Bilstein 5100 on Sport S (Not Max Tow) + Suspension Questions

[rjley]

I saw the Bilstein B8 5100s are on sale for less than 400$. These say they are 0-1.5" shocks, I don't plan on lifting the truck more than an inch and a half if I were to every go ahead and do that. Does anyone have experience on the 5100s on stock Sport springs?

Additionally, I would like to add about 1 inch to 1.5 inches of lift in the front and rear of the jeep at some point (doesn't have to be at the same time). Judging by the description it sounds like these are the correct size shocks. I haven't seen many options for less than 2 inches of lift, does anyone have recommendations on how to achieve a small lift on the Jeep?

Bilstein B8 5100 0-1.5" Front, 0-1" Rear Shocks For 2020-2023 Jeep Gladiator

Sponsored

 

[jc1986]

Teraflex front spacer (.5-1.5”) and a day star .75” rear spacer would get you the small lift and maintain you rack that keeps the truck from squatting too much when you carry cargo in the bed.

Bilstein 5100s are great shocks too for the price point.

 

[rjley]

Teraflex front spacer (.5-1.5”) and a day star .75” rear spacer would get you the small lift and maintain you rack that keeps the truck from squatting too much when you carry cargo in the bed.

Bilstein 5100s are great shocks too for the price point.

Is there any benefit for running the spacer vs putting springs in? Seems to be about the same amount of work.

 

[jc1986]

Springs will always be better but it depends on your budget and desired end state

 

[rjley]

Springs will always be better but it depends on your budget and desired end state

Speaking for now (I'm not planning on changing springs or adding a leveling kit to it quite yet) would the Bilstein 5100s a straight swap with my current setup? So just remove my shocks and throw the Bilsteins on?

 

[jc1986]

Yeah, with no height change the 0-1.5” 5100s would be just a straight unbolt old shocks and put new shocks on

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Ideally you look at the shock specs and take some measurements. Sometimes Bilsteins run a little long based on what lift heights they say they fit.

What is the compressed length of the Bilstein shocks?

What is the distance between your shock mounts, eye to eye?

What is the distance between your bumpstop and the pad where it hits the axle? Add another 1" to this measurement to account for the bumpstop compressing.

Based on the above measurements, will the Bilstein shocks fit without extending your bumpstops? If you have to extend your bumpstops, how much is needed and is it excessive?

 

[Mash5]

I am running them; they do what they say on the tin. They might be a bit harsh on the street, but I like the regressive damping off-road. They are great at moderate speeds in the desert. I went through two or maybe three sets of stock shocks before I put these on, and they have been holding up for a couple of years now. I am sitting a bit higher than stock, especially in the front.

 

[bd100]

Mine is also stock height, and with LT tires. These shocks work great. On the street I'd describe them plus the LT tires as "well planted", like what you'd want for a sports truck. If you want luxo-boat ride then get something else. If you are used to a harsh sports car then these will be comfy. Compared to stock they are simply "better" at controlling the vehicle, but you do feel the little stuff a bit more.

 

[rjley]

Mine is also stock height, and with LT tires. These shocks work great. On the street I'd describe them plus the LT tires as "well planted", like what you'd want for a sports truck. If you want luxo-boat ride then get something else. If you are used to a harsh sports car then these will be comfy. Compared to stock they are simply "better" at controlling the vehicle, but you do feel the little stuff a bit more.

Are these the same shocks (0-1.5” version) you have?

 

[Advntrbound]

That's a good price. At 100k miles, I'm due for some new ones, might just pick up a set of these.

 

[Angry]

I have a Sport S and have finally ended up with what I think is the perfect combo for my needs. I originally put on Rubi take-off shocks and springs (the heavier set) and this gave me about 3/4” lift. I didn’t like the wallowing Rubi shocks and pulled them in favor of the Bilstein 5100s. The ride is now firm and stiff but not harsh, yet progressive on bumps. Truck drives great across all conditions I tend to be in.

 

[bd100]

Are these the same shocks (0-1.5” version) you have?

Yep.

 

[rjley]

My plan is to get these now and at some point upgrade the springs so I can have about 1-1.5 inch lift

 

[Noeyes]

I ran the 5100s on my Tundra before I got my gladiator. They were great for the price. They did firm up the ride on the highest setting if it matters.

Sponsored