Bilstein 5100s Level with Rear Spacer

TheBluePitPop · Jun 25, 2019

So I’ve been smashing the search bar pretty hard the past day or so to try and get as much info as possible on what I’m looking to do with my truck. I’m hoping that if I’m wrong some of you can nudge me onto the right track.

I have a 17 midnight edition 5.7 Hemi ram and I would like to level it. I want it to be lifted as well, and as long as I’ve been reading it correctly, leveling with 5100 bilsteins all around and rear coil spacers should do that for me.

Am I correct in that? If not, can you explain it better for me? Thanks for all the help in advance!!

JB1 · Jun 25, 2019

First you need to determine what “level” is on your particular truck. Measure from the ground to the center fender edge opening at all 4 corners and post those numbers here.

RF=?
LF=?
RR=?
LR=?

After getting those measurements simply subtract the front from the rear and this determines how much height increase you’ll need in front to “level” it to the rear dimensions. Keep in mind having these dims the same will have it measure level/equal but to the eye may make it look like the rear is lower especially if you have the sport hood. Also if you ever tow or just haul loads in your bed it will sag some.

All that said.....on an average a setting of 2.1 on the front Bilsteins will leave you level and a setting of 2.8 will require an additional rear spacer of 3/4” to 1”. But again we need your measurements and tow/haul requirements for a more accurate calculation as to what setting and spacer you’ll need.

The rear Bilsteins are just shocks and provide zero lift.

Here’s a great how too:

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/how-to-1-5-steel-tgc-rear-coil-spring-spacer-install.95130/

buddy guy · Jun 25, 2019

i'm going to play along if that' s ok in this thread, too.

my fronts are both 37, my rears 39 1/4". full tank of gas. 50lb of road tools in the back. i don't and won't tow. Occasionally have a truck load for moving or dump runs. Seems to me Billy 5100s @ 2.1 on the front and only 3/4 inch-1 inch spacers on the back to leave a bit of height for so it isn't nose up would be perfect for me. i think in the end leveling will be good enough for my "look" tastes on the basis of pics I've seen.

JB1 · Jun 26, 2019

buddy guy said:
i'm going to play along if that' s ok in this thread, too.

my fronts are both 37, my rears 39 1/4". full tank of gas. 50lb of road tools in the back. i don't and won't tow. Occasionally have a truck load for moving or dump runs. Seems to me Billy 5100s @ 2.1 on the front and only 3/4 inch-1 inch spacers on the back to leave a bit of height for so it isn't nose up would be perfect for me. i think in the end leveling will be good enough for my "look" tastes on the basis of pics I've seen.

But that’s not level, you would still be approximately 1” higher in the rear

@TheBluePitPop as you can see, the height setting, use of rear spacers and height of rear spacers used kinda depends on personal taste, how you plan on using your truck and most of all....what’s your definition of “level” is it Webster’s or some interpretation.

buddy guy · Jun 26, 2019

I'm missing something then JB. I thought you still wanted the rear a bit higher allowing for load? or are you thinking based on my rare load, why bother with rear spacers.

JB1 · Jun 26, 2019

buddy guy said:
I'm missing something then JB. I thought you still wanted the rear a bit higher allowing for load? or are you thinking based on my rare load, why bother with rear spacers.

Some people want it higher, some want it dead even and I’ve seen some people like the front end sitting higher, it’s all about personal preference. My point was when someone says I want my truck level...what does that really mean?.....for you it’s 1” higher, for some it may be 3/4” higher, 1/2” higher, 1-1/2” higher and some may want it dead even and have no intentions of hauling anything on a regular basis they just like driving a truck.

buddy guy · Jun 26, 2019

i do like the dead level look. do the bilsteins settle in a bit after a period? based on my measurements otherwise, bilstein 5100s at 2.1 would do it and i can call it a day. i don't want complicated here.

JB1 · Jun 26, 2019

buddy guy said:
i do like the dead level look. do the bilsteins settle in a bit after a period? based on my measurements otherwise, bilstein 5100s at 2.1 would do it and i can call it a day. i don't want complicated here.

Your plan with the small rear spacer sounded fine to me. All I was saying to the thread starter is there is no “cookie cutter” setup, it begins with the measurements

buddy guy · Jun 26, 2019

okee dokee. thx for your thoughts. all valued

KeepRight · Jun 26, 2019

JB1 said:
Some people want it higher, some want it dead even and I’ve seen some people like the front end sitting higher, it’s all about personal preference. My point was when someone says I want my truck level...what does that really mean?.....for you it’s 1” higher, for some it may be 3/4” higher, 1/2” higher, 1-1/2” higher and some may want it dead even and have no intentions of hauling anything on a regular basis they just like driving a truck.

I like your explanation... Level is level... Not sounding sarcastic.
Txs

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

ram1500rsm · Jun 26, 2019

Do the 5100's first at 2.1" and give them some time for them to settle some. Add the spacer later on if needed. This is the look with Ranchos QL's in the front which is just 2" lift and stock rear coils with 315/70/17 tires. back then the truck had a little back rake unitl i added my 100lbs spare in the bed, then the rake went away and it look more level or flat.

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

Untitled by RAM RSM, on Flickr

buddy guy · Jun 26, 2019

I think that is exactly what i will do

Jrod · Jun 26, 2019

Bills 2.8 front, 1.5" rear spacer, factory size AT tires. This is what you get.

https://www.ramforum.com/posts/1706650/

buddy guy · Jun 26, 2019

Jrod said:
Bills 2.8 front, 1.5" rear spacer, factory size AT tires. This is what you get.

https://www.ramforum.com/posts/1706650/

ahhhh but you changed your UCAs too. that's cheating! :badger_1:

Jrod · Jun 26, 2019

buddy guy said:
ahhhh but you changed your UCAs too. that's cheating!

Lol, it wasn't necessary but for an extra $120 I figured what the hell. A bunch of people on here leave their factory UCA's with no issues at 2.8.

Also, if I had only gone 2.1 I would have still dropped a 3/4" rear spacer. I like a little rake.

buddy guy · Jun 26, 2019

extra 120...otherwise known as 500 dollars in canada

Jrod · Jun 26, 2019

buddy guy said:
extra 120...otherwise known as 500 dollars in canada

Doh! Yep

buddy guy · Jun 26, 2019

these suspension mods sure seem like you can go down a financial rabbit hole!

Matts175 · Jun 27, 2019

5100's set at 2.8" in the front and a 1" spacer in the rear gave me just a tiny bit of rake. When I put my small trailer on, with my ATV it sits perfectly level, which is what I was going for.

As other have said... get some better upper control arms. You are already going to have it all torn apart. It's 2 more bolts (per side) to undo and only a few extra minutes.

Bilstein 5100s Level with Rear Spacer

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