Leveling Kit vs. Bilstein 5100

[db2_Paintwerks!]

Recently ordered a leveling kit to precede the installation of 295/60 RT tires. It didn’t come. Company kept coming up with excuses after they gave me a delivery date. Tires went on regardless. Took front mudflaps off for now & the only rub is at full turn in reverse. Kinda a blessing in disguise. I’ve done more research & think the Bilsteins will level the front, from all I’ve read to date. Has anyone here corrected the nose dive simply by

installing these shocks? Wanting to keep her close to stock, so everything, like the Auto 4wd works, but also tricking her out a little. She rides awesome with the new tires.

 

[JPI]

This may be a little like "Apples & Oranges" since I'm talking about a different truck. But since I did the exact same thing using Bilstein 5100's, I'll share my experience. You can take from it what you want.

My previous truck was a 2022 Colorado LT. I hated the factory rake immediately and installed the GM 1.5' leveling kit from the Chevy accessories catalogue. I liked the fact that it was cheap and since it was from GM, it didn't affect my warranty. (As long as the dealer installed it)

After about a year, it became obvious how terrible the no-name OEM shocks were, so I decided to upgrade. I picked the 5100's because they were ride height adjustable and I figured they would allow me to ditch the leveling kit. Note: the GM kit was fine, I just don't like using spacers if I can avoid them. I conferred with the guys at my local off-road shop, and they agreed that the 5100's would work in place of the level kit. So I had them remove the spacers and install the Bilsteins adjusted to the same height to match the level. The setup worked perfectly. No problems whatsoever. I was running slightly larger tires, but nothing crazy. I like to stay close to stock as well.

Again, I know we're talking about two different trucks. But I think you're on the right track. It worked for me at least. Maybe someone else here has more direct experience.

 

[Stormin08]

Which set up are you looking at ??? be cautious with advertised lift amounts...

this is only going to add .5" to your front....

Bilstein 5100 Monotube Strut & Shocks Set for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD RWD w/0-2.5

Details: Bilstein 5100 Shock Set for 2019-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD RWD, Part# 24-337052, 24-293471. Backed by Shock Surplus's hassle free Warranty program, Free Return option, Package Protection, and the best aftermarket service anywhere.

www.shocksurplus.com

this will add up to 1.2" lift as it is specific to a TB, otherwise it could 3.2" to a standard silverado...

Shock Surplus - Shocks & Suspension for Trucks & SUVs

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.

www.shocksurplus.com

make sure you understand what you are ordering

 

[db2_Paintwerks!]

This may be a little like "Apples & Oranges" since I'm talking about a different truck. But since I did the exact same thing using Bilstein 5100's, I'll share my experience. You can take from it what you want.

My previous truck was a 2022 Colorado LT. I hated the factory rake immediately and installed the GM 1.5' leveling kit from the Chevy accessories catalogue. I liked the fact that it was cheap and since it was from GM, it didn't affect my warranty. (As long as the dealer installed it)

After about a year, it became obvious how terrible the no-name OEM shocks were, so I decided to upgrade. I picked the 5100's because they were ride height adjustable and I figured they would allow me to ditch the leveling kit. Note: the GM kit was fine, I just don't like using spacers if I can avoid them. I conferred with the guys at my local off-road shop, and they agreed that the 5100's would work in place of the level kit. So I had them remove the spacers and install the Bilsteins adjusted to the same height to match the level. The setup worked perfectly. No problems whatsoever. I was running slightly larger tires, but nothing crazy. I like to stay close to stock as well.

Again, I know we're talking about two different trucks. But I think you're on the right track. It worked for me at least. Maybe someone else here has more direct experience.

Awesome. Different trucks, but same wants for them both. Appreciate the input! This helps.

 

[db2_Paintwerks!]

Which set up are you looking at ??? be cautious with advertised lift amounts...

this is only going to add .5" to your front....

Bilstein 5100 Monotube Strut & Shocks Set for 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD RWD w/0-2.5

Details: Bilstein 5100 Shock Set for 2019-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD RWD, Part# 24-337052, 24-293471. Backed by Shock Surplus's hassle free Warranty program, Free Return option, Package Protection, and the best aftermarket service anywhere.

www.shocksurplus.com

this will add up to 1.2" lift as it is specific to a TB, otherwise it could 3.2" to a standard silverado...

Shock Surplus - Shocks & Suspension for Trucks & SUVs

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.

www.shocksurplus.com

make sure you understand what you are ordering

Appreciate it. I’m mostly looking at taking the rake out of the front for now. That way I can reinstall the factory mudflaps/mudgaurds.

 

[Stormin08]

Appreciate it. I’m mostly looking at taking the rake out of the front for now. That way I can reinstall the factory mudflaps/mudgaurds.

That is simple...if the right part is ordered

Remember, the front lift is built into the shock body length....anything stating UPTO 2.5" WILL ONLY NET A GAIN OF .5" OVER A TB...look for TB specific parts or advertised lift heights of 3-3.5"

Those will gain 1-1.5" on the TB....silverado parts work, but not gain the end goal

 

[db2_Paintwerks!]

That is simple...if the right part is ordered

Remember, the front lift is built into the shock body lenght....anything stating UPTO 2.5" WILL ONLY NET A GAIN OF .5" OVER A TB...look for TB specific parts or advertised lift heights of 3-3.5"

Those will gain 1-1.5" on the TB....silverado parts work, but not gain the end goal

Good info. Thank you

 

[Fireman489]

Here is what the 6112 and 5100 set up will net you. Very small rake but mostly gone and far better suspension.

 

[db2_Paintwerks!]

Here is what the 6112 and 5100 set up will net you. Very small rake but mostly gone and far better suspension.
View attachment 22974

Good looking Trail Boss

 

[BC_Hunter]

Good info. Thank you

This is exactly what kind of information I'm looking for. I have a 2" readylift on top of my 2" factory lift for a total of 4" of lift all together in the front and added an extra 1" block in the back to make it all level. I want to get a set up 6112's up front and 5100's in the back. I see that the Trailboss specific 6112's only net you 1.2" of gain instead of the extra 2" that I have currently. I would like to keep it a 2" in the front but not sure if they're are shocks that will work properly with what I want. Since I have stock shocks in the rear, I'm assuming the 5100 TB specific shocks will only improve in the rear. If anyone has any advice or specific part numbers that will work with what I'm looking, it would be greatly appreciated.
My Vehicle is a 2024 Chevy Silverado TB with 3.0 diesel.

 

[BC_Hunter]

Here is what the 6112 and 5100 set up will net you. Very small rake but mostly gone and far better suspension.
View attachment 22974

Can I ask what exact part numbers you ordered for the front and rear?

 

[Fireman489]

Can I ask what exact part numbers you ordered for the front and rear?

I can’t find the specific part numbers, I know there are a few different ones for different Silverado 1500 applications. I bought them straight off of the Shock Surplus website and attached a photo from my confirmation email. They were very helpful with specific application questions though so I’m sure they would be able to assist with your set up.

 

[BC_Hunter]

I can’t find the specific part numbers, I know there are a few different ones for different Silverado 1500 applications. I bought them straight off of the Shock Surplus website and attached a photo from my confirmation email.

Thanks, much appreciated. I have a 2" SST Ready lift already with upper control arms.I wonder if these shocks will work with that...