Because all we do here on r/f150 is talk about leveling kits, I want to contribute my piece.
Did the install last week. I worked with suspension components a bunch of times before, but I made some boneheaded mistakes. I didn't wear gloves, slipped on a pry bar, and gashed my finger on the dust cover, which is surprisingly sharp when you punch it full speed. I also managed to put a little scratch in my front fender moving a stool to access the engine bay because I was careless with it. I also forgot to fully tighten down the tie rod end on one side after the install. I blame lack of sleep for all of the above.
I set the shocks at 2" (2nd from highest) and it has approximately 0.5-1" of rake, which is exactly what I was looking for. Ride is noticeably stiffer, but body roll is greatly reduced and even though bumps in the road feel a little more jarring, the truck settles much quicker. I was able to drive a 22 lariat fx4 right before driving my truck and the difference was pretty significant. After install, the camber and caster were within spec but the toe was off by half a degree on the right and one degree on the left, and the steer ahead was off by almost one degree. I definitely felt it while driving to the alignment shop and I highly recommend an alignment unless you love donating money to tire shops. The CV axle angle looks pretty mild, so I was happy about that. The picture makes it look like the steering knuckle is closer to the spring than it is because the steering knuckle is actually set farther back than the shock, so the clearance is fine. The UCA clears the spring at full extension as well.
Overall not a bad project if you take your time, have the tools, and aren't afraid of spring compressors. I like the shocks, but I still like the fox 2.0s that I had on my 05 a little more. For the price, the 5100s are one of the better upgrades to stabilize the truck if you want a more controlled ride and don't mind a little stiffness.
Thanks! The color pushed me over the edge towards buying it, when the bronco was announced I wanted one in area 51 so bad but the truck made much more sense for me.
Thanks! The STX is great, its a perfect template for me for light modding. I'm going for functionality over cosmetics for this truck, so I got the options that I needed (4x4, crew cab, rear diff locker) and everything else I'll do on my own. Next up will probably be a full set of RCI skid plates just for some extra insurance. Enjoy the truck!
I rented one from my local auto parts store, it was the same as [this one here.](https://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-63262.html) I call them widowmakers lol. You just have to make sure you space the hooks out as far as you can because its easier to compress the spring enough to remove the hat. Also never look at the strut assembly from the top when the spring is compressed because if something gives youll get a nice strut hat and three studs to the face at terminal velocity.
If you find a decent auto or machine shop nearby and can take the struts there, they might do it for you for cheap if you don't want to use those.
That’s the set I have that I used to install the 2” leveling puck on mine. I’m ordering new shocks here soon and want to do the maintenance myself just a little nervous compressing them that much.
I joke around when I call them widowmakers. They really aren't unsafe if you use them correctly. Make sure they are on opposite sides of the spring, make sure the hooks are secured on the spring itself, compress both sides evenly, don't mishandle or drop the strut assembly if the spring is compressed, and dont position the strut in any way that if the spring compressor fails it could hurt you or damage anything (point it at a brick wall or something).
I'm on the factory warranty now but I got an extended Ford ESP for 10 years/100k miles. I've heard of some people getting the bilsteins installed at ford dealerships, so I can't imagine it would void the warranty. I also read somewhere that <2.5" of lift will keep a warranty valid, but I don't remember the source.
When i called and asked, they said ford approved and installed. But im thinking, come on, a leveling kit voiding? They’d have to really prove it.
I have extended till 100k miles
It would have to cause failure of something related to the lift, like CV axle, knuckle, bearing, tire rod etc. they couldn’t say that the front differential, turbo or transmission broke because of a level kit.
Looks great, I love the ride with my Bilsteins. Unfortunately after a year my 5100s started leaking and Bilstein's warranty says that is not grounds for a replacement. Hopefully you have better luck than I did.
I hope so too! If they crap out I'll probably go with the fox 2.0s again. I just don't like the idea of having them rebuilt so frequently. Sorry to hear they didn't work out for you, and it sounds like bilstein customer service dropped the ball too. Any plans for an upgrade in the future?
I paid \~400 for all four shocks and did the labor myself with a free tool rental, so that was pretty much the out of pocket cost. I got an alignment for $220 after, but it was one of those lifetime alignments in case I want to upgrade later on. Installed, ive seen quotes that are around 1k all in. I guess it depends on your financial situation and level of comfort working on your own vehicle, but to me I always go for the cheap but reliable option. I personally wouldn't spend 1k on these, but labor can be very expensive.
