Bilstein 5100s with Stock AT4 Coil Springs Question

[jlbtwin]

Okay, this is going to be a VERY specific question maybe someone here can answer it for me. I plan to run Bilstein 5100s set to max height of 1.1" on my 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 at4 on stock Wheels and Tires 275/65 R18. I need to know the length from the center of the lower eyelet of the strut to the mounting face at the top of the strut hat. I have attached an example photo below.

The reason for this is I contacted Cognito because I want to ensure that I can run their Upper Control Arms SKU: 110-91207 (UCAs) with the Bilstein's set at 1.1", stock coils, and stock tires on the AT4. Their response to me was "Unfortunately, we don't have a specific experience with the 24-337069 Bilstein 5100s to confirm if it would clear. But our recommendation dictates that the shock should not be any taller than 23.7" front end to end mounting".

I know it is a long shot, but if someone on this forum were to have that specific information or experience with a similar build I would be very grateful!

 

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[jlbtwin]

I’m replying to myself here, but maybe it’ll help someone else out attempting the same setup. The Bilstein 5100s (1.1”) on the stock AT4 Assembly is well within Cognito’s allotted 23.7”

 

[2SHOES]

I happen to have those specific Bilstein 5100's sitting in a box to install on my 2023 AT4, I don't have them set up on the springs yet, I will here sometime in the next week though. I am running the Rough Country UCA's that the previous owner installed with a 2" leveling spacer lift.

 

[Jsurf58]

Bilstein 5100 don’t waste ur money. Yea better then or Ranchos but they still suck. On road and off road… at4 1500 handles better. But still sloppy. Got Fox 2.5’s getting retuned by acutune. Oe ranchos are better. The difference between the two. Ranch softer and sloppy. 5100’s rougher and sloppy. Don’t waste ur money.

 

[jlbtwin]

Bilstein 5100 don’t waste ur money. Yea better then or Ranchos but they still suck. On road and off road… at4 1500 handles better. But still sloppy. Got Fox 2.5’s getting retuned by acutune. Oe ranchos are better. The difference between the two. Ranch softer and sloppy. 5100’s rougher and sloppy. Don’t waste ur money.

I can definitely see where people say the Bilstein’s ride a bit rough. However, they do make the truck much more planted in comparison to the OE Ranchos, especially while towing. But it is a ~$500 setup, it wouldn’t be fair to compare it to something such as Fox 2.5s which is multiple thousands of dollars for a full set. Especially if the truck only does infrequent mild off-roading.

 

[Azgasser]

The great thing about this forum is all the varied opinions out there. If there was a best all around there would only be one product out there. Too soft, too firm, sloppy, planted are all subjective. Also, take opinions with a grain of salt. Look across this forum and see how many posts are out there saying “I wasted ‘x amount” on tires/shocks/whatever” and openly admit it. We want to feel good about the money we spent on our rides but to say one product is the best is just a mater of opinion. I spent more money on my rides than I will ever get out of them. What is consider waste to some is money well spent by others. At the end of the day we all have great trucks (the 6.2 owners might say otherwise). Happy 4th.

 

[jlbtwin]

Well said Happy 4th of July!

 

[Jsurf58]

just saying there over rated. These forums hype up stuff. A lot of highs say the change isn’t drastic enough to even upgrade to that level. I agree. You get a better version of still sucks.. 6112’s are nicer then 5100’s I literally have ran everything in this truck except for kings. Oe, Bilstein, eibach, fix 2.0, icon, fix 2.5….. eibach is way better then Bilstein in the budget end. 5100 are an overstatement in towing stability. Especially with the crap leaf springs. Shocks with compression adjusters work better for towing. IE Fox elites.. make out the high speed and low speed. The rear of the truck literally will not move.. too much love for bilsteins.., overrated. Save your money., buy better stuff.. full stroke coilovers. Not spacers lifts. Spend money on a better uca…. Deaver mini packs, fill Deaver leafs packs. Or add a leafs over larger lift blocks.., you pay for a premium truck. U don’t get premium ride… Don’t dump small mine into generic office shelf suspension or you will just compound ur problem. Honestly most of the sway can be fixed with dear mini packs/ rear sway bar and oe shocks. Or oe shocks and different rated tires. If you want to party and Cadillac on all terrains. Kings/ or Fox custom tuned

 

[jlbtwin]

just saying there over rated. These forums hype up stuff. A lot of highs say the change isn’t drastic enough to even upgrade to that level. I agree. You get a better version of still sucks.. 6112’s are nicer then 5100’s I literally have ran everything in this truck except for kings. Oe, Bilstein, eibach, fix 2.0, icon, fix 2.5….. eibach is way better then Bilstein in the budget end. 5100 are an overstatement in towing stability. Especially with the crap leaf springs. Shocks with compression adjusters work better for towing. IE Fox elites.. make out the high speed and low speed. The rear of the truck literally will not move.. too much love for bilsteins.., overrated. Save your money., buy better stuff.. full stroke coilovers. Not spacers lifts. Spend money on a better uca…. Deaver mini packs, fill Deaver leafs packs. Or add a leafs over larger lift blocks.., you pay for a premium truck. U don’t get premium ride… Don’t dump small mine into generic office shelf suspension or you will just compound ur problem. Honestly most of the sway can be fixed with dear mini packs/ rear sway bar and oe shocks. Or oe shocks and different rated tires. If you want to party and Cadillac on all terrains. Kings/ or Fox custom tuned

I think it just comes down to the users’ expectations. I would not expect to spend $500 and change my entire ride. I think the 5100s serve their purpose very well. They greatly improve the rear stability (I know you say otherwise, I disagree) and provide the truck with a more aggressive leveled look. They are a bit stiffer than the OE shocks, but they provide more confidence when turning, towing, and have less consecutive recoiling compared to OE. Are they leaps and bounds better of course not. It just depends on how far you’d like to go with it, and I’d argue most drivers are in the camp of moderate upgrading.

I still like seeing the crazy suspension and tire/wheels setup some fellas get into on this forum, I think it’s bad ass and more power to you. But that’s not everyone’s specific use case, there’s always a trade off.

It’s a privilege we can all share our unique rides and advice to begin with.