Bilstein 5100 Lift Install
- Thread starter 95cobby
- Start date
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Finally got the front bilstein struts delivered this Monday to go with the rear shocks I got back in March. Ordered all 4 on Jan 5, 21 from 4wheelParts. Now that I have all 4, I will be installing them myself tomorrow. Took the day off from work for it. Will also being doing tire rotation, oil change, & front end alignment. PICs & measurements inbound.
Just finished installing the set of Bilstein struts/shocks, did and oil change, installed that quick valve oil plug, rotated the tires and did a DIY alignment.
1. watch this video before and during installing:
Set it to #3
Set it to #4
Post struts/shocks install
Before install
1. watch this video before and during installing:
Set it to #3
Set it to #4
Post struts/shocks install
Before install
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It’s still settling. When I first dropped it on the ground without driving first I measured the front and it was at 40” 1/4”.
Took it on a 5 mile drive and it settled 2”. Ride is noticeably stuffer. Bobble head is gone!
1 of the rear shocks was bad, pushing the rod all the way in it would not push back to normal height. The fronts took little effort to fully push in unlike the new ones were it took a lot of force.
My alignment is not perfect have to have the wheel a little to the right. I will dial it in better tomorrow before getting a professional alignment.
Took it on a 5 mile drive and it settled 2”. Ride is noticeably stuffer. Bobble head is gone!
1 of the rear shocks was bad, pushing the rod all the way in it would not push back to normal height. The fronts took little effort to fully push in unlike the new ones were it took a lot of force.
My alignment is not perfect have to have the wheel a little to the right. I will dial it in better tomorrow before getting a professional alignment.
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Did anyone that did the lifted struts/shocks have a rear alignment done when they did the front alignment?
I did my front alignment and it’s 100% spot on. Just wondering about the rear. When I took measurements of the rear tires they have 0 toe in/out so I believe I’m good to go. Thoughts?
I did my front alignment and it’s 100% spot on. Just wondering about the rear. When I took measurements of the rear tires they have 0 toe in/out so I believe I’m good to go. Thoughts?
ryan begley
New Member
Since this seems to be the thread with the most info, I'll add to it as I perform my upgrades.
I have a 2018 FX4 that I just bought last week. Researched all the options, and will be going with a different route based on parts availability and wants/needs. I'm going with a "mullet" suspension. I wanted to order the King Coilovers, but they are 10 months out. I then considered the F150 front Bilsteins and Expy Rears. The F150's are out of stock everywhere.
So, I ordered Icon coilover fronts and Bilstein Expy rears. I expect to run 2-2.25 of raised height in the front and the max lift in the rear for the Expy Bilsteins. I'm running 275/70/18 KO2's which I had mounted already. I considered going bigger, but I wanted to stick with KO2's and was limited with sizing and the 18" wheel. I do use my vehicles on trails and want plenty of room for articulation. Install in the next few weeks when I get time.
I have a 2018 FX4 that I just bought last week. Researched all the options, and will be going with a different route based on parts availability and wants/needs. I'm going with a "mullet" suspension. I wanted to order the King Coilovers, but they are 10 months out. I then considered the F150 front Bilsteins and Expy Rears. The F150's are out of stock everywhere.
So, I ordered Icon coilover fronts and Bilstein Expy rears. I expect to run 2-2.25 of raised height in the front and the max lift in the rear for the Expy Bilsteins. I'm running 275/70/18 KO2's which I had mounted already. I considered going bigger, but I wanted to stick with KO2's and was limited with sizing and the 18" wheel. I do use my vehicles on trails and want plenty of room for articulation. Install in the next few weeks when I get time.
expeditiondriver
Full Access Members
How do you like the tires on this truck? How is the noise? I’m on the fence about a lift but want some bigger tires. Have a set of 18’ and 20" rims. Look forward to seeing your lift.
ryan begley
New Member
No noise from the KO2’s that I notice. Otherwise it’s pretty early to have much an opinion on them yet. I’ve have a few sets on my Raptor and other projects and am a big fan of the traction.
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expeditiondriver
Full Access Members
Thanks for the feedback and the picture. I’m trying to decide if I go 275 or 285. Definitely going to at least go up to 275/70/18. I need more off-road capability but have come to recognize there is only so much this SUV can do for overlanding.
Yours looks great.
Yours looks great.
expeditiondriver
Full Access Members
Does anybody have a source for the F150 4WD fronts?
I’m really digging that red with the red tinted clear coat! Man that looks sharp! Ford’s got a great color there.
