‘09 Silverado 4x4 rides pretty rough after Bilstein 5100’s + lvl kit

tallyram · December 17, 2017

Just like the title says. 2” aluminum spacer on top and 5100’s on the bottom notch(stock height). I read so many glowing reviews on these shocks, but I can’t stand the harshness caused by mildly bad roads. I have to creep like grandpa down dirt roads in order to keep my dash attached!

Is this harshness being caused by the front end being stretched to create the level? Btw, the ride seemed a little worse when I had the 5100’s on the top notch with no spacer. I really like the leveled look and want to get closer to the factory ride. Is this attainable?

Paintor · December 20, 2017

Use google for "Billstein 5100 rough ride" .

Good for the paved road....not for dirt roads.

tallyram · December 22, 2017

Thanks for the response. I wish it were that easy. I’ve been googling for 3 months! I’d say 90% of what I’ve read say that they’re smoother than factory with or without a level. People say they make bigger bumps and potholes less noticeable. My truck is way worse with the Bilsteins. Potholes make the truck feel like there is no suspension. The ride is jarring, as if I have steel tubing welded to the truck instead of shocks........ I’m so tired of the ride, but don’t want to keep throwing money at the truck praying to fix the ride. I love the look of the leveled truck , but may be forced to go back to stock.

crankman · December 31, 2017

We just finished replacing our 2011 6.2 NHT stock shocks with 4600 Bilsteins. It is completely stock rides pretty sweet now. Did both the fronts and rears. Im not familiar with the 5100 series.

tallyram · January 2, 2018

On 12/31/2017 at 4:33 PM, crankman said:

We just finished replacing our 2011 6.2 NHT stock shocks with 4600 Bilsteins. It is completely stock rides pretty sweet now. Did both the fronts and rears. Im not familiar with the 5100 series.

Those are supposed to have the same ride without the leveling capability. I’m starting to wonder if I got a set of struts that were setup stiffer than they are supposed to be. I just can’t figure this out and it’s making me go crazy. I can’t understand how anyone would want their suspension to ride like a dump truck?? These are so stiff that a have to keep the truck under 10 mph on dirt roads. They will vibrate you right off the road. No exaggeration!