Bilstein 5100 question

[Vice]

This is an embarrassing question, but I want to verify I have it correct. Not sure trim matters but sport s max tow. I installed 5100's yesterday , I noticed the stock shocks the reservoir was on the bottom for the rear. So I installed the rear shocks same as stock. After I mounted the rears I noticed the bilstein stickers are upside down, which makes me think that the resvoir should be at the top. The fronts are at the top....

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[JsnJcksn]

Yes, it is correct per the instructions when I installed mine. The reservoir is down on the rear shocks.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Bilstein says mount them so you can read the labels. So can up.

But it really doesn’t matter. They’re a gas shock so you can run them in either direction.

 

[JsnJcksn]

Bilstein says mount them so you can read the labels. So can up.

But it really doesn’t matter. They’re a gas shock so you can run them in either direction.

I have the 1.5 - 2.5 lift model. The included directions had reservoir down for the rear shocks. Maybe stock length is different, but that was the guidance provided.

 

[Vice]

These are the same 1.5 to 2.5 for rear. The rears did not come directions, but the fronts did.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I have the 1.5 - 2.5 lift model. The included directions had reservoir down for the rear shocks. Maybe stock length is different, but that was the guidance provided.

I have a 2.5” lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks and the shop that installed it put the cans up, labels not upside down.

Here is where Bilstein says install so you can read the labels:

https://academy.bilsteinus.com/knowledge/do-i-install-boot-up-or-boot-down#

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

Personally I would mount resivoir up- to try and allow gravity to aid in keeping debris away from the rubber seal and shock shaft….
Just my 0.02

 

[JsnJcksn]

These are the same 1.5 to 2.5 for rear. The rears did not come directions, but the fronts did.

Mine had installation directions that went against my judgment. I‘ll see if I can find them.

 

[CrazyCooter]

With a monotube/resi IFP shock, you can mount either way and it wont matter from a function standpoint. The OEM emulsion (Also Rancho, Monroe, RockSport, and other cheap shocks) need to be mounted body down or the base valves will be dry when the oil runs to the bottom (technically the top if the shock is upside down) rendering them mostly useless.

On the plus side, mounting body up reduces unsprung mass even if it is only a few oz difference. On the negative side, the shaft is in direct line to get pounded by debris from the front tires.

Either is fine in this case, but somebody will probably tell you you did it wrong if the stickers are upside down.

 

[Yellow1098]

I mounted mine with the stickers facing right side up on front and rear ……..which is reservoir on the bottom in the front and on the top in the rear……if I knew it didn’t matter I would probably switch the front cause I’d rather see the reservoir in the wheel well than the shaft

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