Everything Bilstein Mega Thread

[brandonjansen]

Truck just dropped off at shop to get Bilsteins put on.. excited

edit: Once I get it back, how do I know where to adjust headlights to? I understand how to adjust the headlights, but not sure how to measure or anything along those lines.

Take a good read through this article. It will tell you what you need to do to get them aimed properly. Then take it out on the road and see how they look. I ended up lowering my headlights from what they recommend but I'm also lifted 9" and running FXR projectors with HID's so anything below my cutoff line is super bright.

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

 

[AustinB]

I have cars parked all over my street, so I aimed just about where someones head would be, about 80-100yrds away.

Then I went to walmart at night time and used the bricks on the side of the building as a horizontal line.. just to get my lights even.

Then do a test drive. If you get flashed a bunch of times.. lower them a turn or two. If you're only getting flashed by little BMWs or just cars in general.. you're set. They should have bought trucks.

 

[MaxSteelRam]

I have cars parked all over my street, so I aimed just about where someones head would be, about 80-100yrds away.

Then I went to walmart at night time and used the bricks on the side of the building as a horizontal line.. just to get my lights even.

Then do a test drive. If you get flashed a bunch of times.. lower them a turn or two. If you're only getting flashed by little BMWs or just cars in general.. you're set. They should have bought trucks.

thats actually a pretty good idea.

 

[MaxSteelRam]

Truck just dropped off at shop to get Bilsteins put on.. excited

edit: Once I get it back, how do I know where to adjust headlights to? I understand how to adjust the headlights, but not sure how to measure or anything along those lines.

Well, trucks back and it looks great. Had it set to 2.8"and I think it looks pretty bang on level (about 2/3" lower on front) But....

I think the alignment may be out a tad as the steering wheel isn't straight and it's pulling a small bit to the left

Bigger issue is I get a terrible wobble in 4x4 accelerating up to 65km/h in 2WD it's fine.

Edit:
So further testing...

4WD Auto or Lock on paved roads. 100% affected 0-65km/h moderate or agressive acceleration

4WD Auto or Lock on paved roads. 0% affected 0-65km/h with minor/slow acceleration

4WD Auto or Lock on hard pack gravel road. 20%ish affected with moderate acceleration

4WD Auto or Lock on loose gravel road. No noticeable vibration with any acceleration

2WD on any road. No noticeable vibration with any acceleration


So question is. Live with it? Is there any risk for component damage? Any risk of issues or danger towing in the snow with a snowmobile trailer?

Edit 2: added pics from underneath

 

[AustinB]

4x4 on pavement or on dirt?

 

[MaxSteelRam]

4x4 on pavement or on dirt?

Regular asphalt road. Pretty flat. Straight line. Just a moderate acceleration. edited m post above with more information.

 

[misuracaf10]

Looks like the 2.1 setting might suit your truck best?


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[MaxSteelRam]

Looks like the 2.1 setting might suit your truck best?


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a bit hard to change it after the fact and pay another $300 to change the install. Either way, reading into this more looks like this is common and changing it will have little to no affect.

 

[Hawkman]

I ordered my Bilsteins today, should have them by Tuesday. I will install and get it aligned on Wednesday (feel a vacation day coming). My plan is to set it at 2.1, looking forward to lessening the factory rake.

 

[stimpy433]

Quick question, the little washer that comes with the Bilstein struts goes on the strut shaft before I put it back up thru the strut mount on the body.... correct???

 

[brandonjansen]

Quick question, the little washer that comes with the Bilstein struts goes on the strut shaft before I put it back up thru the strut mount on the body.... correct???

That is correct. It goes on before all the upper spring hardware.

 

[jgruberman]

Quick question, the little washer that comes with the Bilstein struts goes on the strut shaft before I put it back up thru the strut mount on the body.... correct???

http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/57ffbf3124b34/E4-WM5-Y352A00.pdf


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[stimpy433]

That is correct. It goes on before all the upper spring hardware.

So, ok glad I asked... I thought it went on top of the spring assembly once you compressed the spring together. But I goes on before you put the spring top assembly back together....

 

[stimpy433]

http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/57ffbf3124b34/E4-WM5-Y352A00.pdf


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Thanks for the link, I printed those instructions out!!!!

 

[R.L.K.]

Quick question, the little washer that comes with the Bilstein struts goes on the strut shaft before I put it back up thru the strut mount on the body.... correct???

Yes Sir , as answered already ...
The reason why is because the O.D. of the bilsteins piston Shaft is slightly smaller than the OEM piston Shaft O.D.

If its.not installed there, the smaller diameter piston Shaft will.damage the inside of the seating of the assy.

Some report a clunking.sound after installing the washer under the nut improperly.

 

[stimpy433]

Thanks guys, got them installed today and they are awesome!!! Truck looks great and rides even better... now I just need some new tires to complete the look!!!

I went to one alignment shop and they said they couldn't align my truck because the gap between the top of the tire and the wheel well aren't factory dimension. What a crock of ****. So I got a appointment in the morning at the local Goodyear for the alignment.

 

[brandonjansen]

Thanks guys, got them installed today and they are awesome!!! Truck looks great and rides even better... now I just need some new tires to complete the look!!!

I went to one alignment shop and they said they couldn't align my truck because the gap between the top of the tire and the wheel well aren't factory dimension. What a crock of ****. So I got a appointment in the morning at the local Goodyear for the alignment.

Definitely not a shop to go to if that's what they think about alignments. lol.

If you want a quote for a package deal on wheels, tires, and TPMS sensors shoot us an email at [email protected] and we'll see what we can do for you.

 

[stimpy433]

Definitely not a shop to go to if that's what they think about alignments. lol.

If you want a quote for a package deal on wheels, tires, and TPMS sensors shoot us an email at [email protected] and we'll see what we can do for you.

Thanks Brandon, will definitely shoot you a email when I figure out what I want!!!! Here's a pic of how it turned out. It's a hair higher in the front but I'll give in a couple of weeks before deciding if I want to toss in a 1" rear spacer.

 

[novelmike]

Thanks Brandon, will definitely shoot you a email when I figure out what I want!!!! Here's a pic of how it turned out. It's a hair higher in the front but I'll give in a couple of weeks before deciding if I want to toss in a 1" rear spacer.

Looks good, but of course it'll look way better after some new rims and tires though
Did you go with the 2.8 or 2.1 setting? Can you check your fender measurements for me? From the ground to center of fender, front and rear. Thanks!!

 

[stimpy433]

Looks good, but of course it'll look way better after some new rims and tires though
Did you go with the 2.8 or 2.1 setting? Can you check your fender measurements for me? From the ground to center of fender, front and rear. Thanks!!

I set them at the 2.8 setting. I'll get you some measurements front/back once I get home from work tonight.