Bilstein vs. Spacers

Wrigley17 · Oct 3, 2015

Howdy. I have done my research and seen the overwhelming voted in favor of the bilstein 5100's for a level. My question is for the spacer route, who makes the best ones and what is the best material? Rubber, or steel? I want to narrow it down and compare that spacer to the bilstein. With spacers would I need taller shocks anyways? I see some brands say their spacer kits require different shocks/struts. Just trying to do my research because I don't enjoy redoing anything.

For tires I have the stock 275/60/20 on my 15 CC. What sizes have you guys gone up to on a stock set up, and which sizes have you gone up to with a 2 inch level, including the bilstein set at 2.1 or 2.8? I don't want the tires wider, just a taller more aggressive tire.

Thanks in advance gents, I have gained a plethora of knowledge from these forums.

Thatdude596 · Oct 3, 2015

spacers are junk..bils

RotorHead04 · Oct 3, 2015

I just posted two Billistein 5100 series 24- 186988 to eBay if anyone is interested. It's for an 06- 08 1500. I bought them but couldn't install them due to a rusted on control arm.

Burla · Oct 3, 2015

So many guys like me have had some problems with bils on 2.8, so I say 2.1. There is more stress on cv boots/joints at 2.8, and there have been issues at take off at that level, but overwhelmingly there haven't been many problems with bils at 2.1. I had spacers and removed them for bils, way improved my ride quality. Spacers bind your from end, don't go that route. Either poly or metal, doesn't matter they will last.

Wrigley17 · Oct 3, 2015

Ok thanks for the help. Just narrowing my options. Do the bils keel the factory ride? I really like how nice my 2015 handles the road. Any noticeable mpg decrease with a level?

Burla · Oct 3, 2015

2.1 leaves some rake, 2.8 pretty much levels it perfect. You can trim the back springs as well, as an option if you want 2.1 and a perfect level cut 1/2 inch off the back. Yes, gas mileage goes down at least 1mpg.

The factory ride is improved with bils, really will ride nice and a little firmer.

Wrigley17 · Oct 3, 2015

Ok thanks for the input.

Wrigley17 · Oct 4, 2015

What tire size will fit with no lift/level? 275/60/20s now.

michaelrc51 · Oct 4, 2015

Bils, made a much better ride.....even the wife drove my truck and noticed the ride difference.

I also did the 1.5" body lift and 35" fit no problem with the Bils set at 2.1" and a 1" spacer in the rear. I did Bils front and rear.

BigChief · Oct 4, 2015

I have the bils set to 2.1 on my 2014. I have 37.5" front and rear to the top of the fender. It is leveled. I think 2.8 would be too much for my truck and my mechanic advised against 2.8 for all the same reasons you see here.

I put Goodyear wrangler duratracs on and they measure nearly 35". They are 285/60r20. They look great and fill out the wheel well nicely.

PCT · Oct 4, 2015

If you haven't made your decision yet, I did 2.5 RC spacers. I didn't notice ANY ride comfort changes at all... I had them installed at a autoshop, so I cost me about 300 out the door for parts and installation. Looks good IMO, I'm running 33's

Wrigley17 · Oct 5, 2015

I agree, your ride looks very clean and how a truck should. Thanks for the input, glad to hear spacers haven't caused you issues.

Wrigley17 · Oct 5, 2015

As in ride do you mean handling and comfort? That's great she could notice a difference.

Wrigley17 · Oct 5, 2015

Sounds like bils are the route to go. Anyone have them put in that will share cost? I could do it myself but am curious what it would cost in labor for a shop.

BigChief · Oct 5, 2015

Wrigley17 said:
Sounds like bils are the route to go. Anyone have them put in that will share cost? I could do it myself but am curious what it would cost in labor for a shop.

Locally, CAD$ it cost me 235 with 13% TAX and an alignment. Pretty darn cheap if you ask me. I was quoted 2 labour hours and $60 for the alignment.

PCT · Oct 7, 2015

Wrigley17 said:
As in ride do you mean handling and comfort? That's great she could notice a difference.

Sorry didn't get to this sooner.... The truck still drives like it was when it was stock! Both handling and overall comfort

Sparkz · Oct 7, 2015

I just had Bil's installed on my '14 along with Mevotech UCA's. I had them set at 2.1" and it's just about perfect. Total cost was $202 for the Bil's, about $90 for the UCA's, $400 labor to install them (NY prices

) and another $100 to have the wheels aligned. Not cheap, but worth it if you're like me and hate that downward rake.

Now I'm searching for new 17" tires to replace my OEM's - Thinking Toyo AT II's

brandonjansen · Oct 8, 2015

Check out the Guide to Leveling & Wheel and Tire Sizing linked in my signature. It will tell you everything you need to know about Bilsteins VS spacers and what size wheel/tire setup you can run with the leveling kit.

Cfpdscott · Oct 8, 2015

I don't have pictures but I just did bilsteins set at 2.8 on my '11 CC and added 1" spacers in the rear. Gives it a little rake but lifts the whole truck and looks real good. Still have stock tires I plan on adding either 33's or 35's in the future

poweredbyhemi · Oct 27, 2015

Thatdude596 said:
spacers are junk..bils

Bills are junk,get spacers & struts sized appropriately.

Bilstein vs. Spacers

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