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

[ScoutVet19D]

Not Sport S but I put 5100’s on my JTR early Oct. I bought mine used in May and the Fox shocks were clown wagon garbage. I put the 1.5”-2.5” lift 5100’s on and the change is much better. For the price I’m very happy with the Bilstein 5100’s.

Pot holes and rail road crossings were sketchy before. Now no worries.

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[Sandman 4x4]

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

I’m waiting on a set of new 5100’s myself. Although never had them in a Gladiator before. But I have had them on two last generation 2016 &2019 Colorados. One an ext cab, the second a crew cab. Both 4x4, V6’s. The difference was night and day between the stock Z71 shocks that felt every pebble in the road, while still bottoming out on speed bumps and off road hits. But after the 5100’s set at 2” lift front only everything smooths out and only bottom out in front at crazy speeds, but very controlled, even when towing heavy at a cat scale certified 10,250 lbs CGVW with an 25’ travel trailer. The stock ride on my Sport S, especially with the stock Bridgestone Dueler HT tires is a lot smoother than the best Colorado, just not as controlled and precise steering as the Colorado. So I wait for like a kid on Christmas Eve. Good luck, you will be pleased. With or without 1 or 2” spacers.

 

[Sandman 4x4]

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?

Absolutely, plus the 5100’s have a longer opened length, that allows more wheel travel. Spring or spacers add hight. But change the ride harshness, unless there wound progressively, that’s easy to tell. If the coils at one end are closer together than they are progressive, then mount them that side up and enjoy a smooth ride over small bumps, but with help absorb big hits better.

 

[rjley]

Any suggestions on where to order from? The place I was looking at before had some pretty bad reviews. Would definitely be waiting to see if theres any BF deals out there, and any places that offer military discounts would be nice too. Thanks!

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Any suggestions on where to order from? The place I was looking at before had some pretty bad reviews. Would definitely be waiting to see if theres any BF deals out there, and any places that offer military discounts would be nice too. Thanks!

Kolak Performance. He's been a Bilstein dealer for over 20 years. His prices are service are excellent.

Northridge suggested by @AustyPosty is another great option.

 

[Northridge4x4]

just to give you some heads up. We are the largest Bilstein Distributor in the USA and have a great relationship with them, Tons of inventory and a great customer service team if you need any help

 

[Deleted member 52902]

As you can see, many people like the BILSTEIN shock absorber product. I agree. Yes of course, there are competitive shocks from other brands that do very well and surely a few out there, that could perform better. Sometimes the comparison is equal enough, the price might be your sole deciding factor. However, since 1979, I stopped comparing the stated qualities and price points of some other brands and models.

Usually, I have let OEM shocks on vehicles run their course if they were at least adequate. Cost/benefit comes into play for me. But no question whether I replaced the OEM shocks early because I didn't like their action such as on that Nova, or until they were noticeably failing on some vehicles; the BILSTEIN went on. For specific instances, there can of course, be another brand & model that might be better. I am satisfied with the consistent results and life of the BILSTEINS. I ignore comparing the potential virtues of the stated warranties since I have never been disappointed with the BILSTEINS.

Use BILSTIEN 4600 for stock height, or 5100 which has the same exact action but provides adjustable length for the more common lift heights. 5160's and 8100's as I see them, are meant to handle more radical off-road action. I have no experience beyond the range of pavement and typically mild off roading over the years, with just a few slightly tougher scenarios.

Gene

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