Bilstein 5100 w/ .6” vs 1” spacer

[ScooterPunk13]

I’m having a bit of a dilemma and haven’t found what I’m looking for searching the forums. I have a set of 5100s and I also have a 1” spacer lift. My original plan was to go with the Bilstein on stock settings and add the spacer. I’m now considering ditching the spacer and going with the Bilstein on the .6 or 1.2 setting. I tow often so not looking to go with the true level look that 96% of y’all are going with and just want to make sure I go with the best option for wear, longevity, and ride performance. I have stock 265/60-18s with plenty of tread left so won’t be adding new rubber for a few years. Will go 265/65 -18 when I do. Just looking for a small lift to make the rake less dramatic while still keeping and 1-1/2 to 2” rake for towing.

Questions I have are as follows
-will the spacer or the lifted shock give me the best ride?
-will I get an actual .6” (or 1.2”) of lift or more/less with the Bilstein?

2019 Fx4

thanks in advance and if there is a forum on this I missed in my search please link it.

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[Bob902]

I am sure you will get lots of responses, but I would go with the shock set-up over spacers.

 

[Frenchy]

Since you already have the shock that can use different height adjustments you might as well use just the shock. Spacers are a cheap method and can do more harm than good. Also I can speak from experience that Bilstein makes a good shock. I had two 2016 Frontires. First was a Base model. Just had the basic factory shocks. The second one was a Desert Runner and it had the Bilsteins 4600 from the factory. It was a night and day difference.

 

[Stic-o]

You will always get a better ride with preloading the shock ( like a cir-clip on Bilstein 5100's) then a spacer.

I have run this exact same set up, and from what you Suggested, I would go with the 1.2" lift. You could actually go higher with no issues. The Rangers don't sag much with weight in the rear.


Here is the 5100's on my Ranger. You can see the height it sits at towing and empty. Mine were set at the #4 setting at 1.8". No lift in the rear, factory springs.

 

[Joeiconic]

Agree with the other responses. The Bilsteins were purpose built for exactly what you’re looking to do, so let the shocks do the work and ditch the spacer.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Questions I have are as follows
-will the spacer or the lifted shock give me the best ride?
-will I get an actual .6” (or 1.2”) of lift or more/less with the Bilstein?

Hey Josh,

The spacer will not improve the quality of the ride. The 5100 will improve your ride performance over the FX4 setup - I recommend you do the rears as well.

You likely won’t get exactly 1.2” of front lift but it will set the nose up enough that you should notice it the first time you jump in the cab and some of the rake will disappear, but not all, which seems to be what you’re after. The 0.6” setting likely won’t even be noticeable but you still get the improved ride quality from the Bilsteins.

At the 1.2” setting, your ACC should be fine but you should definitely re-aim your headlights.

Good luck!

 

[ScooterPunk13]

Hey Josh,

The spacer will not improve the quality of the ride. The 5100 will improve your ride performance over the FX4 setup - I recommend you do the rears as well.

You likely won’t get exactly 1.2” of front lift but it will set the nose up enough that you should notice it the first time you jump in the cab and some of the rake will disappear, but not all, which seems to be what you’re after. The 0.6” setting likely won’t even be noticeable but you still get the improved ride quality from the Bilsteins.

At the 1.2” setting, your ACC should be fine but you should definitely re-aim your headlights.

Good luck!

Thanks Duke, I hadn’t even considered the ACC into the decision making process, thanks for pointing that out. After the responses I’ve ruled out the spacer, just deciding on which setting now. I’ve already done the rears in conjunction with sumosprings and it’s made a world of difference.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Thanks Duke, I hadn’t even considered the ACC into the decision making process, thanks for pointing that out. After the responses I’ve ruled out the spacer, just deciding on which setting now. I’ve already done the rears in conjunction with sumosprings and it’s made a world of difference.

Only a few folks on here have had said they had to adjust their ACC but others have said theirs was fine. I think it might have something to do with the combination of higher level and taller tires. The reported issue was that the ACC was slowing them down sooner than before the level - better than the other way around. ?

 

[NOVA_Ranger]

Running spacers here for 2.5 years and about 40k miles, zero issues or regrets.

 

[BettaRanga]

My Bilstein 5100 struts are at 1.8 and great - still a slight rake. I’m tempted to rhyme more… make no mistake…

Love the ride now!

 

[jflogerzi]

Echo the others. Ditch the spacers. Go with a 1.2 or 1.8 lift. Note on 2wd trucks you will get a bit more lift per settings

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