The reason I said it was members that got the Helwig sway bar said it made the overall ride better.
Bilstein 5100 Rough Ride
- Thread starter Ford2019
- Start date
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JerseyMax19
New Member
I did the Bilsteins (Expy version). 1.6" front, 1.5" rear. 2019 Expedition Max. Pretty much got the full height. Swapped out the factory 20" rims for 17" Raptor rims and 295/70/17 Terra Grapplers. Ride is so much better than the factory setup. Tires @36psi.
Mr Big
Full Access Members
Changing tires may help. I replaced my Hankook tires on my 22" rims with 285/45/R22 Michelin Defenders. They were inflated to 44psi.
There is a huge difference in the ride, not to mention they last a long time.
There is a huge difference in the ride, not to mention they last a long time.
BlackPrepper75
New Member
I have the 5100 on my 2020 Lmited max, on the highest setting. Yes the are firmer but thats given the valving. If i had a Toyota comry and installed Koni or Tokiko it would be firmer because the OE are valved for softness and comfort. Good clearance for camping. The Green M1085 IM converting to a camper. 6x6 Stewart&Stevenson
HILLY
Full Access Members
Suspension is all subjective, what you are used to, and what expectations are. Are you used to American cars, and especially older cars from the 80's & 90's, where they wallowed over bumps and turns, this is definitely harder. If you have always been used to cars like our European counterparts (Audi, BMW, MB, etc.), then they rode a great deal firmer and will feel closer to the Bilsteins (they are German...)
IMO I think the Bilsteins ride great. Yes, they are firmer and more controlled than the OEM by far, but not how some claim they experience it to be harsh. I think it makes my Expedition with the lift and 35's very composed on the road. Another option out there and they seem to be out of stock more than not, are the Eibachs. These are supposed to be really good compared to the 5100's and ride a bit nicer - supposedly a middle ground between Bilstein and Fox.
I will also believe that on occasion a shock or set may just not ride right depending on how they were built. I once went with a rather premium suspension on a previous offroad ride and everyone swore they were like riding on pillows in the cloud. To me, they rode like a unloaded dump truck, noisy, and stiff AF, plus they were cut to length wrong as my down travel was too much and caused CV bind. Not sure who they were building them for, but they were completely out of spec. I guess it happens.
IMO I think the Bilsteins ride great. Yes, they are firmer and more controlled than the OEM by far, but not how some claim they experience it to be harsh. I think it makes my Expedition with the lift and 35's very composed on the road. Another option out there and they seem to be out of stock more than not, are the Eibachs. These are supposed to be really good compared to the 5100's and ride a bit nicer - supposedly a middle ground between Bilstein and Fox.
I will also believe that on occasion a shock or set may just not ride right depending on how they were built. I once went with a rather premium suspension on a previous offroad ride and everyone swore they were like riding on pillows in the cloud. To me, they rode like a unloaded dump truck, noisy, and stiff AF, plus they were cut to length wrong as my down travel was too much and caused CV bind. Not sure who they were building them for, but they were completely out of spec. I guess it happens.
