Shock Settling Help

[gypsy]

I'm getting ready to have my bilstein shocks installed on my 2012 qc and was going to have them set at 2.1. I'm wondering now how mush they'll settle and if i should set them at 2.8 and let them settle. Front to back difference on my truck is at least 2.8. Thanks for the help

 

[gypsy]

nobody have any experience with the bilsteins settling?

 

[CLOUDL1GHT]

No idea how much they will settle as I have no experience with them but I did find this picture of one with it at 2.8

 

[BOWERSFJ]

I had mine for two years before I installed my lift, and I installed them two weeks after I got the truck brand new . . . I had them set at 2.1, and the front end may have dropped 1/4" in that whole time . . . The whole "settling" thing is a bit misleading . . . The thing that holds up your front end is the factory coil spring, and when you install the Bilstiens, it's still the factory coil spring. The Bilstein just relocates the lower spring seat to a higher position on the shock to provide the lift. The spring is compressed slightly more as you increase the amount lift you want, but again, it's still your factory spring. If your truck is brand new, then the spring my settle, but if you're a year old or so, then it won't change at all. One more thing you might think about. Because of how high the hoods are on our Rams compared to the bed, if you get the tops of the fender wells exactly level, the truck looks like you're ridin SoCal nose high, and if you put any load in the back at all, it's even worse. 2.1" I think is perfect . . . It leave just a little rake, allows for a little loading, and your CV angles are still pretty good with little chance of 4WD vibration

 

[gypsy]

Thanks cloud for the pictures and thanks Bower for the explanation. Truck is 3 years old so i'll go for the 2.1 setting.

 

[cableguy_hd]

mine settled about 3/4".
http://www.ramforum.com/f40/leveled_after_year_waiting-52419/

 

[gypsy]

Had my Bilsteins installed today and was with the mechanic when they were set at the 2.1 setting and when he was finished the truck is dead level not down in the nose a bit. When we measured the rake beforehand it was almost 3 inches so the 2.1 setting should have given just under an inch of rake. What could have happened any ideas. I looked the truck over and the install looks fine. Do I need to put some kind of spacer in the back or put the bilsteins back there to get an inch of lift.

 

[lloydjacobson]

How does it ride compared to the OEM shocks?

I have a 2013 Ram 1500 Sport 4x4 5.7L with the standard OEM shocks. The front end lately seems a little bouncy. I was thinking on getting the Bilstein 5100 to level out the front end and give me a smooth ride again. The dealership recommends the Bilstein 4600 with a spacer. The dealership said they called Belstein and they said the 5100 will give me a rougher ride. The 4600's will give me a nice smooth ride (which is what I'm looking for). Just curious about how everyone else's experience is with the 5100's and/or the 4600's.

Thanks,
Lloyd

 

[gassersarentdead]

Why would they recommend a spacer over the adjustables? I have a '12 and have had mine set at 2.8 since it was new.

 

[lloydjacobson]

Because they said the 5100's will give me a rougher ride compared to the OEM and 4600's. They said this came directly from Bilstein. I think I might give Belstein a call tomorrow. I know you said you had your 5100's since new but did you drive your truck before you had your 5100's installed?

Lloyd

 

[gassersarentdead]

Because they said the 5100's will give me a rougher ride compared to the OEM and 4600's. They said this came directly from Bilstein. I think I might give Belstein a call tomorrow. I know you said you had your 5100's since new but did you drive your truck before you had your 5100's installed?

Lloyd

Bout 1200 miles. Your dealership is full of ****, like most.

 

[chipmaker]

Im an old fart and very critical. The 5100s ride great, better than stock.

 

[lloydjacobson]

Love getting advice from overly critical old farts. Can't get any better than that. I greatly appreciate the information as I'm overly critical as well. Just not an old fart yet!

Thanks,
Lloyd

 

[TheFactor]

Had my Bilsteins installed today and was with the mechanic when they were set at the 2.1 setting and when he was finished the truck is dead level not down in the nose a bit. When we measured the rake beforehand it was almost 3 inches so the 2.1 setting should have given just under an inch of rake. What could have happened any ideas. I looked the truck over and the install looks fine. Do I need to put some kind of spacer in the back or put the bilsteins back there to get an inch of lift.

Late reply but I heard if they put some part upside down "some spacer" or something it makes it higher then it should be .

 

[chipmaker]

Love getting advice from overly critical old farts. Can't get any better than that. I greatly appreciate the information as I'm overly critical as well. Just not an old fart yet!

Thanks,
Lloyd

My truck is also our family vehicle so I didn't want a harsh or bouncy ride. So far, so good.

 

[R.L.K.]

I had mine for two years before I installed my lift, and I installed them two weeks after I got the truck brand new . . . I had them set at 2.1, and the front end may have dropped 1/4" in that whole time . . . The whole "settling" thing is a bit misleading . . . The thing that holds up your front end is the factory coil spring, and when you install the Bilstiens, it's still the factory coil spring. The Bilstein just relocates the lower spring seat to a higher position on the shock to provide the lift. The spring is compressed slightly more as you increase the amount lift you want, but again, it's still your factory spring. If your truck is brand new, then the spring my settle, but if you're a year old or so, then it won't change at all. One more thing you might think about. Because of how high the hoods are on our Rams compared to the bed, if you get the tops of the fender wells exactly level, the truck looks like you're ridin SoCal nose high, and if you put any load in the back at all, it's even worse. 2.1" I think is perfect . . . It leave just a little rake, allows for a little loading, and your CV angles are still pretty good with little chance of 4WD vibration

Well said ! I agree100%

 

[R.L.K.]

I installed my bills myself , set to 2.8" my truck had about 24k when I installed , I set 1/4" tail high now .
I had 3" of rake
I can't tell it's not perfectly level without measuring it .
The ride is better than stock , not STIFF OR BOUNCY.

As for the OP , If the next to the top ring 2.1 setting gave you over 3" then I think the installer installed the upper spring seats upside-down, don't quote me on this , but I would compare yours to a stock set up visually, if the upper spring seat is upside down this is kinda like installing a spacer above the bills which is not good ...