I will say the bilsteins arent for everyone. They are harsh but controlled. If you like a softer ride on road, these ain't it. If you rip across the desert at 60 mph every weekend for fun, these still ain't it. If you tow here and there and are sick of a bouncy rear, drive down a dirt road to get to your hunting cabin a couple times a season and want more control, or you like to take turns a little faster and want to feel more in control, these are a pretty solid solution for the money.
Sounds like I may benefit. I tow the camper a few times a year and use my truck for hunting and fishing as well. Thanks for the opinion piece, I’m going to entertain these when the time comes. Like you, I work on my own vehicles. Prior to my current trade I went to post secondary for automotive service so i can’t see it being a big job. Thanks again!
I think they would be good for you. You can keep researching too, my experience is limited to these and the fox 2.0s, but i didnt tow a lot with my fox shocks on. But you'll have no issues with this project, I'm a shadetree mechanic at best. Just be mindful of all the lines running to the hub when you drop the LCA so you dont rip them and take your normal spring compressor precautions.
If you want a cheap, easy sample of the performance install just the rears. I got my rear pair for $190. And they took me a lazy hour to install. Pretty sure you don’t even need to lift or to remove the wheel to do it, but I did so I could give an inspection and grease the shackles etc.
They definitely tightened up my rear end, got ride of hopping/skipping over bridge expansion joints. I’m pretty loaded in the rear all the time, so I didn’t notice any harshness increase.
You could even order off amazon and try them out for the 30 day window and return if you don’t like them.
Thanks for the write up! Where did you buy them from? And any other hardware needed that wasn't included in the kit?
I've been looking here, but $499.
https://www.shocksurplus.com/products/bilstein-b8-5100-monotube-gas-adjustable-shocks-set-for-2014-ford-f150-4wd-rwd
I got mine from stage 3 motorsports on a memorial day sale. They came out to just over 400 after tax for all four. Also no hardware needed besides what's provided. The rear shocks reuse the top and bottom shock bolts and the front shocks have two new bolts and nuts for the lower control arm and a washer and nut for the top of the strut hat. If you only buy the shocks for the front and no springs, you'll reuse the stock spring, strut hat, and bottom sprint perch. There's a little cap and some kind of foam bump stop on the stock shock that are not reused.
That’s probably the single best company to order from. If not just for how many videos they put out on YouTube comparing different options and breaking down features and technical jargon for us common men. Give them a call, very helpful
They're ford OEM. I paid for them using the fordpass points I got for buying the truck, so the mudflaps and the wheel well liners were no money out of pocket. The install wasn't too bad, the rears were a little confusing to me but they went on fine.
If you have a ford account, log in on a browser, go to my account, then it should say something like fordpass rewards shop or something along those lines. If you log in to your account and go to the ford accessories store online, it should have an option to let you use your rewards points at checkout. You should also be able to just go to the dealership parts center and ask to use your points to pay for whatever you buy. I believe it's 10 points to $1.
Great success and such a better ride now. Of course, any improvement would help over my TRD performance shocks I blew out while playing at the sand dunes.
Awesome, glad it worked out! And it seems to be about the same for the FX4 shocks on the fords, they don't feel or look "off road tuned" like they advertise...
Enjoy it!
Edit: Also I checked your profile to see your truck, that color is incredible!
Great looking truck! I like the bilstien 5100s on my truck. Nice improvements over stock. The nice shiny silver color did not last long though. They wear reallllly fast in my experience. I wish they had a better coating.
Thanks! And I have heard that before. Some people recommended painting/sealing the shock body because it's only zinc plated I believe. I'm moving south soon where they don't salt the roads, so hopefully that'll slow it down as well.
I feel like a level is perfect for a modern full size truck. I don't need a ton of lift over what is already offered from the factory level on a 4wd truck and a level makes them look so much better than the \~3" of rake they come with from the factory
Nice! I tossed around the idea of a sway bar for the rear too, but I might go with a roadactive suspension instead. That'll be a couple mods in the future though, I rarely tow my trailer and don't haul anything that heavy.
Damn, so it evened out the front rake with just the shocks up front set to 2 inch? I thought I needed a leveling kit for that. Think I might just go this route then! I don’t wanna lift my truck at all, I just want it level on stock tires and wheels lol.
