Bilstein

[Jmzvet]

I'm more of a "soft" roader at my age and just looking to take the harshness out of speed bumps and pot holes
I ordered a set of 5100s for the rear and will go from there. I'll install them next week and report back

 

[Len919]

Has anyone put the Bilstein B8 5100 shocks on the front instead of the 6112 coil over kit ? Just curious if this would make much difference in the handling and ride quality as this would be a far cheaper route to go and I could easily do this myself. The factory setup is definitely a rough ride, when I test drove mine I asked the salesman if it was supposed to ride this rough! Also, for those that have had the coil over kits installed, how much was the labor for something like this?

FWIW - A few years ago I had a RAM1500 and had the 5100 on. They were good but not a ton better than what came stock. I mostly put them on for the level. That said, the truck did handle well.

I can't really comment on how much better a 5100 is than a Rancho, or how much better a 6112 is than a 5100. This guy did have both the 5100 and 6112: https://www.trailboss.org/threads/bilstein-6112s-shocks.244/

 

[Len919]

Glad to hear you're loving it! I've heard this set up can ride chattery or worse on bad roads. What kind of roads do you normally drive/what has been your experience on other surface types. Considering the same set up. Thanks!

Thanks! I live in an area with nice roads, but I spend a week in the mountains about once a month and drive a lot of dirt roads with small potholes and gravel roads.. I haven't noticed any chattering.... (although I'll be listening now! lol)

 

[Len919]

The rear shocks are an easy swap out but the fronts take a bit more time, effort and spring compressors. Front end alignment is recommended too.

Oh yes, I may have forgotten to mention that, I did get an alignment.

 

[desertrat]

Has anyone put the Bilstein B8 5100 shocks on the front instead of the 6112 coil over kit ? Just curious if this would make much difference in the handling and ride quality as this would be a far cheaper route to go and I could easily do this myself. The factory setup is definitely a rough ride, when I test drove mine I asked the salesman if it was supposed to ride this rough! Also, for those that have had the coil over kits installed, how much was the labor for something like this?

I just did last Friday and I'm already regretting my decision. Rides like crap. Taking it back to the shop tomorrow to see if "maybe" it was just a faulty install. More to follow.

 

[Jmzvet]

“Unfortunately” they probably installed them correctly and your ride is rough.
GM engineers spend of lot of time tuning the suspension to suit the average TB buyer. My neighbor has a new / stock Z51 Silverado LTZ. That thing rides like a luxury car but looks like an old man’s truck

 

[Stormin08]

so far, only the rears are installed...already a cadillac like ride.

 

[fotoguy21159]

so far, only the rears are installed...already a cadillac like ride.

it's been a while since I researched it, but I thought Bilstein's website said that this is a stiff set up, especially with the coilovers. But some say it rides better!

 

[Stormin08]

RIDE in terms of quality / comfort is very subjective. I personally like SOFT / PLUSH on road, but hat can feel squishy to some who prefer the tighter feed back feel.

in most cases with my DODGE HD's, i remove the front swaybar and have the shocks take over all control of body roll. i WILL try that with this truck as well.

i can tell just with the rear 2.5's, the valving in the rancho feels digressive (stiff on low shaft speeds), but handles the larger hits better. the 2.5's i have set very soft on both settings (high & low), you instantly feel the springs working...and the TB specific rearleaf is relatively plush in ride with a proper shock.

i have been debating a full Deaver rear, but leaning more towards the Mini Pak

 

[Jmzvet]

I talked to a local shop today (Dirt King). They said the Deaver Mini Pack will make a huge difference in reducing or eliminating harsh impacts like speed bumps , pot holes, etc. The trade off is reduced payload and towing since the overload leafs are removed for the mini pack install. I don't carry heavy loads or tow anything big so I might go this route.

 

[Stormin08]

Same here...i can always add a Timbren set up if needed for the occasional towing i would do with this truck...

this one sees most of the heavy duties...VVVVVV

 

[Jmzvet]

That’s probably the cleanest dually Ive ever seen

 

[Stormin08]

The whole fleet is well kept...

 

[Jmzvet]

Love it

 

[Trail_Boss_6.2]

Obligatory followup. The Bilstein 6112/5160 upgrade is absolutely amazing. It's honestly the single, best upgrade I've ever done to a Silverado. It blows my mind this is such a huge upgrade over the Ranchos. There is no roll around corners and the bouncy ride is gone. I used Rough County 28501 UCAs, got a warehouse deal on Amazon for $219. I went with my favorite tire, BFG K02. The tires are 295/70r18 and do not rub at all. There is a chance I could've gone up a tire size but I am happy with this tire. It is an entirely different ride. I am really, really happy with it.

I just ordered the 6112 kit and reached out to Bilstein to get more information on using it with a leveling kit and if an upper control arm was recommended.
Update: after some confusion with emails, I called and spoke to a tech and had an in depth conversation. As the TB comes with a 2” and this would add over .5”, they do recommend the upper control arm.

I apologize if my post update causes any confusion.
And now I will be ordering an UCA.

Response from Bilstein:
Aftermarket upper control arms would not be recommended at stock Trail Boss ride height. They would be available for use after .5” of lift over stock Trail Boss height but would not be necessary for use with our products. Thank you.