Bilstein 5100 install question

[maxarcher]

I'm getting a set of 5100s in the mail today, and I'm debating between installing them myself and paying a shop. I used to work in a shop and the install is pretty well within my abilities, but the one issue is that the install guides I've watched say the spring swap isn't doable without a hydraulic compressor. However, those guides were all running them at the 1.8" or 2.5" settings, which add quite a bit of preload to the spring, and I'm only planning on using the 1.2" setting, which I've read doesn't. Does anybody know if the 1.2" setting is doable with home shop equipment?

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[Wytchdctr]

Curious as well. This is the route I am thinking about going. Same struts and just a touch higher on the nose but not going level.

 

[Superspirit]

I did 1.8 with home shop equipment. Just a cheap set of compressors. Just take your time and be careful.

 

[ctechbob]

I got tired of waiting for 4600's and ordered a set of 5100's last night, so I'll be doing this when we get back from vacation in a couple of weeks. I'd do it before, but I really don't want to change major suspension parts and then turn around and pull the camper for 800 miles. Not leveling at all.

So, now people will be able to buy 4600's because I'm sure they'll come back in stock now that I've ordered a set of 5100's.

 

[Fawnbuster]

I'm getting a set of 5100s in the mail today, and I'm debating between installing them myself and paying a shop. I used to work in a shop and the install is pretty well within my abilities, but the one issue is that the install guides I've watched say the spring swap isn't doable without a hydraulic compressor. However, those guides were all running them at the 1.8" or 2.5" settings, which add quite a bit of preload to the spring, and I'm only planning on using the 1.2" setting, which I've read doesn't. Does anybody know if the 1.2" setting is doable with home shop equipment?

Personally I wouldn't just to be safe. Also need to LOOSEN the axle nut before you take it apart

 

[Frenchy]

If you have the fancy spring compressor at home that a shop would have them sure. If not let a shop do it. The rear on the other hand is not hard at all

 

[9zero1790]

it is possible. if you have the skill and stuffs to do it safe go for it. i would not. id be the guy going to the er with a spring shot through leg or something lol.

 

[Superspirit]

Always fear mongers in every thread. Honestly I don't see how some people on here can even put on a pair of pants. Or have they switched to skirts cuz they got No dangling bits left.

 

[Jason B]

I haven't done it on the Ranger, but I 'rented' spring compressors from Auto Zone when I replaced ball joints on my '95 F150.

 

[Rocketeer61]

it is possible. if you have the skill and stuffs to do it safe go for it. i would not. id be the guy going to the er with a spring shot through leg or something lol.

I think I used to work with that guy.

 

[Jhbryaniv]

I think I used to work with that guy.

is that when you were the lone employee at the shop?

 

[canyonslicker]

it is possible. if you have the skill and stuffs to do it safe go for it. i would not. id be the guy going to the er with a spring shot through leg or something lol.

Someone took the picture ?

 

[PltFX4]

I'm getting a set of 5100s in the mail today, and I'm debating between installing them myself and paying a shop. I used to work in a shop and the install is pretty well within my abilities, but the one issue is that the install guides I've watched say the spring swap isn't doable without a hydraulic compressor. However, those guides were all running them at the 1.8" or 2.5" settings, which add quite a bit of preload to the spring, and I'm only planning on using the 1.2" setting, which I've read doesn't. Does anybody know if the 1.2" setting is doable with home shop equipment?

I installed 1.5 percent of the job myself. LOL... Folks on here are giving away OEM FX4 shocks and springs, so I got as set of fronts with springs, hats, etc. and installed the 5100s before R&R the ones on the truck... no down time if I got stuck. Now just have to swap the fronts unit for unit. This is where I got stuck. Several videos on YT show a couple ways to extend the front suspension far enough to get the old out and the new in; some have you disconnect top A arm (if I recall correctly). In any event, I could not get it to work in the driveway. Left mine in and went to a shop to do the swap of the fronts.

I have a serious spring compressor which helps but the cheaper ones will do. Plan B is take the "used" units along with the 5100s to a shop and have them swap the springs for you... should be modest in cost.

The rears are easy, don't even have to lift the truck... taking the strap off the 5100 rears will cause them to extend fairly quickly and compressing them if you over shoot the lower bolt is HARD... they are stiff.... else you will have to lift the frame (in my case via the trailer hitch) to get the space between the top mount on the frame and the bottom on the axle to line up.

A younger guy might (many have) have better luck than I did in the driveway situation but it was worth the try.

 

[BettaRanga]

We got to 1.8 at home, but it was scary. 1.2 was certainly easier to get than 1.8, but I personally wouldn’t do it again myself.

 

[Bsenecal]

I installed 1.5 percent of the job myself. LOL... Folks on here are giving away OEM FX4 shocks and springs, so I got as set of fronts with springs, hats, etc. and installed the 5100s before R&R the ones on the truck... no down time if I got stuck. Now just have to swap the fronts unit for unit. This is where I got stuck. Several videos on YT show a couple ways to extend the front suspension far enough to get the old out and the new in; some have you disconnect top A arm (if I recall correctly). In any event, I could not get it to work in the driveway. Left mine in and went to a shop to do the swap of the fronts.

I have a serious spring compressor which helps but the cheaper ones will do. Plan B is take the "used" units along with the 5100s to a shop and have them swap the springs for you... should be modest in cost.

The rears are easy, don't even have to lift the truck... taking the strap off the 5100 rears will cause them to extend fairly quickly and compressing them if you over shoot the lower bolt is HARD... they are stiff.... else you will have to lift the frame (in my case via the trailer hitch) to get the space between the top mount on the frame and the bottom on the axle to line up.

A younger guy might (many have) have better luck than I did in the driveway situation but it was worth the try.

I installed the Eibach rears and maybe they are longer than the 5100’s.
My suspension was fully unsprung with the rear tire an inch off the ground and the Eibach was still about 2 inches to long so I had to use a small floor Jack to push it up so the bottom bolt would go in.
Not sure if my setup is much different than others who have suggested it was easy and would just slid in. Certainly doable if you have 2 jacks.
Brian

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