Looks like Bilstein is now making 5100s for the 15-19s!!

Penumbra said:

Recommendation is exactly that by definition...a suggestion...not an absolute rule or number; otherwise it would be stated as so. Everything within this topic is life preferences. The sheep of the world unite.

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Adam N Davis said:

I have a 2014 Ford Expedition 160k miles and need to replace all my struts. IT has self leveling rear and calls for EL1Z-1824-B front replacements. Looks like Bilstein 5100 is about the only replacement besides OEM? Or at least better than OEM. I am not tying to lift the vehicle either. FOr whatever reason 2014 is a difficult year to buy suspension parts on these. I think I have same HD towing self level system as 2015 and up?

My main question is if I go with 5100 do you all know if the spring perch is pressed on or not. Need to know before I start so I can get a press lined up to take it off.

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grdsman said:

You should be able to knock off the perch. My 2015 perches came right off.

Unfortunately, I'm stuck with Bilstein rears just sitting in my garage because I didn't realize that I had Nivomat rears on mine. Now I'm wondering which will be better for heavy towing. Replace the rears with stock springs and Bilsteins or keep the Nivomats?

Mike

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grdsman said:

You should be able to knock off the perch. My 2015 perches came right off.

Unfortunately, I'm stuck with Bilstein rears just sitting in my garage because I didn't realize that I had Nivomat rears on mine. Now I'm wondering which will be better for heavy towing. Replace the rears with stock springs and Bilsteins or keep the Nivomats?

Mike

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Conrad Penner said:

Im in the same boat. I Have a 2017 EL limited with blown rear shocks. Ordered teh full Bilstein 5100 set. Now i realized the rears are not standard coil overs. they must be the the Nivomat. They are roughly 2 7/8" in diameter. The Bilsteins are smaller diameter. Also, whatever mine are, the spring perches are welded on solid. Anyone have a solution? i really want to use the 5100's on full lift to get rid of my spacers

UPDATE: I think i have figured out my folly. I have the Ninovat shocks in the rear. Problem just got bigger

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Black said:

5100s and 4600s when for the same model are valved the same. The 5100s body is slightly longer and has the adjustable snap ring to accommodate the lift.
Being that for EB Expeditions one was using the fronts from an F150 and the Rears from the older Expedition the valving for the 5100s and 4600s is likely different and the 5100s are going to be more fine tuned.

5100s have a setting for stock ride height.
If I was not going to lift it or was happy with only 1” lift I would use the 5100s listed in this thread.
If I wanted more lift I would not.
Not a good idea to use a spacer with the 5100.


I have the 5100s from the F150 giving 2” lift up front and 4600s from the older Expeditions paired with a Readylift 2” spacer in the rear.
I am very happy with the ride. I much prefer it to the stock ride and handling.
I have not towed with it yet but I did have about 1500 or so pounds of mulch and dirt in the back the other day and would have no idea it was back there. No sag nor did the ride change at all.

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