Bilstein 5100’s vs ReadyLift 3/2

[BK-2024MAX-XLT]

Lots of discussion and trial and error over the years. Looking for which option might be best at this time. Just looking to get leveled/ slight lift for 33”-34” tires on OEM 20 wheels on a 2024 Max XLT 4WD. I know some are fitting these tires on stock suspension but worried about limited wheel travel (over stuffed) and the stance isn’t what I’d like it to be.

Sounds like the RL 3/2 looks great and ride is decent but people are having CV and UCA issues after a year or two.

The Bilstein option was using F150 parts but not the Expedition specific parts are available. Sounds like ride might be rougher but moving parts are better aligned and geometry is not out of whack.

Any and all insights welcomed and appreciated. Thanks!

 

[BCSLouKy]

I went with RC UCAs and trailing arms, links in the rear with the Eibach spring/strut setup. Couldn’t be happier with the ride and stance. I think it ended up at 1.75” rear, 2.25” in the front on the second clip setting for both.

Tires are 285/60/20, listed as 33.7”.

 

[HILLY]

Few key differences between the two lifts. Some are:

Spacer Lift (RL, RC, etc.):
+ Relatively cheap $ vs. full suspension $$$
+ Easier for the DIY (no strut disassembly)
+ Potentially retain OEM ride quality
+ Can be compatible with "smart" OEM struts (such as CCD)
+ Quick results
- Moves suspension geometry out of design scope (CV angles, UCA/LCA BJ angles, etc).
- Items have potential to wear out quicker due to out of scope specs or have clearance issues (UCA contacting springs)
- Can stiffen ride, particularly on road
- Not as suitable for off-roading or aggressive driving

Suspension Lift (Bilstein, ICON, King, RC)
+ Usually higher quality equipment
+ Struts are designed to work within the tolerances of the OEM geometry. Most lifting is in the springs (some add'l length in struts).
+ Generally can be adjusted to account for changes to vehicle weight (bumpers, gear, etc.)
+ Equipment generally will last longer (cheaper in long run?)
+ Can be driven harder off-road/more aggressively
- Generally cost more. Pricing can vary a lot on brand (i.e. - Bilstein vs. King/ICON)
- Some kits require more frequent rebuilds due their design (King/ICON). This can be viewed by some as either good or bad.
- Some kits eliminate bushings which can lead to noisier and stiffer ride.

Either lift can use aftermarket UCA's to compensate for angles and alignment issues. UCA's are interchangeable with same gen F-150, so a broad market available.

This is a good artical:

Lifted Shocks and Leveling Struts vs. Strut Spacers - Pros, Cons, and Risks

Pros and Cons of Strut Spacers There are pros and cons to each option, the biggest factor for people going with a spacer is perceived cost vs a new set of struts that may do the same. Spacers are also very popular amongst new truck owners who just want to level the vehicle without replacing...

www.shocksurplus.com

I already have Bilstein 5100's installed in the rear of my truck due to OEM shocks giving out a few months back. I installed at 0" lift and feedback from the backseat is that they ride great, actually better than the originals. I also wonder if going from HD to Billies is more apples-to-apples than non-HD as I did find PN's are different across the board for shocks and springs when doing the install.

I hope to revamp my setup in the next week with front F-150 Bilstein's that I have along with JBA UCA's and SPC Raptor LCA cam kit to go with it. Looking for a ~2"/1.5" lift setup at the moment and it should ride good without wearing out components.

 

[pnwjetsled]

After putting 1500ish miles on our max with f150 bilsteins up front with RC control arms and expedition ones in the rear it rides great. Still smooth/soft but doesn’t float around like it did stick. I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.

 

[BK-2024MAX-XLT]

Thanks for those replies! If I go the Bilstein route, does that also change the geometry similar to RL and thus I really should also change the upper control arms?

That Eibach setup looks amazing!

 

[fomoco1964]

I did bilsteins all the way around, F150s up front on the first clip along with icon UCAs for an F150 and Expy rears on the second clip. It gave me 2.5” in the front and .5” in the back. I put 275/65-/20 Bfg all terrains (34) and the ride is good and it aligned without any problem. The only thing I want to do still is the RC extended trailing arms.

 

[BK-2024MAX-XLT]

That looks about perfect! Thanks for sharing that info and pics. That’s really helpful!

 

[abnmike]

I did bilsteins all the way around, F150s up front on the first clip along with icon UCAs for an F150 and Expy rears on the second clip. It gave me 2.5” in the front and .5” in the back. I put 275/65-/20 Bfg all terrains (34) and the ride is good and it aligned without any problem. The only thing I want to do still is the RC extended trailing arms.

Can I ask why you used F150 Bilsteins up front and Expedition in the rear and not the same for both?

I'm looking to run 33-35s (not sure what wheel size yet since I'm going to buy Raptor takoffs when I see a good deal).

Can this be done with Bilsteins without spacers? I'm still confused why people use F150 Bilsteins...

 

[HILLY]

Premise is that you can run maximum lift with minimum preload. So with a minimum setting you can net ~2" of lift right off the bat. If weight is added to the front such as bumpers, winch, etc., you can adjust the spring perch up to compensate. The Expy strut also only has a 0, mid, and high setting (max 1.6").

I did comment on another thread that after a recent install that I personally found the F150 4x4 strut a tad too long. Nothing to make me run out and swap it, but my $.02. Next go around I would look at possibly using the 4x2 F150 version. The specs are fairly close and only a tad longer (~.5" vs. ~1.5").

 

[fomoco1964]

@abnmike, the 4x4 F150 bilsteins give you way more lift than the expedition ones. The lowest clip is stock for an F150 and it’s 2.5” on an expedition and you can go even higher.

 

[abnmike]

@abnmike, the 4x4 F150 bilsteins give you way more lift than the expedition ones. The lowest clip is stock for an F150 and it’s 2.5” on an expedition and you can go even higher.

Does it matter which year F150 5100s?

 

[SilverStealth]

I just swapped out the front Expy Bilsteins and installed the F150 Bilsteins, part # 24-336970, because the rake was too pronounced. Supposedly, F150 #24-336970 is the "new" replacement for the prior 24-248129.

On the lowest ring, it increased the front height by 0.5inches over the Expy bilsteins set to the highest ring. My rear is also on the lowest ring with the Expy Bilsteins and the rear sits 1" taller than the front. I'm hoping the rear settles a little more (it's only been 500 miles).

I'm curious how high the front would've been had I tried the 2nd ring, but I didnt want to pay the shop fees to have them redo it if It ended up too tall. Oh well... I prefer a little rake vs a squat.

 

[18AzLimited]

Questions bilstein 24-336970 shoes that it comes with the lower coil perches. Can anyone confirm? I want to move from ccd to bilstein. I know the Lower perches are welded to the ccd struts.