Bilstein 5100 adj shocks (front and rear)

[Amuro]

Question, anyone know the rear factory size block???

 

I’m planning on doing the same. Bilstein adjustable 5100 on the fron on Max setting and rear 5100. From what I’ve been reading it will sit flush/ level. I still want some rake on my truck so I’m looking for the specs on the factory ones so I can find out if to install a 1 inch block or get a 2”

Thanks!

 

[2018GMC]

Hey all. Received my 5100’s and they have surface rust on threaded part. Polished Shaft looks fine. 

 

 

Edited March 15, 2018 by 2009GMC

[2018GMC]

Measured 4.25” of stroke for front. 

Measured 11” of stroke for rear. 

Seems like not much front suspension travel in the K2xx generation. 

 

Edited March 15, 2018 by 2009GMC

[2018GMC]

Fronts were a lot of work! 

 

I put the ring on 3rd from bottom or 2nd from top. Got exactly 1.5” out of front. I now have a 1.25” - 1.5” of rake front to rear. Measuring from center of wheel to middle of fender. I’m happy with that since when I hookup trailer and throw camping gear in bed I will be level or slightly less vs nose high. I didn’t want to add a larger rear block and longer ubolts in rear. Rear stock height with 5100s. 

 

Purchased a $30 after coupon strut compressor from harbor freight. Worked fine. Always kinda nervous compressing springs especially since the safety pins wouldn’t work since springs are so large. I just took my time and made sure all looked square when compressing. 

 

Hardest part was was installing the entire assembly in truck. Only had to disconnect sway bar link. Everything was really tight and ended up putting jack and wood under strut to get it above lower control arm. 

 

Hear some bang bang rattle rattle on first test drive. Checked the middle strut bolt and had to tighten it a lot after truck was on ground. Talk about a PITA to tighten. I used the supplied nuts from bilstein but they must be anti back-out or something because very hard to turn. No I wasn’t cross threading. Tried using some thread lube. Didn’t seem to help. 

 

For or those of you attempting to do this yourself. *Of course use at your own risk!*

 

https://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-63262.html

 

I clear coated bilsteins before install to try and keep the shiny silvery finish from rusting. 

 

Pay attention on how  the original is assembled. Like where the notches are in relation to spring position and lower shock bolt hole position. Also pay attention to how the top rubber has cutouts for the 3 top studs to rest in. 

 

If you are not a semi-home-pro auto mechanic or never worked on coil suspension, take it into a shop ;-)

 

I was was able to finish in 4 hours. 

Edited April 17, 2018 by 2009GMC

[2018GMC]

.

Edited March 22, 2018 by 2009GMC

[2018GMC]

FYI - took truck to dealer for alignment. Only thing out of alignment was TOE. I have my 5100’s at 1 notch down from top or 3rd notch from bottom for 1.26 lift but it actually raises truck 1.5”.

Cost was $100 for 2 wheel alignment which was a little more than 3rd party shops but I wanted it done by dealer since it’s brand new.

Only notes are: relearned steering position sensor.

[Sierra Dan]

2009GMC,   what are your thoughts on the ride compared to stock?

Can you post a pic or two of a side shot with this lower than max notch setting?

I have the 5100 rears, but cannot decide on what setting for the front. I too was thinking one down from the top.

[2018GMC]

 

Unloaded (on jack stands) notice how upper arm is on rubber bump stops. 

 

 

Edited March 29, 2018 by 2009GMC

[2018GMC]

Love the controlled ride. But I am used to the stiff bilstein ride since my other trucks have the 4600’s. Only thing I miss from the stock shocks is I now feel EVERY tared pavement crack and expansion joint. I do notice the firmer front vs the rear 5100 seems to soak up bumps more softly. It’s probably because the rear suspension of these trucks has almost double the travel of the front suspension (measuring shock travel before install) Before with stock shocks you would feel bumps but they were much more dampened and followed by floaty rebound. 

 

I  almost tore the front apart again before alignment but I’m only 1/2” from max lift and if you look at stock upper a arm it’s almost at max downtravel now. Raising to top notch would have you nearly topped out on up travel. 

 

My truck I has only 2k miles so I’m guessing my rears will settle a bit. I have 1.5” rake front to rear so if my rear springs sag anymore I’ll be adding a 1” block to rear. I have stock rear block now. With my trailer hooked up and 250lbs of tounge weight, truck is perfectly level. 

 

Even with the stiffer ride id still rather have bilsteins controlled ride than the floaty boaty stock. 

Edited March 29, 2018 by 2009GMC

[2018GMC]

With truck on ground I have 3/4” between bottom of upper a arm to top of rubber stop. 

 

Driver side

 

 

[Skeeter McSkeet]

I’ve been running 5100s on all 4 corners with the fronts at max height, going on 3 years now. I like the ride better than what the ranchos they replaced gave me.


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[Sierra Dan]

Thank you for your honest and detailed review !

[2018GMC]

Thank you for your honest and detailed review !

No problem! [emoji482]

[SuperChevy14]

Hey guys, I had my bilstein 5100’s installed 2 weeks ago and the ride and look is great, but I’ve noticed a pop in the front end when turning at slow speeds. I notice it most when I’m at a complete stop and then crank the wheels and begin to turn slowly. I never had the noise before hand. I purchased and had them installed by 4 wheel parts... I took my truck in to them yesterday and of course I couldn’t get it to make the noise while in the parking lot for them to hear, so I made an appointment to have them fully inspect it this week. Has anyone else had this issue? I have the shocks set at the highest setting, but should I lower it down to the 3rd setting? Any help or recommendations would be highly appreciated! 

[2018GMC]

11 hours ago, SuperChevy14 said:

Hey guys, I had my bilstein 5100’s installed 2 weeks ago and the ride and look is great, but I’ve noticed a pop in the front end when turning at slow speeds. I notice it most when I’m at a complete stop and then crank the wheels and begin to turn slowly. I never had the noise before hand. I purchased and had them installed by 4 wheel parts... I took my truck in to them yesterday and of course I couldn’t get it to make the noise while in the parking lot for them to hear, so I made an appointment to have them fully inspect it this week. Has anyone else had this issue? I have the shocks set at the highest setting, but should I lower it down to the 3rd setting? Any help or recommendations would be highly appreciated! 

Have them check torque on all bolts. Sway bar links, the 3 top shock nuts and 2 lower nuts. Upper and lower Ball joints, tie rods.

 

did you have it aligned? Your toe changed due lift. Only adjustment should have been tie rods. 

 

Something is just barely loose and allowing a slight movement