How did you like the Bilstein 5100s? Did you have them on the highest setting and did they impact the ride quality much? Just got a newer Silverado that I'm looking to level out a bit. On my old one I had the leveling blocks under the struts. The Bilsteins seem like a better option. I love the look of the Silverado just hate how the front end sits so low from the factory.
Did they go back to shocks instead of struts? I like the ride of the struts on my 2010 but I’m not looking forward to replacing them and I wouldn’t put a plow on one setup like that although I see it all the time.
I believe the newer Silverados are a shock/coil over assembly. I'm not sure if that's any different than what was on my 2008. I really can't remember.
It's a shock coil over set up. The Bilstein's use a cir clip in 1 of 4 notches to achieve up to 1.875" of lift up front
DaveD84 I really liked the Bilstein 5100's. My 15 originally had the Rough Country two and a half inch leveling lift which included a 1-inch over Block in the rear. The stock Rancho 5000 were wore out buy 30000 miles. I didn't like the angles that the Rough Country put on the front suspension. After bitter research I decided to go with the 5100. I set them at the top setting for maximum lift, and though the ride was firmer I considered it to be better. With the Ranchos there was a lot of bounce and rebound and the 5100 would hit firm and settle quickly. I will eventually install a set on this 2018. Install took about 4 hours in my garage at home. Hardest part was depressing coil Springs with the auto parts store rental. When I do it again I will either rent two compressors or take the whole assembly to a shop to have them remove the stocks and put in the bilsteins.
I ran the 1.5" Rough Country blocks on my 2008 for 120,000 miles without any problems. I just got a 2018 and started looking into leveling kits again when I came across the Bilstein's and coincidently this thread. The research I have done about the Bilstein's coincides with what you have said about them. It just seems like a better option over leveling blocks due to the suspension angles they create. Although they are a bit more costly but you're also getting a better suspension IMO. Not sure if I'll do the install myself. Compressing the coil springs makes me a bit nervous. Everything else I'd be OK with doing. It's reassuring knowing you're going the same route on your new truck. Thanks for the info.
I did the 5100 on all four corners. The rears are stock monotube that will accommodate 1 inch Overstock. Here's where I found the best deal on the 5100 24-238304 - BILSTEIN Truck & Off Road - B8 5100 Series Shocks - Moore Racing Technology - Top Quality Offroad, Outdoor, Overland & Racing Parts
Thanks for the link! I'll definitely do all four corners. How hard was it to install the rears? Can't imagine they would be too bad.