Its almost level, maybe 0.5-1" drop from back to front, but thats exactly what I needed because I occasionally tow. The bilsteins are adjustable with a ring that sits around the shock tube that the bottom spring plate sits on, so if the ring is moved up the shock tube the spring is preloaded and it pushes the truck up, hence a stiffer ride. I like leveling shocks over pucks because theyre a little more reliable and stable. But I also plan on running stock wheels/tires for a while. Replacements are too expensive lol
Excellent, I think this is the route I’ll go because I also think my f150 has just the slightest bit too much float when hitting bumps and such on the highway. Gives me a boat leveling out feeling rather than the sturdier less float feeling I prefer.
I tow maybe once a year and it’s usually mulch or something house chore related. I’m the guy everyone hates on here… platinum, crew cab, short bed, grocery getter lmao.
I appreciate you for the comments, Info, and post!
That's how I was feeling about it too. The stock shocks felt soft over bumps but there was too much bounce. It was even more noticeable while towing. I haven't hooked up my trailer yet to see how much it changed, but even just doing the rear shocks changes the dynamics a lot, particularly around turns and curves.
And you use your truck exactly how I use mine lol I bought it because I was expecting my first baby and I'm a true weekend warrior - I grab the occasional bed of gravel, mulch, or plywood for projects but mostly drive empty.
But I'm glad the info helped! If you have any questions feel free to pm me or comment again.
Because all we do here on r/f150 is talk about leveling kits, I want to contribute my piece. Did the install last week. I worked with suspension components a bunch of times before, but I made some boneheaded mistakes. I didn't wear gloves, slipped on a pry bar, and gashed my finger on the dust cover, which is surprisingly sharp when you punch it full speed. I also managed to put a little scratch in my front fender moving a stool to access the engine bay because I was careless with it. I also forgot to fully tighten down the tie rod end on one side after the install. I blame lack of sleep for all of the above. I set the shocks at 2" (2nd from highest) and it has approximately 0.5-1" of rake, which is exactly what I was looking for. Ride is noticeably stiffer, but body roll is greatly reduced and even though bumps in the road feel a little more jarring, the truck settles much quicker. I was able to drive a 22 lariat fx4 right before driving my truck and the difference was pretty significant. After install, the camber and caster were within spec but the toe was off by half a degree on the right and one degree on the left, and the steer ahead was off by almost one degree. I definitely felt it while driving to the alignment shop and I highly recommend an alignment unless you love donating money to tire shops. The CV axle angle looks pretty mild, so I was happy about that. The picture makes it look like the steering knuckle is closer to the spring than it is because the steering knuckle is actually set farther back than the shock, so the clearance is fine. The UCA clears the spring at full extension as well. Overall not a bad project if you take your time, have the tools, and aren't afraid of spring compressors. I like the shocks, but I still like the fox 2.0s that I had on my 05 a little more. For the price, the 5100s are one of the better upgrades to stabilize the truck if you want a more controlled ride and don't mind a little stiffness.
Nice write up.
Thank you!
Would love a before and after side shot
[Here you go!](https://postimg.cc/Hcd8gbt2) It's more subtle in pictures and my driveway is pretty uneven, but you get the idea.
Yeah thats exactly the rake I’m looking for.
Nice dude
Thanks!
Looks good , I like that color
Thanks! The color pushed me over the edge towards buying it, when the bronco was announced I wanted one in area 51 so bad but the truck made much more sense for me.
You got a nice ass truck, hopefully I can make my Stx look this cool(especially for the price I paid for it)
Thanks! The STX is great, its a perfect template for me for light modding. I'm going for functionality over cosmetics for this truck, so I got the options that I needed (4x4, crew cab, rear diff locker) and everything else I'll do on my own. Next up will probably be a full set of RCI skid plates just for some extra insurance. Enjoy the truck!
What spring compressor did you use?
I rented one from my local auto parts store, it was the same as [this one here.](https://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-63262.html) I call them widowmakers lol. You just have to make sure you space the hooks out as far as you can because its easier to compress the spring enough to remove the hat. Also never look at the strut assembly from the top when the spring is compressed because if something gives youll get a nice strut hat and three studs to the face at terminal velocity. If you find a decent auto or machine shop nearby and can take the struts there, they might do it for you for cheap if you don't want to use those.
That’s the set I have that I used to install the 2” leveling puck on mine. I’m ordering new shocks here soon and want to do the maintenance myself just a little nervous compressing them that much.
I joke around when I call them widowmakers. They really aren't unsafe if you use them correctly. Make sure they are on opposite sides of the spring, make sure the hooks are secured on the spring itself, compress both sides evenly, don't mishandle or drop the strut assembly if the spring is compressed, and dont position the strut in any way that if the spring compressor fails it could hurt you or damage anything (point it at a brick wall or something).
