Bilstein B8 (5100) vs B6

[Eclipse Aries]

Just got a new to me 2014 CCSB Laramie w/o air suspension with 61K on the clock. I'm looking to freshen up the ride in the rear with new end links and shocks. I always believe in upgrade when replacing but want to keep stock ride height (I know, weird) as I drive 3k miles a month and need to squeeze out every mpg I can. Can I keep the stock height with the 5100s or do I need to look at the B6?

 

[Whitd5]

A shock isn’t going to change your height. Any shock will compress under the weight of a vehicle. It’s the springs job to determine the ride height. Don’t change your springs and you won’t change your height.

 

[novelmike]

A shock isn’t going to change your height. Any shock will compress under the weight of a vehicle. It’s the springs job to determine the ride height. Don’t change your springs and you won’t change your height.

You are correct, kinda.
The 5100’s are a shock that CAN provide lift and use the stock springs.
Not many people buy them and set them to a stock height.

 

[novelmike]

Yes you could use the 5100 and have them set on the stock setting. I’m sure there will be a improvement in ride since they say you should replace your shocks and struts every 50k.
I know you said you’d like to keep stock ride height, but maybe consider the Rancho QuickLift??? They do not provide much lift, but they do offer the ability to adjust the ride with the turn of a knob on the shock. With as much as you drive, I would the best, smoothest ride possible.

 

[olyelr]

You are correct, kinda.
The 5100’s are a shock that CAN provide lift and use the stock springs.
Not many people buy them and set them to a stock height.

No, they dont. Hes talking about the rear. New rear shocks will not alter the ride height.

If all he changes is shocks and end links, then there will be no change in height.

 

[Eclipse Aries]

Thanks for the knowledge. I was hoping the 5100s would work, as I will replace the fronts in the near future. 5100s in front gives me the option for height change if I'm no longer driving all over God's green earth. I'd like the fronts and rear to match when it's all done.
I'm not a believer in Rancho stuff from previous use on different vehicles. Eibach was a consideration, but costs the same as Bils.

 

[novelmike]

No, they dont. Hes talking about the rear. New rear shocks will not alter the ride height.

If all he changes is shocks and end links, then there will be no change in height.

I need to pay more attention to what I read! I didn’t notice he said rear shocks.

 

[Whitd5]

I need to pay more attention to what I read! I didn’t notice he said rear shocks.

It’s fine don’t feel bad. I had to edit my entire first post to switch what I said to address the rear lol. With that said, the shock is still not really providing the lift up front. It’s the spring being manipulated that lifts it. Just so happens that the part changing is on the body of the shock. My point is that the mechanics of a shock does does not change height. Shocks are designed to control weight, not support it.

 

[Eclipse Aries]

It’s fine don’t feel bad. I had to edit my entire first post to switch what I said to address the rear lol. With that said, the shock is still not really providing the lift up front. It’s the spring being manipulated that lifts it. Just so happens that the part changing is on the body of the shock. My point is that the mechanics of a shock does does not change height. Shocks are designed to control weight, not support it.

Now I'm tracking. In the shock description it says for ride height 0-1". They are just saying there is enough stroke range to cover up to a 1" lift.