Bilstein shock upgrade on 21 Custom Trailboss

[Thequickster]

Does anyone have experience upgrading to the Bilstein 5100 series shocks for their trailboss? Im looking to upgrade my front and rear from the factory ranchos. I cant seem to find the correct part number to order as some say they are for a 0-1 inch lift only where the TBs are factory 2 inch

Thanks

 

[Spikestrip]

I got a set of 24-309509 and 24-309516 for my 22 refresh. Fronts are adjustable, but I have it set at stock height. If going higher, it is recommended by most to upgrade the UCAs as well, and I would agree. I did not but hope to one day.

 

[Thequickster]

I got a set of 24-309509 and 24-309516 for my 22 refresh. Fronts are adjustable, but I have it set at stock height. If going higher, it is recommended by most to upgrade the UCAs as well, and I would agree. I did not but hope to one day.

And your truck is stock Trailboss height and suspension?

 

[Spikestrip]

And your truck is stock Trailboss height and suspension?

Suspension and wheels all stock aside from the Bilsteins. From what i understand, and someone can correct me if I'm wrong, the Trail Boss is already considered a two inch lift versus the other Silverados like a RST. That the control arms are kind of at their max angle, so changing it may cause premature failure. The new shocks can do a lift/level, if adjusted that way, but also can just be an upgrade of quality over the factory Ranchos, but not change any angles.

 

[Stormin08]

the TB does in fact have a longer shock body, that creates a 2" lift. The rear has an additional 2" block.

again, do not over think this...the front shock /coil assembly as a unit is what creates the lift.
when looking for a replacement...
1. some will advertise TB specific fit (keeps stock height)
2. some will advertise TB specific fit (but adds some adjustability to LEVEL)
3. some will advertise Silverado (these will fit, but will lower, level, lift)\

the part to mindful of is...TOTAL LIFT AMOUNT, if the total is capable of 3.5" Lift for a Silverado...That will nearly level TB when installed, where as it would LIFT and cause a squatted look on say an RST.

Poke around here, and select a filter for RIDE HEIGHT, 2" is stock Silverado anymore is lifting your TB. the TB specific is typically advertising a shock arriving PRE-SET to a certain height.

Search

Not sure what shocks to run? We've tested them all. Shop Fox, Bilstein, King, Icon, Eibach & more with buyer's guides, expert advice, and distribution-level inventory. We test, drive, and rebuild the shocks we sell.

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the 5100 here will lift you about 1" over stock, as this is TB specific and adjustable...this is a longer body

Bilstein 5100 Monotube Adjustable Strut Front Pair for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss 4WD w/0-1.1

Details: Bilstein B8 5100 Adjustable Shock Pair for 2019-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD, Part# 24-337069. Backed by Shock Surplus's hassle free Warranty program, Free Return option, Package Protection, and the best aftermarket service anywhere.

www.shocksurplus.com

be mindful, the upper Ball Joints are a weak design...but typically the addition of spacer lift changes shock travel limits and causes the angles to exceed a working range, then BAM...failure

Let this load, and what the examples

5 Key Differences Between Spacer Lifts and Coilovers

Explore the differences between spacer lifts, preload spacers, and coilover preload, and find the best option for your vehicle with spacer lifts.

accutuneoffroad.com

 

[Stormin08]

Now, lets get into desired suspension ride and feel

the 5100, is a firm FEELING to most (somewhat stiffer than a stock Rancho)...this is not always well received by people looking for a smooth, plush ride. i suggest you watch a few videos from shock surplus, as they do a great job testing shocks and providing feedback that most can understand.

what are your intentions for use, how do you want the truck to ride, what is ball park budget

 

[Thequickster]

Now, lets get into desired suspension ride and feel

the 5100, is a firm FEELING to most (somewhat stiffer than a stock Rancho)...this is not always well received by people looking for a smooth, plush ride. i suggest you watch a few videos from shock surplus, as they do a great job testing shocks and providing feedback that most can understand.

what are your intentions for use, how do you want the truck to ride, what is ball park budget

Basically want a direct replacement for the ranchos. Maybe around 4-500$. Some highway driving but alot of rough gravel roads and driving through fields and pastures.

 

[Stormin08]

what are your offroad speeds like ? putter through or travel through at normal pace ?

that can make a huge difference in choice....

have you looked at the Eibach ?
the Ranchos are a bit soft, Bilstein is a bit firmer...Eibach are right down the middle

 

[Thequickster]

what are your offroad speeds like ? putter through or travel through at normal pace ?

that can make a huge difference in choice....

have you looked at the Eibach ?
the Ranchos are a bit soft, Bilstein is a bit firmer...Eibach are right down the middle

30-40 mph on rough gravel roads, lots of uneven pastures and fields but not that fast going through those, Im just looking for a plug and play shock , dont really want to adjust anything, just want them to fit on the truck and was worried about shocks for normal silverados versus the trailboss

 

[Stormin08]

the adjustments referred to here are time of install....they have ring that sets the height....several positions, but ONE and DONE.

 

[Murph76]

Bilsteins have changed over the years....my 95 Billys were stock from factory and fucking awesome...at 120k i decided to change them out...they were made in mexico now and extremely stiff...great off road though....last year i got a new diesel 1500...i noticed it rode good on the road with ranchos until you corner or brake hard...then u you have body roll and nose diving...so i thought id give Billys a try again but upgraded over the 5100s to 6112 fronts and 5160s back...figuring the diesel was a bit more front heavy than a gasser....same experience though...rides stiffer on the road than ranchos but fixes roll and dive and is light years ahead of Ranchos offroad.

 

[Stormin08]

i would venture to say, that Fox 2.0 or Eibach Pro is about the best bang for the buck as far as ride quality and well rounded to it all

I do run the Fox 2.5 Elites, and will either install SDI E-click, or may even swap to a Bilstein 8100 if i can spec it out....
most likely, now having about 25K or so on the Fox 2.5, i will tear them apart and do the E-click upgrade

 

[Murph76]

i would venture to say, that Fox 2.0 or Eibach Pro is about the best bang for the buck as far as ride quality and well rounded to it all

I do run the Fox 2.5 Elites, and will either install SDI E-click, or may even swap to a Bilstein 8100 if i can spec it out....
most likely, now having about 25K or so on the Fox 2.5, i will tear them apart and do the E-click upgrade

What is a Billy 8100 ...is that new?

 

[Stormin08]

not yet offered as direct fit for Silverado's, i do believe it is what was referred to as the Blackhawk from circa 2008 ish...

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