Everything Bilstein Mega Thread

[JB1]

only ones I found that fox has for 4-6" lift that wont require a top spacer are the fox 2.5's and they are $1600/pair. This is the kit BDS uses.




BDS 2.5 Remote Reservoir 4"-6" Lift Coil-Overs by FOX Racing (Pair)

Fabtech also offers dirt logic coilovers with or without resi, you'll have to research the P/N and price for just the coilovers. Good way to find P/N is look at the instructions/parts list for the kits.

6 Performance System w/ Front Dirt Logic SS 2.5 Coilover Resi & Rear Dirt Logic SS Shocks- 2013-16 Ram 1500 4WD

procomp also offers a coilover kit

 

[JRam813]

Ok, read plenty of this thread and others. Here are a couple last questions.

By adding a 0.75 - 1.0 rear spacer, will stock shocks still work or is it better to put Bils back there too?

Would adding beefier rear springs give you enough lift to accomplish the same amount of height that a rear spacer would give? If so, again, are non adjustable rear Bils needed?

 

[R.L.K.]

Ok, read plenty of this thread and others. Here are a couple last questions.

By adding a 0.75 - 1.0 rear spacer, will stock shocks still work or is it better to put Bils back there too?

Would adding beefier rear springs give you enough lift to accomplish the same amount of height that a rear spacer would give? If so, again, are non adjustable rear Bils needed?

You can add a rear coil spacer up to 1" with factory shocks . More than 1" and you may overextend factory shocks while 4 wheel in .

Rear bills are not needed .

New rear coils do provide lift , diff ones diff amounts , some are progressive , some are stiff .

3/ to 1" rear coil spacers should be all you need with factory shocks to either be level or retain a bit of rake regardless of the bils setting @+2.1 or +2.8"

 

[JRam813]

You can add a rear coil spacer up to 1" with factory shocks . More than 1" and you may overextend factory shocks while 4 wheel in .

Rear bills are not needed .

New rear coils do provide lift , diff ones diff amounts , some are progressive , some are stiff .

3/ to 1" rear coil spacers should be all you need with factory shocks to either be level or retain a bit of rake regardless of the bils setting @+2.1 or +2.8"

What I should of started with also was; does adding rear Bils make a difference? I'm not worried about payload capacity, I only tow a snowmobile trailer in the winter and keep a little bit of weight in it over the summer (softball crap for my daughter, tents, chairs coolers etc). So I'm content with doing 1.0 spacers, its whether or not I should do Bils all the way around.

Thank you for your quick response as well!
(love this place!)

 

[R.L.K.]

Depends on the status of you current rear shocks .
What mileage are you @ and are the rear oem shocks original now ?

 

[R.L.K.]

Ha , I just read your profile ( 2016 ) me personally ... I'd wait to install rear shocks when those start getting bouncy .
I don't have bills on the rear , still running my factory ones & I'm at 38k .
Shocks will last 60+k based on my experience.

 

[phrater]

I installed rear Bils and TuffTruck progressive coils in the rear. Unloaded ride is stiffer in the rear, but same height as stock, with alot less sag on light loads. I need to put a 1" spacer on the rear left side to make up for the "dodge lean"

My front Bils are at 2.1 and the rake is perfect.

 

[AustinB]

Id say the bils all around. Not a huge difference, but there is a difference that's worth the extra $$ to fix.

 

[JRam813]

Depends on the status of you current rear shocks .
What mileage are you @ and are the rear oem shocks original now ?

Brand spanking new. About 1K on them for mileage.

 

[Sgrab]

HELP!!! Hey guys I don't know if this has happened to anyone here but I just installed the bilsteins at 2.8 inches and 1" tgc spacers in the rear. I also installed the Mevotech upper control arms. I brought it over to pep boys for an alignment and they said it was maxed out and couldn't be adjusted into spec. Has anyone else had this issue?? Should I look into bringing it somewhere else?

 

[R.L.K.]

HELP!!! Hey guys I don't know if this has happened to anyone here but I just installed the bilsteins at 2.8 inches and 1" tgc spacers in the rear. I brought it over to pep boys for an alignment and they said it was maxed out and couldn't be adjusted into spec. Has anyone else had this issue?? Should I look into bringing it somewhere else?

This baffles me , I've heard of others say this as well , even @2.1" setting.

I installed the Mevotec UCA'S & bils set mine @+ 2.8"
drove it for a week prior to the alignment ( it drove fine ) I had my alignment done at a local 4x4 shop . It was done in less than 20 mins from the time I handed them the fob . Tech said it required very litle adjustments ?

I can't help but think these alignment issues I keep hearing of may be due to a difference in the installation of the bils .
Not sure , I know I took lots of pics and counted exposed threads beyond the nuts on everything I took apart and reassembled back as prior to the dissembling.

I'd try to get an alignment at a 4wd shop or where your 4wd shop recommends .

Hope this helps !

