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Adjustable shock replacement

Posted By: GoBears870

Adjustable shock replacement - 08/09/16 03:18 PM

I'm looking to replace the shocks on my 2012 Z71 with Bilstein 5100 ride-height adjustable. I'd like to level the front end to give it an almost-lifted look, plus I realized how worn my shocks are at 60k miles after being in a brand new rental truck last week on vacation. Does anyone here have any reviews of these shocks? And probably more importantly, any recommendations for installation shops in the Dallas area?
Posted By: Bearclaw

Re: Adjustable shock replacement - 09/18/16 11:45 PM

I'm also looking for recomendations on adjustable air shocks. I need to compensate for a high rack and for when the truck is loaded down with 1,000 lbs of dead pigs.
Posted By: 7x57

Re: Adjustable shock replacement - 09/19/16 08:36 PM

I don't have the ride-height adjustables, but I do have a set of 5100s on my WJ and on my 2011 DRW Cummins.

The aluminum bodies look really snazzy and don't rust like the whitebody shocks do, and the valving I got on mine are both adjusted to the application so that they aren't too stiff or too soft. I'd say it made a pretty big difference on both of the vehicles, they soak up the bumps really well. I know that I personally don't see myself going with another shock any time soon, unless there is one that is a significant improvement over these besides the remote-res racing shocks that I will never really need for what I do.
Posted By: MS1454

Re: Adjustable shock replacement - 09/20/16 05:07 PM

I've read many post on forums on these and many people like them. There are quite a few that sat they are harsh. I went ahead with the bilstien 6112s. It is a coil over kit and they are more expensive but from what I have read they are worth it.
Posted By: Stump_jumper

Re: Adjustable shock replacement - 09/22/16 05:54 PM

Originally Posted By: MS1454
I've read many post on forums on these and many people like them. There are quite a few that sat they are harsh. I went ahead with the bilstien 6112s. It is a coil over kit and they are more expensive but from what I have read they are worth it.
coil overs are for the front. I think the OP needs something on the rear. His choices are helwig helper springs, heavier springs, air bags. or air shocks. Not sure what he is driving but for 1000 lbs in a full size the Helwig 550 lb helpers should work fine. I have the helwigs on my Tacoma because Tacomas are notorious for light rear springs and they work well for me. No real difference in ride and I do not have to air them up.
Posted By: MS1454

Re: Adjustable shock replacement - 09/23/16 01:53 AM

Originally Posted By: Stump_jumper
Originally Posted By: MS1454
I've read many post on forums on these and many people like them. There are quite a few that sat they are harsh. I went ahead with the bilstien 6112s. It is a coil over kit and they are more expensive but from what I have read they are worth it.
coil overs are for the front. I think the OP needs something on the rear. His choices are helwig helper springs, heavier springs, air bags. or air shocks. Not sure what he is driving but for 1000 lbs in a full size the Helwig 550 lb helpers should work fine. I have the helwigs on my Tacoma because Tacomas are notorious for light rear springs and they work well for me. No real difference in ride and I do not have to air them up.


The OP said something to level the truck so I am not sure why you would need something on the rear? He also mentioned adjustable which makes me think front. I have not heard of adjustable rear shocks confused2
Posted By: Stump_jumper

Re: Adjustable shock replacement - 09/23/16 05:50 PM

Originally Posted By: MS1454
Originally Posted By: Stump_jumper
Originally Posted By: MS1454
I've read many post on forums on these and many people like them. There are quite a few that sat they are harsh. I went ahead with the bilstien 6112s. It is a coil over kit and they are more expensive but from what I have read they are worth it.
coil overs are for the front. I think the OP needs something on the rear. His choices are helwig helper springs, heavier springs, air bags. or air shocks. Not sure what he is driving but for 1000 lbs in a full size the Helwig 550 lb helpers should work fine. I have the helwigs on my Tacoma because Tacomas are notorious for light rear springs and they work well for me. No real difference in ride and I do not have to air them up.


The OP said something to level the truck so I am not sure why you would need something on the rear? He also mentioned adjustable which makes me think front. I have not heard of adjustable rear shocks confused2
I only saw the second post and missed the first one.
Posted By: Roll-Tide

Re: Adjustable shock replacement - 09/24/16 02:58 AM

I just got mine done at 4 wheel parts on riverfront drive. Bilstein 5100 in front to level. I'm happy.

Makes big difference.
Posted By: LandPirate

Re: Adjustable shock replacement - 09/26/16 07:27 PM

I've got Bilstein 5100's on my '08 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab 4x4 and they're awesome. Huge improvement over stock. Ride is firmer and the truck sits slightly higher. They're a nitrogen charged shock with 360 psi each. The main difference over stock is that they are two-way dampening instead of the stock one-way. Bought mine through Amazon.com for a total of about $265 and then installed myself.
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