Bilstein 5100...Love it

[EJH]

I have a dumb question. If these are adjustable, and I level my fx4 will these self adjust back to level when I tow something, tongue weight will raise the front end, if stock that levels it out. With this set would I still need a front coil over spacer to reach level?

My ranger will be a tow vehicle as well, for a travel trailer around 4,500 fully loaded, with a tongue weight of 500 lbs or so.

If I go the Bilstein route, I would set the front height near the low end of options, probably use the 1.2" setting. I don't want a nose up vehicle when towing.

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[Waxthis]

Hi all,

I am looking into purchasing the Bilstein 5100 set for all 4 corners from Stage 3. I just want to make sure I do this right as this is the first truck I am ever doing any real mods to.

If I purchase this set - https://www.stage3motorsports.com/1...stein-5100-adjustable-leveling-shock-kit.html - Is this all that I need to get in order to bring it to a shop and have it installed? If I am reading correctly, I can use this to get a 2.5 inch level in the front. I have been doing all my research on this, but wanted to ask you all first to double check my information. Appreciate any help from you guys!

There are various one time use nuts that will need to be replaced. Not sure if your kit comes with them or not. I'm currently researching this my self.

 

[CompDude]

Here is the part numbers I have for front and back

2- Stabilizer Bar Nut - Ford (-W716936-S442)
6- M12 Nut - Ford (-W520214-S440)
2- Axle Nut - Ford (KB3Z-3B477-A)
2- Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link Nut - Ford (-W520213-S440)
4- W719057-S439 Rear shock bolt

 

[Waxthis]

Here is the part numbers I have for front and back

2- Stabilizer Bar Nut - Ford (-W716936-S442)
6- M12 Nut - Ford (-W520214-S440)
2- Axle Nut - Ford (KB3Z-3B477-A)
2- Suspension Stabilizer Bar Link Nut - Ford (-W520213-S440)
4- W719057-S439 Rear shock bolt

Thanks!

 

[Fawnbuster]

1st of heard about a diff drop. I had only heard if you go max or higher you need different control arms. Can you link to where you read this please?

 

[Lost19Ranger]

I went bilstein at the full height 2.5” on 17” 0 offset with 33x11.5 no issues besides taking 3 times to balance.

 

[Langwilliams]

I have the Bilstein 5100's waiting installation an I'm kinda torn between the 2.5" lift an the 1.8" lift. If I go 1.8 it will be with the idea of adding the least amount of stress to the driveline. I don't do any off roading just driving through a field or down a trail to a shooting sight or to pick up firewood. I want the look.

So my routine driving style (other than the occasional stop light race) won't stress the front an I plan on running 265/70/17 tires which are close to the OME tire weight, only 3 to 5 lbs more per tire. I don't think 2.5" is unreasonable.

 

[Lost19Ranger]

I have the Bilstein 5100's waiting installation an I'm kinda torn between the 2.5" lift an the 1.8" lift. If I go 1.8 it will be with the idea of adding the least amount of stress to the driveline. I don't do any off roading just driving through a field or down a trail to a shooting sight or to pick up firewood. I want the look.

So my routine driving style (other than the occasional stop light race) won't stress the front an I plan on running 265/70/17 tires which are close to the OME tire weight, only 3 to 5 lbs more per tire. I don't think 2.5" is unreasonable.

If it really was an issue dealerships Wouldn’t be doing 2.5” lifts and warranting it. But definitely go with what you feel comfortable with.

 

[Langwilliams]

If it really was an issue dealerships Wouldn’t be doing 2.5” lifts and warranting it. But definitely go with what you feel comfortable with.

great point....2.5 it is

 

[onobeka]

I've watched those videos many times. Ronny is very biased on Toyotas, which do UCA/coil binding at full droop, unlike our Rangers.
See my post on droop limited, same section as this thread. Yes, CV angle is an issue, that's what the diff drop solves, but actually on the ranger, it's not a diff drop per se, rather a diff angle-ing, as there is not enough space to do a proper drop. Yes, the CV will drop. Other than CVs I would worry on the UCAs, yet, if you will replace those those next to doing the diff "drop" you will be probably in a better situation than a 2" lift without other mods.

 

[Superdannyboy]

I believe you can only get 2" of lift out of this kit if you are using your stock Ranger Springs.

What other springs can you use? Serious question. The 5100's have 4.67" of stroke which I think is pretty sweet. Looking at upgrading my coils such as eibach coils at the lowest setting on the Bilstein shock. Not sure if this has been done or is possible.

 

[Fawnbuster]

What other springs can you use? Serious question. The 5100's have 4.67" of stroke which I think is pretty sweet. Looking at upgrading my coils such as eibach coils at the lowest setting on the Bilstein shock. Not sure if this has been done or is possible.

Installing mine in the morning. We're putting a 1 inch aluminum spacer at the top, then the 5100s have to.drive it home and measure my clearance for the garage door and then add the other plate at the bottom if we have room, still leaving room for bigger tires next month. Currently I have 4 inches of clearance to the antenna.

 

[Markubis]

What other springs can you use? Serious question. The 5100's have 4.67" of stroke which I think is pretty sweet. Looking at upgrading my coils such as eibach coils at the lowest setting on the Bilstein shock. Not sure if this has been done or is possible.

I was just on the Bilstein website to see if they offer springs for a longer travel than the OEM springs but it doesn't appear that they do.
My suggestion is to get aftermarket springs that will handle the extra lift (more than 2")

Eibach makes a set as well as a few others.

 

[ryyck]

I got a set of Bilstein 5100 for all four corners and man do I love the way the truck handles now. I wanted to get the truck leveled and was talked out if the leveling kit. I got the kit from Stage 3 and had my local suspension shop install it. World of difference on the highway, highway curves, and light gravel/trail. I set the level at the max height. Its definitely not the rocking and rolling the stock suspension. It feels like im actually in control now.
Get yourself a set !!

My son is driving me nuts about doing this. Did it raise the Ranger up at all? What was the cost?

 

[Langwilliams]

I'm happy with the 1.8" setting. It appears to raise it 2" but I'm sure it will settle some after some driving.

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