Leveling Kit vs. Bilstein 5100

[db2_Paintwerks!]

Recently ordered a leveling kit to precede the installation of 295/60 RT tires. It didn’t come. Company kept coming up with excuses after they gave me a delivery date. Tires went on regardless. Took front mudflaps off for now & the only rub is at full turn in reverse. Kinda a blessing in disguise. I’ve done more research & think the Bilsteins will level the front, from all I’ve read to date. Has anyone here corrected the nose dive simply by

installing these shocks? Wanting to keep her close to stock, so everything, like the Auto 4wd works, but also tricking her out a little. She rides awesome with the new tires.

 

[JPI]

This may be a little like "Apples & Oranges" since I'm talking about a different truck. But since I did the exact same thing using Bilstein 5100's, I'll share my experience. You can take from it what you want.

My previous truck was a 2022 Colorado LT. I hated the factory rake immediately and installed the GM 1.5' leveling kit from the Chevy accessories catalogue. I liked the fact that it was cheap and since it was from GM, it didn't affect my warranty. (As long as the dealer installed it)

After about a year, it became obvious how terrible the no-name OEM shocks were, so I decided to upgrade. I picked the 5100's because they were ride height adjustable and I figured they would allow me to ditch the leveling kit. Note: the GM kit was fine, I just don't like using spacers if I can avoid them. I conferred with the guys at my local off-road shop, and they agreed that the 5100's would work in place of the level kit. So I had them remove the spacers and install the Bilsteins adjusted to the same height to match the level. The setup worked perfectly. No problems whatsoever. I was running slightly larger tires, but nothing crazy. I like to stay close to stock as well.

Again, I know we're talking about two different trucks. But I think you're on the right track. It worked for me at least. Maybe someone else here has more direct experience.

 

[Stormin08]

Which set up are you looking at ??? be cautious with advertised lift amounts...

this is only going to add .5" to your front....

Bilstein 5100 Monotube Strut & Shocks Set for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD RWD w/0-2.5

Fits 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD RWD w/0-2.5" lift Bilstein B8 5100 Monotube Gas 24-293297 24-293471. New parts, expert support, free shipping.

www.shocksurplus.com

this will add up to 1.2" lift as it is specific to a TB, otherwise it could 3.2" to a standard silverado...

Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Assembled + Rear 5100 Shocks Set for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss 4WD

Fits 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss 4WD Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Assembled + Rear B8 5100 Shock 47-309524 24-309516. New parts, expert support, free shipping.

www.shocksurplus.com

make sure you understand what you are ordering

 

[db2_Paintwerks!]

This may be a little like "Apples & Oranges" since I'm talking about a different truck. But since I did the exact same thing using Bilstein 5100's, I'll share my experience. You can take from it what you want.

My previous truck was a 2022 Colorado LT. I hated the factory rake immediately and installed the GM 1.5' leveling kit from the Chevy accessories catalogue. I liked the fact that it was cheap and since it was from GM, it didn't affect my warranty. (As long as the dealer installed it)

After about a year, it became obvious how terrible the no-name OEM shocks were, so I decided to upgrade. I picked the 5100's because they were ride height adjustable and I figured they would allow me to ditch the leveling kit. Note: the GM kit was fine, I just don't like using spacers if I can avoid them. I conferred with the guys at my local off-road shop, and they agreed that the 5100's would work in place of the level kit. So I had them remove the spacers and install the Bilsteins adjusted to the same height to match the level. The setup worked perfectly. No problems whatsoever. I was running slightly larger tires, but nothing crazy. I like to stay close to stock as well.

Again, I know we're talking about two different trucks. But I think you're on the right track. It worked for me at least. Maybe someone else here has more direct experience.

Awesome. Different trucks, but same wants for them both. Appreciate the input! This helps.

 

[db2_Paintwerks!]

Which set up are you looking at ??? be cautious with advertised lift amounts...

this is only going to add .5" to your front....

Bilstein 5100 Monotube Strut & Shocks Set for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD RWD w/0-2.5

Fits 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD RWD w/0-2.5" lift Bilstein B8 5100 Monotube Gas 24-293297 24-293471. New parts, expert support, free shipping.

www.shocksurplus.com

this will add up to 1.2" lift as it is specific to a TB, otherwise it could 3.2" to a standard silverado...

Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Assembled + Rear 5100 Shocks Set for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss 4WD

Fits 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss 4WD Bilstein 6112 Strut & Spring Assembled + Rear B8 5100 Shock 47-309524 24-309516. New parts, expert support, free shipping.

www.shocksurplus.com

make sure you understand what you are ordering

Appreciate it. I’m mostly looking at taking the rake out of the front for now. That way I can reinstall the factory mudflaps/mudgaurds.

 

[Stormin08]

Appreciate it. I’m mostly looking at taking the rake out of the front for now. That way I can reinstall the factory mudflaps/mudgaurds.

That is simple...if the right part is ordered

Remember, the front lift is built into the shock body length....anything stating UPTO 2.5" WILL ONLY NET A GAIN OF .5" OVER A TB...look for TB specific parts or advertised lift heights of 3-3.5"

Those will gain 1-1.5" on the TB....silverado parts work, but not gain the end goal

 

[db2_Paintwerks!]

That is simple...if the right part is ordered

Remember, the front lift is built into the shock body lenght....anything stating UPTO 2.5" WILL ONLY NET A GAIN OF .5" OVER A TB...look for TB specific parts or advertised lift heights of 3-3.5"

Those will gain 1-1.5" on the TB....silverado parts work, but not gain the end goal

Good info. Thank you

 

[Fireman489]

Here is what the 6112 and 5100 set up will net you. Very small rake but mostly gone and far better suspension.