Bilstein 5100s

Machete · Apr 25, 2016

Figured I'd tackle this install with some decent weather finally showing up. Not off to the best start. I noticed I only have one spring clip. This is after I have the first side completely apart. I just have a few questions.

All my questions are regarding the installation of the Bilsteins into the spring..

1) I guess the spring has to be compressed more to fit the higher settings compared to the stock?

2) Is it vital that I keep that black plastic housing that goes inside the springs?! It won t stay in place and keeps sliding down. I assume it s just to keep debris out..

3) I read a member recommends the washer doesn't contact the nut and sits at the top of the piston?

4) Is anyone not using a torque wrench? Should the top nut be to a certain spec before releasing the spring compressors. .

Thanks

HemiPower36 · Apr 25, 2016

**** it, just pay someone. That's what I did. Wasn't an arm and a leg.

Machete · Apr 25, 2016

I normally would but I m trying to be cheaper ; )

smoothee · Apr 25, 2016

1) yes
2) wouldn't say it's necessarily "vital," but I would highly recommend it. Depending on where you live and type of conditions you drive in. How exactly is it sliding down? The top portion of the sleeve should seat snugly once assembled.
3) correct, the washer does NOT go directly under the nut. It goes underneath the strut mount.
4) I just gave the nut a quick shot with an impact. Very hard to get enough leverage for a torque wrench I found. It doesn't need much, so as long as the mount is seated snugly against the washer you'll be good to go.

JD0l4k48 · Apr 25, 2016

Did you get a dealership to do it or someone you know?

Machete · Apr 25, 2016

Hey thanks. Yeah, I was installing the sleeve wrong haha.

Machete · Apr 25, 2016

Everything is tight except the upper ball joint nut. Keeps freely spinning. Almost done. A lot of breaks taking care of the daughter..

I'll definitely pick up a set of deep sockets for the other side and a torque wrench which I ve been needing for awhile. .

iam_canadian22 · Apr 25, 2016

Machete said:
Everything is tight except the upper ball joint nut. Keeps freely spinning. Almost done. A lot of breaks taking care of the daughter..

I'll definitely pick up a set of deep sockets for the other side and a torque wrench which I ve been needing for awhile. .

Use 2 wrenches for the balljoint, one on the nut and a 10mm i believe on the tip of the threaded shaft to hold it from turning

akra11 · Apr 25, 2016

smoothee said:
1) yes
2) wouldn't say it's necessarily "vital," but I would highly recommend it. Depending on where you live and type of conditions you drive in. How exactly is it sliding down? The top portion of the sleeve should seat snugly once assembled.
3) correct, the washer does NOT go directly under the nut. It goes underneath the strut mount.
4) I just gave the nut a quick shot with an impact. Very hard to get enough leverage for a torque wrench I found. It doesn't need much, so as long as the mount is seated snugly against the washer you'll be good to go.

I agree with smoothee.
the hardest part was to compress the springs. Had mine done in just over two hours total.
now looking for some HD rear coil springs.
Any one has an idea where the best place to get those?

SOKY_RAM · Apr 25, 2016

So say I have this friend that just put these on his truck and put the washer on the top side under the nut. Should he take all that crap apart again just to move that washer or just ride it out. Anyone else figure this out post install and just leave it?

akra11 · Apr 25, 2016

you might run the risk that the rod comes thru the shock mount over time since the rod and the plate diameter are not too far off. I would change it to be save.

Csanders1992 · Apr 25, 2016

SOKY_RAM said:
So say I have this friend that just put these on his truck and put the washer on the top side under the nut. Should he take all that crap apart again just to move that washer or just ride it out. Anyone else figure this out post install and just leave it?

I'd definitely fix that. It can wear it out over time and cause a clunking

smoothee · Apr 25, 2016

akra11 said:
you might run the risk that the rod comes thru the shock mount over time since the rod and the plate diameter are not too far off. I would change it to be save.

This! Ask me how I know...

Machete · Apr 25, 2016

Hmm. Everything seems good. But I gained no height. I only did the passenger side so far. It s identical to the drivers side. I 100% set it at 2.1. What s likey the issue here?!

Thanks

sriley531 · Apr 25, 2016

SOKY_RAM said:
So say I have this friend that just put these on his truck and put the washer on the top side under the nut. Should he take all that crap apart again just to move that washer or just ride it out. Anyone else figure this out post install and just leave it?

akra11 said:
you might run the risk that the rod comes thru the shock mount over time since the rod and the plate diameter are not too far off. I would change it to be save.

Csanders1992 said:
I'd definitely fix that. It can wear it out over time and cause a clunking

Man, you guys got me second guessing the crap outta myself on this one. Anybody got a pic or schematic that shows this??

(Sorry to the OP for sidetracking, this just seemed like a logical place to post this given the conversation)

AustinB · Apr 25, 2016

sriley531 said:
Man, you guys got me second guessing the crap outta myself on this one. Anybody got a pic or schematic that shows this??

(Sorry to the OP for sidetracking, this just seemed like a logical place to post this given the conversation)

The ****** part is that you can't see it without pulling the strut... So if a shop did it wrong, well.. Good luck.

IMO

sriley531 · Apr 25, 2016

AustinB said:
The ****** part is that you can't see it without pulling the strut... So if a shop did it wrong, well.. Good luck.

IMO

No shop to blame, it was me. But I really can't remember where I put that washer!

akra11 · Apr 26, 2016

So thought it was time for a change. After Bilstein 5100 front installed, I decided to ditch the 22"s and went with 285/65/20 on stock sport rims. Also added HD rear coil springs which gives her a bit of rake back.

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pepsiracer24 · Apr 26, 2016

I like the look of leveled with stock rims. I bet they would look good powder coated in black too.

Nice truck! Exactly what I'm looking to do once I buy on granite sport

akra11 · Apr 26, 2016

Thanks, ya, thinking about powder coating them. Have to find a good place who can do it around here.

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