Bilsteins @ 1.4

Cyborg2337 · Apr 15, 2014

I'm looking to do a Bilstein level at some point and have been reading about the UCA issues. I have a '13 4x4 QC and plan to bring up the front a bit to fit 34's but I still want to leave some rake. I haven't seen much here about Bilsteins set at 1.4. My question is will I have UCA issues at 1.4? Also, will this level settle some afterward? Is it worth it to use 1.4 or should I go to the 2.1 setting? I have 2.75" of rake at stock and I only want to cut that about in half. Thanks in advance for any input.

Burla · Apr 15, 2014

So on 2.1 I still have noticeable rake, give me a while and I will try and get a photo so you can see, but I also have a heavy after market bumper. Do you have a 4x4 or 4x2? I personally would just leave it stock as opposed to going up one inch. Then you would not have to deal with the dealer on any issues, and if you want to take the just some rake out you can cut the back spring an inch.

Cyborg2337 · Apr 15, 2014

Thanks Burla. I have a 4x4, and I like the rear stock height so I don't want to trim that down. If anything I plan to install Bilsteins at either 1.4 or 2.1. I like the 2.1 setting from what I've seen, just concerned about all the UCA problems and thought maybe 1.4 would be easier on the ball joints. It seems like all the problems that exist come from the 2.8 setting but nothing is too clear on that issue. Plus I would like to keep at least 1" of rake or more. Did your Bilsteins settle over time? Did you get a legit 2" of height out of your setup?

whatTHEmilone · Apr 15, 2014

I have a 2013 QC 4x4 and set my Bilsteins at 2.1. The rake is about 1/2 an inch. It looks like the perfect height though. I also had them on for a year (about 7,500 miles) with no issues at all. IMO 1.4" probably wouldn't be worth it.

jbr · Apr 15, 2014

whatTHEmilone said:
I have a 2013 QC 4x4 and set my Bilsteins at 2.1. The rake is about 1/2 an inch. It looks like the perfect height though. I also had them on for a year (about 7,500 miles) with no issues at all. IMO 1.4" probably wouldn't be worth it.

That is a decent amount of miles with no control arm/ball joint issues with a 2013 set at 2.1. Do you do any off roading?

Cyborg2337 · Apr 15, 2014

Thanks for the feedback so far! I like that setup and I'm going for something similar. I noticed you have 35 MT's, I'm planning on 34 AT's. I just wanted some feedback from Bilstein guys and wanted to hear what you all think of the 1.4" setting.

WhiteExpress · Apr 15, 2014

I like rake, not as much as Ram, but some rake none the less.
I think 1.4" would be a very nice setting.

Totally different truck, but I ran a 1.5" spacer on my '00 Ram.
It gave it a totally different attitude, but didn't have any notable negative side effects.

whatTHEmilone · Apr 15, 2014

No, not really. The stock tires didn't really work that good in mud.

whatTHEmilone · Apr 15, 2014

Cyborg2337 said:
Thanks for the feedback so far! I like that setup and I'm going for something similar. I noticed you have 35 MT's, I'm planning on 34 AT's. I just wanted some feedback from Bilstein guys and wanted to hear what you all think of the 1.4" setting.

34s should fit just fine with the 1.4" lift. I have a lot of room with the 35s.

Cyborg2337 · Apr 15, 2014

I was thinking that also. Question... Are the Bilsteins true to their specs? Does the 1.4 setting actually raise and hold a 1.4" height increase? And the same for the 2.1 setting? Is there a noted issue at all with settling over time? I plan to keep my setup for years once I finally have it the way I want it lol. Again, thanks for all the feedback.

h2oman · Apr 15, 2014

All trucks are a little different so 1.4 or 2.1 or 2.8 for that matter are going to be a bit different from truck to truck as far as rake goes.

Cyborg2337 · Apr 15, 2014

H2Oman, whoever it is in that photo (I'm assuming that's you) thank you for your service. I have 2.75" of rake and I want to keep about 1.5". That's one of the reasons I'm thinking about Bilsteins at 1.4". In theory it should do the trick, right? I also want to know if Bilsteins settle over time or if they maintain their height of 1.4" or 2.1". If they settle at all then I will go with 2.1". I know they're adjustable and I always can move them, just trying to get a good plan together. Are you implying that the Bilsteins themselves actually sit different from truck to truck or were u referring to just the rake/suspension height?

h2oman · Apr 15, 2014

Lol. That was not in the service. In general, no two trucks will have identical rake. Therefore, the rake after the level is put on will not be the same nor will the settle in the level. I wish I could be more specific but after hearing what is happening to the 2014's I just can't be more specific than that. 2.1 should be ok for you. Maybe don't want to try 2.8.

Caldwell · Apr 15, 2014

1.4 setting with a true 34" tire will look perfect. It will give the truck the proper stance it should have from the factory. Even 33's will still look really good

My goal is 305/55/20, 1.4 BIlSTEIN's, and UCA'S

Cyborg2337 · Apr 16, 2014

Caldwell, I hear what ur saying. I agree, I also like ur setup. The 2.1 setting is nice too but I might try 1.4 with a 34" and go from there. I appreciate the feedback and I'm getting a lot of good info here from everyone and in other threads.

I would still like to hear about any UCA or balljoint issues from guys running Bilsteins @ 1.4. Maybe there aren't any problems at that height??

Burla · Apr 16, 2014

I measured both from 2.80 and 2.1 and it is very close if not exactly .7 different, I actually think it was something in the .6's, but again I have a heavy bumper. Even at the highest setting I had rake. Anyhow, I think they are pretty precise, my thread on them show the measurements, but one pic is blurry.

Caldwell · Apr 18, 2014

The 13's 14's are more likely to have ball joint issues with the slightest adjustment to the factory suspension. It depends on your driving style / area / amount of driving to see whether or not you are going to develop the issue. I would rather save my pennies for the BIlSTEIN's and UCA's at the same time. In the long run it will be better for the truck, and save the hassle of down time in the shop getting Orem bushings replaced / not covered by warranty

Cormier3288 · Apr 18, 2014

Will the Zone UCA work with any type of lift? Im installing the Bill, and eventually plan to get a lift(not sure on brand).

h2oman · Apr 18, 2014

They should work with any lift.

11BPSMIKE · Apr 19, 2014

I'm debating installing mine at 1.4 or 2.1 as I haul my atv and with 20 pounds in airlift1000 I have 1/2 inch of rake with the stock front. I have 3" unloaded.

Bilsteins @ 1.4

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