Bilstein 5100 Shock Absorbers Install question

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Compu-Doc

Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2022
Posts
39
Reaction score
64
Location
Coldstream, BC
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 HEMI
Hello Race Fans!
A quick question on the installation of these Bilsteins...is it required to get a front end alignment done when shocks are installed
I have a '19 1500 Classic Express
Thx!
 

G-Ride990

Administrator
Staff member
Administrator
Supporting Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2017
Posts
2,487
Reaction score
3,252
Location
Chandler, AZ
Ram Year
2016
Engine
5.7
IMO yes it is required. Tires are more expensive than those shocks so keep em running true and save yourself some money in the long run. Plus, wouldn't you rather have your truck track perfectly straight all the time?
 

KYPOTLICKER

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2023
Posts
195
Reaction score
209
Location
Kentucky
Ram Year
2022
Engine
5.7
Yes have alignment done. I had the 6112's installed, shop checked and I happened to be within spec after install.
 

Jeepwalker

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2017
Posts
3,239
Reaction score
3,467
Location
WI
Ram Year
2012 Reg Cab, 4x4
Engine
5.7 Hemi
If you're not changing the ride height... I would just double-check your truck's toe-in with a tape measure (find *like* treads front/back, or use a marker line). If it seems 'right' then it's your call. I probably wouldn't then. If you changed any ball joints, tie rod ends or it's high miles, then a good alignment would be a good idea.

You'd be surprised that some dealers still verify tow this way. And I've had pit passes and seen them do minor adjustments with race and Indy cars in the pits with a tape measure. It surprised me and my buddy. I've done my vehicles with a tape measure too for years. Assuming all else hasn't changed, 1/8" to 3/16" difference front to rear on the tires (that's a 1/16-3/32"toe-in) is what I usually set at. If you're running oversized tires you might want to go on the higher side. 90% of the time, you're paying for a toe-in adjustment anyway.

Before you let your truck down off the jackstands, you double-check the ball joints and tie-rod ends. There's videos that show ya how to do it. Or maybe you have already.

Here's what I use for each wheel which makes the job easier (if you make one, verify it's 100% 'true'). It measures off the rim rather than the tire:
Alignment Jig_email.jpg
 
OP
OP
Compu-Doc

Compu-Doc

Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2022
Posts
39
Reaction score
64
Location
Coldstream, BC
Ram Year
2019
Engine
5.7 HEMI
If you're not changing the ride height... I would just double-check your truck's toe-in with a tape measure (find *like* treads front/back, or use a marker line). If it seems 'right' then it's your call. I probably wouldn't then. If you changed any ball joints, tie rod ends or it's high miles, then a good alignment would be a good idea.

You'd be surprised that some dealers still verify tow this way. And I've had pit passes and seen them do minor adjustments with race and Indy cars in the pits with a tape measure. It surprised me and my buddy. I've done my vehicles with a tape measure too for years. Assuming all else hasn't changed, 1/8" to 3/16" difference front to rear on the tires (that's a 1/16-3/32"toe-in) is what I usually set at. If you're running oversized tires you might want to go on the higher side. 90% of the time, you're paying for a toe-in adjustment anyway.

Before you let your truck down off the jackstands, you double-check the ball joints and tie-rod ends. There's videos that show ya how to do it. Or maybe you have already.

Here's what I use for each wheel which makes the job easier (if you make one, verify it's 100% 'true'). It measures off the rim rather than the tire:
View attachment 530545
The only reason I'm changing the shocks is for the front end leveling. The truck only has 50000kms / 30000miles so nothing should be worn to the point of needing replacement
Appreciate everyone's feedback... always a great site...
 

IDSandman

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2021
Posts
468
Reaction score
616
Location
Idaho
Ram Year
2018
Engine
5.7
The only reason I'm changing the shocks is for the front end leveling. The truck only has 50000kms / 30000miles so nothing should be worn to the point of needing replacement
Appreciate everyone's feedback... always a great site...
Then absolutely.
 

Jeepwalker

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2017
Posts
3,239
Reaction score
3,467
Location
WI
Ram Year
2012 Reg Cab, 4x4
Engine
5.7 Hemi
The only reason I'm changing the shocks is for the front end leveling. The truck only has 50000kms / 30000miles so nothing should be worn to the point of needing replacement
Appreciate everyone's feedback... always a great site...

Then you definitely want to get an alignment.

With IFS, when you change the height you change the tow-in. Ever see some trucks traveling over a highly undulating road at highway speeds? Their front wheels are wonky all over the place! LOL.

Cheers! :happy160:
 
Top