Bilstein 5100 adj shocks (front and rear)

Chad2815 · March 4, 2015

I got quoted at a highly recommended shop in my area for an install of the billys. $50 total for the rears. They said it would be $150 for the fronts total since they probably had to compress the spring? I told them I had no idea what they needed to do for the fronts, all I knew is they were the leveling model and had no clue how they worked haha. Then I can get an alignment from them for $25, putting me at $225 for install and alignment. Is this a good price? I've always installed strut spacers and made use of a garage at a dealership and their tools to do it myself(well I supervised while my cousin and his friend did the jobs lol). Unfortunately this isn't an option now, and I have no idea what a good price is.

-Skeet

That's a fair price, I had the dealer do it and it ran 300 without alignment. I could have gotten it done for less,must thought I would have a leg to stand one warranty wise if Inhad GM do it. I originally got quoted for less by them but apparently the fronts are a real mofo.

Skeeter McSkeet · March 4, 2015

That's a fair price, I had the dealer do it and it ran 300 without alignment. I could have gotten it done for less,must thought I would have a leg to stand one warranty wise if Inhad GM do it. I originally got quoted for less by them but apparently the fronts are a real mofo.

I think I'll call the dealer as well to get a quote.

If a problem does happen to arise within the warranty period that they can prove is directly related to these; will it make a difference if they installed vs someone else?

-Skeet

chuckl1218 · March 4, 2015

I think I'll call the dealer as well to get a quote.

If a problem does happen to arise within the warranty period that they can prove is directly related to these; will it make a difference if they installed vs someone else?

-Skeet

Did the back myself and the front by the dealer with Alignment for $300.

Skeeter McSkeet · March 4, 2015

Did the back myself and the front by the dealer with Alignment for $300.

Been debating doing the rears myself, I'm no mechanic, but seems pretty simple even for me lol.

-Skeet

gone_fishing · March 4, 2015

Been debating doing the rears myself, I'm no mechanic, but seems pretty simple even for me lol.

-Skeet

It is. Maybe 15-30 mins. Didn't even raise the back of the vehicle when I did mine. Just crawled underneath the back (and I'm not small by any means). You will need a 21mm wrench/socket and that's about it.

Chad2815 · March 4, 2015

Did the back myself and the front by the dealer with Alignment for $300.

Im not sure it would make or break it but I have used a paticular dealer for alot of years (back to 07 when I bought my Avalanche) so there is a level of trust for me. I know they would stand behind it. Actually sucks because their sales dept is horrible and I bought my Silverado somewhere else but still take it there for oil changes. Make sure you tell then boot down on the back. You will love them once you get them on, completely changes the ride quality. I didnt need an alignment after the install, gonna have them check it on the next oil change again just to make sure it stays in. Just FYI I did one notch down from the max setting and it turned out perfect.

Edited March 4, 2015 by Chad2815

mtbsam · March 4, 2015

I do think that's a fair price, but I got lucky and because I was buying my new tires at the same time they installed the shocks (fronts only) for $40/ea and then a $79 alignment. That's probably the best price I've seen so far and definitely worth not having to rent a spring compressor and deal with that myself.

I actually went with the highest notch and I like it, it's still a tad lower in the front and I really like the look and ride. It handles railroad tracks etc. SO MUCH better. The only complaints I have (and they were known going in) are that my tires are now 10ply and less compliant than stock and I've noticed a bit of a decrease in mileage/acceleration/throttle response with the larger heavier rubber installed.

dboot66 · March 5, 2015

Just ordered Bilstein 5100s front and rear from streetsideauto.com for a grand total of $308.44 (similar to others in this thread). Found a coupon code W102515 for $25 off, expires 3/8/15. My price was $308.44 AFTER THE $25 discount.

Called streetsideauto just now and my order ships out tomorrow.

MattSD · March 6, 2015

Alright fellas, I have read every post on this board regarding the Bilsteins and I believe I have the right set up in mind but would like some feedback. My goal maybe counter-intuitive, but I would like to keep the rake and and would like to achieve a smoother more controlled ride with minimal impact to MPG. The only thing keeping me from the Bilsteins Leveling shocks is that they only provide 1.8" of lift, and I do not find that Bilstein makes a 5100 in a non ride height adjustable shock and have been advised not to use them on the lowest setting in conjunction with a spacer.

My Current Truck is the crew max tow without the Rancho Shocks

If I have done my research appropriately (reading other Members Posts) the below set up should give me exactly what I want with little to no MPG impact

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

Bilstein 4600 front

Pro Comp (63235) 2.25" Level Lift (2.25 appeals greatly to me and I am not a fan of Rancho products)

2" Rear Block

Bilstein 5100 rear

Later add 275/60/20 Ms2's Larger diameter than my Eagle's but the same weight and I love this tire, many members say this size and tire does not impact their MPG.

Edited March 6, 2015 by MATTSD

snarkee · March 6, 2015

my question was probally covered but if I set the front at 1.8 then decide to return them to stock height upon lease return, do the struts have to be removed to change the setting?

Chad2815 · March 7, 2015

my question was probally covered but if I set the front at 1.8 then decide to return them to stock height upon lease return, do the struts have to be removed to change the setting?

I think so....I don't think they would even notice if you went to the second setting though.

calgator73 · March 7, 2015

my question was probally covered but if I set the front at 1.8 then decide to return them to stock height upon lease return, do the struts have to be removed to change the setting?

Yes

snarkee · March 7, 2015

Thx

fondupot · March 13, 2015

Go for it fondupot...I'm glad I did! Really rides better...

Just placed my order for 5100's for all four corners. Best deal I could find was on SuspensionConnection.com, $360.33 shipped.

I will likely install the rear shocks myself, but I will have a shop do the fronts. Anyone have an estimate of what It will cost to have a shop install the fronts?

What made me finally pull the trigger is I was driving a 2015 Sierra loaner the past few days. And that ruck had the factory Rancho shocks as well. And it road WAY better than mine. So I assume the 2015's got a better set of Ranchos from the factory. So instead of fighting the dealership replace the Rancho's on my truck, I said to hell with it and did the Bilstein's, they should still be better than the Rancho's anyhow.

Edited March 13, 2015 by fondupot

chuckl1218 · March 13, 2015

Just placed my order for 5100's for all four corners. Best deal I could find was on SuspensionConnection.com, $360.33 shipped.

I will likely install the rear shocks myself, but I will have a shop do the fronts. Anyone have an estimate of what It will cost to have a shop install the fronts?

What made me finally pull the trigger is I was driving a 2015 Sierra loaner the past few days. And that ruck had the factory Rancho shocks as well. And it road WAY better than mine. So I assume the 2015's got a better set of Ranchos from the factory. So instead of fighting the dealership replace the Rancho's on my truck, I said to hell with it and did the Bilstein's, they should still be better than the Rancho's anyhow.

Yep, I get it. Mine is a Silverado LTZ, but just bounced a lot. Much more controlled now. I don't even have to slow down at railroad crossing any more. Wife used to say the truck bounced so much that it made her feel like a "bobble head". No more...much more smooth and controlled.

Did the rear install myself. Dealer installed my fronts and aligned for $300.