Bilstein Questions

RockyMtnXpress · Aug 31, 2011

I thought I would start a new thread about the Bilstein 5100s. I am serious thinking about taking the factory rake out by using their adjustable shocks on the front. I have read, time and time again, the ride is great after installation (I am going Bilstein all-around if I can get my mind around the following). The biggest question I have is how many out there have vibration problems when they lock the hubs into four-wheel drive? My understanding is the major cause is the cv joints rubbing...Which is not good and might be enough to have me reconsider the installation! Would it pay to only lift the front end 1.5 to 1.75? Your comments appreciated.

Nunn · Sep 1, 2011

there was a recall (if I remember right) on the tie rods on certain models between 04-11 years... mainly on HDs though. I don't have any vibrating in my truck, but mine is an 08 QCSB 4x4. As for Bilsteins, I'm all over it too... need the $$$ first though

RockyMtnXpress · Sep 2, 2011

Originally posted by Nunn:
there was a recall (if I remember right) on the tie rods on certain models between 04-11 years... mainly on HDs though. I don't have any vibrating in my truck, but mine is an 08 QCSB 4x4. As for Bilsteins, I'm all over it too... need the $$$ first though

Yeah, I forgotten about the tie rods issue. I don't believe that recall affect me as well. Same year and body style as yours. Another issue, if one can call it that, is my current garage was designed for yuppie-mobiles. As it is right now, I back the truck in with the back wheels to the garage step, to clear the garage door. Another issue is the garage door header height. It barely clears. If applying the shocks, to level the truck, changes the geometry much...I'll be forced to park outside (not a good idea) or it will have to wait when I move to CO. where my garage door header will be 8' and not 7'. < Actually, that was another question I had to someone if they had applied the shocks to their ride.

Freeze · Sep 29, 2011

The vibration can be caused by increasing the inner CV angle too far, improper alignment, bad tire balance, or a combination of all three. Increasing front ride height by 1.5" should be fine.

RockyMtnXpress · Sep 30, 2011

Thanks Freeze! I appreciate the info.

RockyMtnXpress · Oct 26, 2011

Just finished installing the Bilstein 5100s. To say that "I am well pleased" doesn't even come close. I am ecstatic! The front is up a smigent below 1.75 inches and the ride is incredible! Now I just need to find some time and take it off road for the final litmus test. Certainly worth

RockyMtnXpress · Oct 27, 2011

Well...I took it out four-wheelin' last night to see how the new Bilstein adjustable shocks would work and all I can say is a "BIG"

! The ride is so much better...

HemiByrd · Oct 27, 2011

Superjay · Oct 27, 2011

Freeze · Oct 29, 2011

Nunn · Oct 29, 2012

So how did you replace the shocks? How hard was the removal of the coil spring? I want to do this in my garage... first time doing it

I really don't want to remove the tie rods and ball joints if necessary

NewfieBullet · Oct 29, 2012

worth your while to have a garage compress the spring and swap em...just save yourself the headache, the rest is pretty easy.

Birdshot · Oct 29, 2012

Originally posted by RockyMtnXpress:
Well...I took it out four-wheelin' last night to see how the new Bilstein adjustable shocks would work and all I can say is a "BIG"

! The ride is so much better...

Good to hear! Will she still fit in the garage?

Nunn · Nov 14, 2012

okay... so can someone tell me how to remove the front shock/spring assembly without having to disconnect the ball joint?

RockyMtnXpress · Nov 17, 2012

Nunn - I am so sorry I didn't see this quick enough. I personally went down and had them installed at a trusted shop. You will need to remove the steering linkage, the upper three nuts from strut tower, the caliper, the ball joint nut and the strut bolt taking special precaution you don't pull the shaft from the differential. Next come the spring compressor and in all honestly I personally stopped there knowing the dangers of spring compressors (A long story from the past). As you probably heard by now, as with any spring lift on a Ram 1500, about the dreaded 4 wheel drive "Death Wobble". Bilstein makes a great product and I believe competes with very well with those fancy block lifts. I chose the safe route and went with the second setting from the bottom (absolute bottom being full lift to level). My truck still has a <sub>little</sub> rake for a two fold reason. One to insure the "Death Wobble" never showed when I went out four-wheelin' and two to insure my front end wasn't going to look like the front end of lifted Ford truck when I threw some "weight" on the hitch for towing (still a theory for me to date).

And "Yes" it still fits below the 7' garage door header as long as I don't have my glass roof popped open!

Again I apologize for the extended reply and I'll be sure to keep an eye on this thread in case you have any more questions...

ram-head · Dec 6, 2012

The site I was looking at these on said they are for vehicles that are lifted. Is this true? Or will they work on an otherwise stock truck?

RockyMtnXpress · Dec 8, 2012

Originally posted by ram-head:
The site I was looking at these on said they are for vehicles that are lifted. Is this true? Or will they work on an otherwise stock truck?

Which site (link)? I know they are specifically designed to level the front end without a lift kit.

ram-head · Dec 11, 2012

I wish I remembered or had saved it. I was looking on my phone that day, though. I think it was just a fluke. I'll take the word of the several people who have used them over the site.

Bilstein Questions

RockyMtnXpress

Nunn

RockyMtnXpress

Freeze

RockyMtnXpress

RockyMtnXpress

RockyMtnXpress

HemiByrd

Superjay

Freeze

Nunn

NewfieBullet

Birdshot

Nunn

RockyMtnXpress

ram-head

RockyMtnXpress

ram-head

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