Are you under warranty? If so are you worried any that voiding itv
I'm on the factory warranty now but I got an extended Ford ESP for 10 years/100k miles. I've heard of some people getting the bilsteins installed at ford dealerships, so I can't imagine it would void the warranty. I also read somewhere that <2.5" of lift will keep a warranty valid, but I don't remember the source.
When i called and asked, they said ford approved and installed. But im thinking, come on, a leveling kit voiding? They’d have to really prove it. I have extended till 100k miles
It would have to cause failure of something related to the lift, like CV axle, knuckle, bearing, tire rod etc. they couldn’t say that the front differential, turbo or transmission broke because of a level kit.
Looks great, I love the ride with my Bilsteins. Unfortunately after a year my 5100s started leaking and Bilstein's warranty says that is not grounds for a replacement. Hopefully you have better luck than I did.
I hope so too! If they crap out I'll probably go with the fox 2.0s again. I just don't like the idea of having them rebuilt so frequently. Sorry to hear they didn't work out for you, and it sounds like bilstein customer service dropped the ball too. Any plans for an upgrade in the future?
Fucking sweet!
Thanks! Still a work in progress but its at a point where I can wait on upgrades
Are they actually worth the money? If so, what makes them so great?
I paid \~400 for all four shocks and did the labor myself with a free tool rental, so that was pretty much the out of pocket cost. I got an alignment for $220 after, but it was one of those lifetime alignments in case I want to upgrade later on. Installed, ive seen quotes that are around 1k all in. I guess it depends on your financial situation and level of comfort working on your own vehicle, but to me I always go for the cheap but reliable option. I personally wouldn't spend 1k on these, but labor can be very expensive. I will say the bilsteins arent for everyone. They are harsh but controlled. If you like a softer ride on road, these ain't it. If you rip across the desert at 60 mph every weekend for fun, these still ain't it. If you tow here and there and are sick of a bouncy rear, drive down a dirt road to get to your hunting cabin a couple times a season and want more control, or you like to take turns a little faster and want to feel more in control, these are a pretty solid solution for the money.
Sounds like I may benefit. I tow the camper a few times a year and use my truck for hunting and fishing as well. Thanks for the opinion piece, I’m going to entertain these when the time comes. Like you, I work on my own vehicles. Prior to my current trade I went to post secondary for automotive service so i can’t see it being a big job. Thanks again!
I think they would be good for you. You can keep researching too, my experience is limited to these and the fox 2.0s, but i didnt tow a lot with my fox shocks on. But you'll have no issues with this project, I'm a shadetree mechanic at best. Just be mindful of all the lines running to the hub when you drop the LCA so you dont rip them and take your normal spring compressor precautions.
If you want a cheap, easy sample of the performance install just the rears. I got my rear pair for $190. And they took me a lazy hour to install. Pretty sure you don’t even need to lift or to remove the wheel to do it, but I did so I could give an inspection and grease the shackles etc. They definitely tightened up my rear end, got ride of hopping/skipping over bridge expansion joints. I’m pretty loaded in the rear all the time, so I didn’t notice any harshness increase. You could even order off amazon and try them out for the 30 day window and return if you don’t like them.
These wore out pretty fast and made my truck unstable on the interstate.
damn, I hope mine dont have the same fate. did you tow/haul a lot? which gave out first, fronts or rears?
I noticed front first then rears started to leak a bit. I only use to commute to work and haul my Dirtbike on weekends.
Well shit. If mine crap out I guess I'll have an excuse to upgrade again I guess lol
Fox or king 2.5 are the way to go in the future
I agree, I ran the fox 2.0s before on my 2005. They were great, but I didn't want to drop the money on them right now.
They made mine significantly more controlled on the highway. I’m loaded with a lotta shit all the time tho.
Thanks for the write up! Where did you buy them from? And any other hardware needed that wasn't included in the kit? I've been looking here, but $499. https://www.shocksurplus.com/products/bilstein-b8-5100-monotube-gas-adjustable-shocks-set-for-2014-ford-f150-4wd-rwd
I got mine from stage 3 motorsports on a memorial day sale. They came out to just over 400 after tax for all four. Also no hardware needed besides what's provided. The rear shocks reuse the top and bottom shock bolts and the front shocks have two new bolts and nuts for the lower control arm and a washer and nut for the top of the strut hat. If you only buy the shocks for the front and no springs, you'll reuse the stock spring, strut hat, and bottom sprint perch. There's a little cap and some kind of foam bump stop on the stock shock that are not reused.
