Bilstein 5100

[Maximus Gladius]

I emailed Northridge on March 21 and no reply.

Looks like I didn’t complete the email address! My fault! Thanks Northridge for pointing this out!

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[MOJAVEC22]

I have one on my wifes JLU, and actually have a spare sitting in my garage. It seems to be just as good as the fox steering damper. I was hoping for a little more performance out of the through shaft falcon damper. Which on my drive last night it definitely seemed to be comparable when set to medium. I’m also hoping that while I’m pulling my camper, I can set the falcon stabilizer to the hard setting, and it might provide a little bit more handling While pulling.

If it turns out that it’s no better or worse than my fox damper I will be installing the billstein one I have on standby.

I’m on the fence between the fox ats/falcon vs the cheaper bilstein. I also tow a camper so would enjoy the stiffer setting for towing. I’m pretty sure my oem is done so I need it asap before a trip June 3rd. Do you think the adjustable are worth the extra money after driving both?

 

[Gren71]

I’m on the fence between the fox ats/falcon vs the cheaper bilstein. I also tow a camper so would enjoy the stiffer setting for towing. I’m pretty sure my oem is done so I need it asap before a trip June 3rd. Do you think the adjustable are worth the extra money after driving both?

Overall I was less than impressed with the falcon adjustable steering stabilizer, I ended up switching back to a regular one. My belief would be that, based on my experience with the adjustable SS, the adjustable shocks would be subpar when compared to bilstein 5100. Even if set at the "hard" setting. The ride with them is what I wanted, so I am VERY pleased with the shocks. Towing they to phenomenal, better even that my fox shocks did IMO. For the price I feel they are the best bang for the buck for sure.

 

[Rusty PW]

Bang for the buck. The 5100's are hard to beat.

 

[chorky]

I would suggest the 5100's as well. Now that they have been on my overloaded JT for a bit and tested on a variety of terrain I am happy. Is another choice better? Yes. But at a much higher cost. For reference, I have Fox 2.0's with adjustable reservoir on my TJ. They are several years old and badly in need of a rebuild along with rebuilding the JJ control arms. But back then I think they were 400 each? Maybe not quite that much I can't remember. But I dont think the performance (for me) is worth the much larger cost. Now go further into the external/internal bypass shock category then that's a different discussion. I will not be getting reservoir 2.0's again on the TJ. Maybe standard non adjustable ones.

 

[MOJAVEC22]

Overall I was less than impressed with the falcon adjustable steering stabilizer, I ended up switching back to a regular one. My belief would be that, based on my experience with the adjustable SS, the adjustable shocks would be subpar when compared to bilstein 5100. Even if set at the "hard" setting. The ride with them is what I wanted, so I am VERY pleased with the shocks. Towing they to phenomenal, better even that my fox shocks did IMO. For the price I feel they are the best bang for the buck for sure.

Thanks for that review. I was only asking about the steering stabilizers actually. My fox shocks are good, and I added the Timbren SES bumpstops for the load when towing. My oem steering stabilizer is the one that is bad, so I was in the market for either the falcon or fox adjustable throughshaft. Then I came across the Bilstein. I’ve read that the Bilstein gives some ppl a pull to the left since it’s not a through-shaft. So you’d say you like the Bilstein over the falcon? I do have a 2 inch lift and 37s so I figured i could use something better than just stock or equivalent.

 

[flipboltz]

I believe those come with the AEV Dualsport lift automatically. Im looking to go with that lift eventually.

I can confirm this. I have the AEV lift with these shocks. They are pretty good.

 

[flipboltz]

How does it ride with that full load of firewood? Based on that pic I probably will need their HD springs. I'm assuming that load of wood was probably 200-300 pounds?

The HD springs are intense. I have an Alu-Cab installed with full goose gear and they don’t budge. I would recommend the standard springs.