 

[Sgrab]

^thats a smart idea there's a couple off rod shops close by ill give a call thank you. As far as installation I was pretty meticulous so I don't think it was an installation issue. First time doing the bils though so I guess you never know.

 

[R.L.K.]

I could've gotten an appointment at another tire shop at any time , I chose to wait for an opening at the 4x4 shop mainly because I've heard some say their non 4x4 shop could not get the alignment in after the bilsteins installation .
Congratulations on the bils Sir , I think this is a great DIY for those wanting the level .

Question .
Where did you get your TGC Spacers and do they install above or below the rear coils ?
Thanks !

 

[troutspinner]

Can you guys help me out. I have been reading the leveling guide thread, the bilstein pic thread and this and I am even more confused! Lol

Simply put, I have 14 CC and want to use Bilstein's on the front at 2.1. What size tire should I look for with stock 20" rims without having to use spacers or worry about rubbing? I don't want/need anything really aggressive, I just want it to ride and look good since I have to buy new tires soon. TIA!

 

[R.L.K.]

Can you guys help me out. I have been reading the leveling guide thread, the bilstein pic thread and this and I am even more confused! Lol

Simply put, I have 14 CC and want to use Bilstein's on the front at 2.1. What size tire should I look for with stock 20" rims without having to use spacers or worry about rubbing? I don't want/need anything really aggressive, I just want it to ride and look good since I have to buy new tires soon. TIA!

Easiest thing to do is : go ahead and install the Bilsteins , go to your ( reputable ) tire shop pick out the tread style you want and tell them you want tires that will fit on your stock rims that are the same width and height .

Just know you can easily go +1" on width and up to 34" tall with bils @ +2.1" and no spacers.
With a 10 mm spacer you can fit 35" tires .
Hope this helps !

 

[phrater]

Can you guys help me out. I have been reading the leveling guide thread, the bilstein pic thread and this and I am even more confused! Lol

Simply put, I have 14 CC and want to use Bilstein's on the front at 2.1. What size tire should I look for with stock 20" rims without having to use spacers or worry about rubbing? I don't want/need anything really aggressive, I just want it to ride and look good since I have to buy new tires soon. TIA!

Bils at 2.1, terra grappler G2 275-65-20. I don't have wheel spacers or rear spacers. No rubbing anywhere. You could get away with 285's and have no rubbing also.

 

[R.L.K.]

Can you guys help me out. I have been reading the leveling guide thread, the bilstein pic thread and this and I am even more confused! Lol

Simply put, I have 14 CC and want to use Bilstein's on the front at 2.1. What size tire should I look for with stock 20" rims without having to use spacers or worry about rubbing? I don't want/need anything really aggressive, I just want it to ride and look good since I have to buy new tires soon. TIA!

I know you said you've read the "guide to Leveling thread "
I'm posting it here for you Sir , because I think all the info you need is there .

The link I posted below starts at post # 2 , scroll down to the section that looks like this .



Then continue reading post #3. (Very Informative )and the conclusion in post # 4 .

Everything needed for tire selection is located here .

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=70918&share_fid=17770&share_type=t

Guide to Leveling & Wheel and Tire Sizing for 06+ 4wd Ram 1500's

Basically 285/60/20 of your choice on stock wheels should work fine .

Hope this helps !

 

[brandonjansen]

HELP!!! Hey guys I don't know if this has happened to anyone here but I just installed the bilsteins at 2.8 inches and 1" tgc spacers in the rear. I also installed the Mevotech upper control arms. I brought it over to pep boys for an alignment and they said it was maxed out and couldn't be adjusted into spec. Has anyone else had this issue?? Should I look into bringing it somewhere else?

First question, are you sure they were installed correctly? What I'd be checking is making sure the lower spring seat is on correctly. It should be coming down over the adapter ring and C-clip on the Bilstein so the grooves are pretty much hidden. If it's on upside down (upwards) then there will be far too much front end lift and it won't be possible to align it.

If the spring seat is in fact on correctly then I would try a different alignment shop as RLK suggested.

Can you guys help me out. I have been reading the leveling guide thread, the bilstein pic thread and this and I am even more confused! Lol

Simply put, I have 14 CC and want to use Bilstein's on the front at 2.1. What size tire should I look for with stock 20" rims without having to use spacers or worry about rubbing? I don't want/need anything really aggressive, I just want it to ride and look good since I have to buy new tires soon. TIA!

285 wide tire are the widest you can run and be guaranteed not to rub. However most guys can get away with 295's no problem. 295/60/20's are a very common size that I recommend to guys for leveled suspension on stock rims. They're a great size to look proportional on that setup.

 

[troutspinner]

Thanks guys. Went back and re-read and compared to phraters example. In short, it looks like I could go from the stock height of 33" to 34" and the stock width of 10.8" to 11.2" and remain safe.

Phrater, I like the look of yours. If you had to put new tires on tomorrow, would you go with the same size you have now or go a little wider?

 

[R.L.K.]

I Love this Forum!

@ Brandonjanson thanks for chiming in here Sir ! Always nice to have your input.