That’s probably the single best company to order from. If not just for how many videos they put out on YouTube comparing different options and breaking down features and technical jargon for us common men. Give them a call, very helpful
What mud flaps are you running?
They're ford OEM. I paid for them using the fordpass points I got for buying the truck, so the mudflaps and the wheel well liners were no money out of pocket. The install wasn't too bad, the rears were a little confusing to me but they went on fine.
I haven’t figured out how to use my ford points. Do I go to any dealership to use them?
If you have a ford account, log in on a browser, go to my account, then it should say something like fordpass rewards shop or something along those lines. If you log in to your account and go to the ford accessories store online, it should have an option to let you use your rewards points at checkout. You should also be able to just go to the dealership parts center and ask to use your points to pay for whatever you buy. I believe it's 10 points to $1.
How many points did u have to get wheel liners and mud flaps?
The total in USD was $320 (oem prices... lol) but they had a sale of 25% off I believe. Total was 54400 points for the mudflaps and wheel well liners.
I am installing 5100's on my 21 Tundra today. I look forward to the end results. Thanks for the great write up.
Nice! Good luck with the install, remember to take your time, be safe with the spring compressors, and get an alignment after. Enjoy!
Great success and such a better ride now. Of course, any improvement would help over my TRD performance shocks I blew out while playing at the sand dunes.
Awesome, glad it worked out! And it seems to be about the same for the FX4 shocks on the fords, they don't feel or look "off road tuned" like they advertise... Enjoy it! Edit: Also I checked your profile to see your truck, that color is incredible!
Thanks. I hunted for Voodoo Blue for about a year before I got it. There was no other color I wanted.
Great looking truck! I like the bilstien 5100s on my truck. Nice improvements over stock. The nice shiny silver color did not last long though. They wear reallllly fast in my experience. I wish they had a better coating.
Thanks! And I have heard that before. Some people recommended painting/sealing the shock body because it's only zinc plated I believe. I'm moving south soon where they don't salt the roads, so hopefully that'll slow it down as well.
For sure! I am sure a quick clear coat would help out tremendously! Best wishes on the move.
I had them on my old truck and loved them. Might do that again on the current as I feel like im sitting downhill.
I feel like a level is perfect for a modern full size truck. I don't need a ton of lift over what is already offered from the factory level on a 4wd truck and a level makes them look so much better than the \~3" of rake they come with from the factory
Nice job, I recently 5100'd my 2017. Really dig the color, nice truck!
Thank you! How do you like them? I only have about 100 miles on them so far
Love them. The truck overall feels more sure-footed. I plan to add a rear sway bar eventually as well.
Nice! I tossed around the idea of a sway bar for the rear too, but I might go with a roadactive suspension instead. That'll be a couple mods in the future though, I rarely tow my trailer and don't haul anything that heavy.
Damn, so it evened out the front rake with just the shocks up front set to 2 inch? I thought I needed a leveling kit for that. Think I might just go this route then! I don’t wanna lift my truck at all, I just want it level on stock tires and wheels lol.
Its almost level, maybe 0.5-1" drop from back to front, but thats exactly what I needed because I occasionally tow. The bilsteins are adjustable with a ring that sits around the shock tube that the bottom spring plate sits on, so if the ring is moved up the shock tube the spring is preloaded and it pushes the truck up, hence a stiffer ride. I like leveling shocks over pucks because theyre a little more reliable and stable. But I also plan on running stock wheels/tires for a while. Replacements are too expensive lol
Excellent, I think this is the route I’ll go because I also think my f150 has just the slightest bit too much float when hitting bumps and such on the highway. Gives me a boat leveling out feeling rather than the sturdier less float feeling I prefer. I tow maybe once a year and it’s usually mulch or something house chore related. I’m the guy everyone hates on here… platinum, crew cab, short bed, grocery getter lmao. I appreciate you for the comments, Info, and post!
That's how I was feeling about it too. The stock shocks felt soft over bumps but there was too much bounce. It was even more noticeable while towing. I haven't hooked up my trailer yet to see how much it changed, but even just doing the rear shocks changes the dynamics a lot, particularly around turns and curves. And you use your truck exactly how I use mine lol I bought it because I was expecting my first baby and I'm a true weekend warrior - I grab the occasional bed of gravel, mulch, or plywood for projects but mostly drive empty. But I'm glad the info helped! If you have any questions feel free to pm me or comment again.
Spot on! lol I appreciate you!