jarettg · May 24, 2013

front shocks are on in the 0.50" setting, hardly noticeable but it is half an inch higher, and i now have a 1" rake

ground to fender: 40.75" on the front, and 41.75" on the rear.

The ride is night and day compared to stock Rancho 5000 with 70,000 km on them.

scz71864 · May 25, 2013

yea i noticed a big changed in ride when i put mine on. but like i said i have a .5 spacer on with them all the way up. im going to put a body lift on next. i like the stance of yours. post up some pictures when you get a chance.