Bilstein 5100, unpopular opinion

NP4M · 11-07-2009, 09:36 PM

I put these on my truck at about 100,000 miles. That was about four years ago. I've searched and read a lot of your opinions about them, that they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, but I have a different opinion.

I have two problems with them. First, they rattle. I've gone through the front end and everything is tightened down. It never did this with the stock shocks on it. I thought it was just me, but a friend got a set on his truck recently and has the same complaint.

Second, the ride sucks. My truck has stock suspension, with the only upgrade being the shocks. It is very bumpy and choppy, regardless of what my tire pressure is at. I've run it from 35 psi to 60 psi. The difference in ride is slightly noticable, but the suspension stiffness and hop doesn't change.

I know it is trendy to like these, but has anyone else had similiar experiences with these?

**HumboldtDmax** · 11-07-2009, 09:43 PM

I've tried a lot of shocks and honestly Bilsteins are the best I have found
my only complaint is that they are on the soft side up front, so at some point I'm getting a dual shock setup in the front

**ob_1jr** · 11-08-2009, 02:37 AM

hmmm where did you buy your shocks from..I got mine from norcal nick and they get the 5100s specially valved for them. I have no complaints from mine. I have had rancho 9000s (didnt like them...bought used though and i blew on out on the first winter), yellow and blue bilsteins (these are actually the HD ones according to Nick, they are valved stiffer)..and now i have the 5100s on and love the ride even with the torsions cranked. If your shocks are rattling i would try and get them warrantied out.

Nuclearzero1 · 11-08-2009, 08:07 AM

Its hard with our silverados because of the IFS, sometimes just normal shocks dont cut it for the front because of the valving they come with. Usually its a nice ride for the front if shocks come valved at 326/129 compared to most shocks that are valved at 170/60 or 255/70. Bilstein should be able to revalve your shocks for you, or even swap them out for you with the right ones. Hope this helps you out

Jscherbs · 11-08-2009, 08:21 AM

Sounds like you have a front end issue

Crusher · 11-08-2009, 08:30 AM

Bilstein shocks should not rattle & mine greatly improved the ride. I would take them back where you got them.

**zack** · 11-08-2009, 08:35 AM

definatly something else wrong..

**DMAXchris** · 11-08-2009, 08:57 AM

I have the blue and yellow Bilsteins and I HATE them.
The fronts are too soft for a heavy ass diesel engine. The ride quality sucks. I cant wait to switch them to QA1s up front and Rancho 9000 adjustable out back.

**Nor-Cal Nick** · 11-17-2009, 11:12 AM

NP4M, defiantly need some more details on what you have to figure out what your problem is. Bilsteins come in different spec's and even though you feel you have the right ones you may not so more details would be great. Keep us posted.

NP4M · 11-17-2009, 07:17 PM

Nick, I'll take a look at them tomorrow when it is light out.

Like I said, they have been like that for years and I just learned to live with them. It wasn't until I was really bored and decided to see what you all thought that I saw I was the definate minority.