2.8'' Bilstein ride quality

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HLram

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I have looked but real quick how is the ride quality of the Bilstein 5100s on the 2.8'' setting vs the 2.1'' setting for those that have done them? I have them on 2.1'' now and it's smooth smooth smooth. Want to raise them and put spacers on the rear.
 

bouf0010

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I didnt notice a difference between the 2 ride wise. The only thing that made me switch back to 2.1" was the strut would hit full extension going over speed bumps or mild off roading. As for the spacers in the back, have you considered getting the 5100s for the rear? Itll allow you to raise it up 1".

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mattman_13

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I don't see how shocks could raise the rear an inch. I believe they would allow you an inch of play or something. But pretty sure spacers are your only way to actually lift.
I'd love some extended ones for my lift.
 
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HLram

HLram

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I have the Bilsteins on the rear as well. I don't think they allow any lift, though. They just look like regular shocks. When u say it bottoms out the strut, do u mean it doesn't have as much stroke when they are raised? That would make sense I guess. I ask because I go down some pretty bad roads every single day and big potholes and bumps on lease roads.
 

Westwind1124a

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Have you considered doing a 1" body lift? It may be cheaper than buying spacers and tearing your front end apart again. Plus, you'd get to keep the setup that you know rides smooth.
 

bouf0010

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Hmmm thats prob what they mean by 0-1" lift, it allows an inch of extra travel. If you have a lot of bumpy roads to drive on id stick with the 2.1". What is your desired end result? A leveled truck or a slighty lifted truck?

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HLram

HLram

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well i would like as much lift as possible without having to actually install a lift. But i still want the good ride. The 1" body lift may be a good option I will compare the costs. If it's close then I may go that route. Thanks.
 

h2oman

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Mine are at 2.8 with no issues on or off road.
 
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HLram

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Thanks
 

C.Carmichael

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Body lifts will gap your body from the frame, and u will see that in the gap between the bumper and grille and bumper and tailgate... That gap bothers me... Of it doesn't bother u, go for it, but that's why I wouldn't do it. Also a lot more stress on your body bolts, so make sure that u use the strongest u can get
 

sausec17

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Body lifts will gap your body from the frame, and u will see that in the gap between the bumper and grille and bumper and tailgate... That gap bothers me... Of it doesn't bother u, go for it, but that's why I wouldn't do it. Also a lot more stress on your body bolts, so make sure that u use the strongest u can get

not true.

relocation brackets for the bumpers, grill is part of the body, and they have gap guards for the fenders. by looking at my truck theres no way to tell I have a body lift
 

C.Carmichael

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not true.



relocation brackets for the bumpers, grill is part of the body, and they have gap guards for the fenders. by looking at my truck theres no way to tell I have a body lift


Most don't use relocation brackets... So u do see it. I'd still prefer a real lift. Just my opinion tho.
 

slodsm

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Most don't use relocation brackets... So u do see it. I'd still prefer a real lift. Just my opinion tho.


In the 1980's perhaps, I personally haven't seen a gapped truck in 15 years or more.

And a real lift being a suspension lift? I've had huge suspension lifted trucks over the years, some combos of body and suspension, an 2 with just a leveling kit and body lift. To me, it's all I need anymore. Keeps the factory ride, you can't see the frame on a dodge (I'd never body lift a ford or Chevy) and I spend a lot of time off road at work and I have all the added clearance I need. The low point of a vehicle no matter the lift is still the front and rear diff, that changes with tire size, not lift type so it's everything I need with no warranty hassles.


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smarsmar101

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Rear bils dotn add any lift.... they ALLOW an extra 1 in travel of lift. So in other words, you could get a rear spacer for 65$ and a set of rear bilstiens like i did, and raise the rear up.

i like mine at 2.8 with a 1.75 rear spacer... still a little rake, but the whole truck gets a quick jump up in height.
 
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