 

[Gren71]

Thanks for that review. I was only asking about the steering stabilizers actually. My fox shocks are good, and I added the Timbren SES bumpstops for the load when towing. My oem steering stabilizer is the one that is bad, so I was in the market for either the falcon or fox adjustable throughshaft. Then I came across the Bilstein. I’ve read that the Bilstein gives some ppl a pull to the left since it’s not a through-shaft. So you’d say you like the Bilstein over the falcon? I do have a 2 inch lift and 37s so I figured i could use something better than just stock or equivalent.

for me with stock size tires I do really like the non-through shaft stabilizer (traditional) vs the through shaft.

An issue people have with traditional stabilizers is they don’t “set” them correctly. I learned on this forum that when you install a new traditional style stabilizer, you need to go out into a parking lot or area. Turn the wheel all the way to the left and do a circle. Then turn the wheel all the way to the right and do a circle. Do this three or four times in each direction and the steering stabilizer will be set/zeroed/calibrated/etc properly. I’ve done this procedure with two stabilizers on my truck and one on my wife’s JL. and I’ve never had a pull to one direction of the other after following that procedure.

I can’t speak to how effective it will be with the larger tires though. I have the falcon through shaft I took off if you’re interested. I haven’t put it on the marketplace yet but you’re welcome to PM me and I can send you pictures.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

for me with stock size tires I do really like the non-through shaft stabilizer (traditional) vs the through shaft.

An issue people have with traditional stabilizers is they don’t “set” them correctly. I learned on this forum that when you install a new traditional style stabilizer, you need to go out into a parking lot or area. Turn the wheel all the way to the left and do a circle. Then turn the wheel all the way to the right and do a circle. Do this three or four times in each direction and the steering stabilizer will be set/zeroed/calibrated/etc properly. I’ve done this procedure with two stabilizers on my truck and one on my wife’s JL. and I’ve never had a pull to one direction of the other after following that procedure.

I can’t speak to how effective it will be with the larger tires though. I have the falcon through shaft I took off if you’re interested. I haven’t put it on the marketplace yet but you’re welcome to PM me and I can send you pictures.

Well I’ll be… when I thought I’ve learned everything! That explains crop circles! Some poor ass farmer calibrating his combine.

I know what I’m doing today. Thanks man!

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

I can double check what Bilstein 5100 shocks I am running with my Clayton 2.5" coils when I get home in a couple hours.

I bought mine through Kolak Performance. Nick is a really good guy to deal with. Great prices and service. He's been a Bilstein dealer forever and probably knows Bilstein part #s and lengths off the top of his head.

Digging up an old post here…I’m planning to grab some Clayton springs soon and also need cheap shocks. I think I’ll end up selling my current Fox 2.5s since they won’t quite fit the 3.5” lift. They were great shocks, but overkill for me right now.

Stuck between Bilstein 5100 and Rancho RS9000.

Edit: forgot my question lol. How do you like the 5100s? Too firm or just right? For reference, I tend to like a sportier/flat around corners ride.

 

[Animal]

My 5100 have held up great. Running Clayton 2.5" and no complaints, solid shocks at a great price point.

 

[bd100]

For reference, I tend to like a sportier/flat around corners ride.

Perfect use for the 5100! Not harsh, either.

 

[Bjeepz]

Digging up an old post here…I’m planning to grab some Clayton springs soon and also need cheap shocks. I think I’ll end up selling my current Fox 2.5s since they won’t quite fit the 3.5” lift. They were great shocks, but overkill for me right now.

Stuck between Bilstein 5100 and Rancho RS9000.

Edit: forgot my question lol. How do you like the 5100s? Too firm or just right? For reference, I tend to like a sportier/flat around corners ride.

What is the fitment issue with the Fox 2.5's? Too short? I'd suggest shock extensions with the right bump stops instead of downgrading your shocks. You can get anywhere from 1.5 inch to 3 inch extensions.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

My 5100 have held up great. Running Clayton 2.5" and no complaints, solid shocks at a great price point.

Perfect use for the 5100! Not harsh, either.

Thanks guys!

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