Anyone running Bilsteins 5100s and a spacer for lift? What combination of height settings and spacers if so? Can only get 1.1” from the strut. Looking to get 1.75 over stock height. Would I be better off running them at stock height and adding the level kit from Readylift? Thanks.
Bilsteins and Spacers
- Thread starter TonyAT4
- Start date
DRS_AT4
New member
This is a great question. I look forward to what people have to say. I just had 5100 installed on all four corners (RHA fronts). I obtained a 1.1” lift on the third circle clip. After measuring I have a (.5”) rake which is fine since I tow a wake boat. The ride quality is night and day difference and I am very happy with this modification upgrade.
Next will be 295/70/18 (MT Baja Boss)
Next will be 295/70/18 (MT Baja Boss)
Jpad22
Member
Are you running any upper control arms? Or still running stock ones?
bluebeast
Member
I am running the RL 1.75 with Bilstein 5100 all the way around, Bilstein on stock setting in front and added a 2.5" block in back to replace the 2". I am also still running the stock 18" rims and 275/65-18 tires.
SmittysAT4
Active member
Old thread, but it doesn't look like combining level kits is a thing. I also like the Bilstein's however they only offer the 1.1" lift and I would also like closer to 1.5" to 2" if at all possible since I have the 3.0 Max and it weighs a tad more.
SmittysAT4
Active member
Might be able to add these for a little more lift..... I havent gotten much feedback on them yet but tis might be a solution?
D13SEL
Member
Howdy gents... old thread and you've likely found a solution in the meantime, but for those who are still wondering, I recently mixed and matched this very thing with amazing results. Just bought a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and the first thing out of the gate was to install a Rough Country leveling kit with new UCA's. Being that I had to remove the struts, I figured it would be the perfect time to also swap out the shocks all around. I went with this kit:
Rather than using the spring strut spacers that come with the RC kit, I chose to adjust the retainer clip on the Bilstein's instead. I measured from the lowest (stock height) on the Bilstein to the highest (1.1") against the thickness of the spacer and they were damn near identical and accomplish the exact same thing of pre-loading the spring. I did however, still use the lower spacers that go in-between the bottom strut and the lower control arms. This turned out to be the cleanest of all options, and it leveled my truck perfectly. In short, you can absolutely mix and match a leveling kit with the ride height adjsutable shocks, but I'd be cautious not to go too much or too high if you decide to use all spacers AND moving the retainer clip up on the shock. That might be too much pre-load and give a harsh ride, along with all the other issues like strain on the CV joints, travel, etc. Hope this helps!
Rather than using the spring strut spacers that come with the RC kit, I chose to adjust the retainer clip on the Bilstein's instead. I measured from the lowest (stock height) on the Bilstein to the highest (1.1") against the thickness of the spacer and they were damn near identical and accomplish the exact same thing of pre-loading the spring. I did however, still use the lower spacers that go in-between the bottom strut and the lower control arms. This turned out to be the cleanest of all options, and it leveled my truck perfectly. In short, you can absolutely mix and match a leveling kit with the ride height adjsutable shocks, but I'd be cautious not to go too much or too high if you decide to use all spacers AND moving the retainer clip up on the shock. That might be too much pre-load and give a harsh ride, along with all the other issues like strain on the CV joints, travel, etc. Hope this helps!
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SmittysAT4
Active member
Alrighty then!! So it looks like I just need a set of those lower shock spacers and I will be leveled out!! How do your CV angles look and how did the alignment shop do with the alignment?
D13SEL
Member
The CV angles look good with no issues at all. I took it in for an alignment just to be safe and the toe was ever so slightly off. I would have thought the camber would be off a bit with new UCA’s but they were perfect.
SmittysAT4
Active member
Sounds like a great combo! Do you have a picture of that lower spacer? I see that the ReadyLift kit 1.75" comes with one but they do not sell it separately.
D13SEL
Member
Here you go... the lower spacers are a one-piece "C" shape, so different than the ones Rough Country has on their site:
1.75 Inch Leveling Kit | AT4 | GMC Sierra 1500 (2019-2026 & Refresh)
Elevate your GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 with Rough Country's 1.75-inch Leveling Kit for a leveled stance, added tire clearance, and improved off-road performance.
I like the solid "C" shape better than the individual spacers anyway. They appear to be polymer and measure approx 5/8" thick, so similar in thickness as the aluminum ones you found above.
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SmittysAT4
Active member
That's exactly what I want o try... Pls excuse my confusion here, so you have the Bilstein's 6112 / 5160 set at the 1.1" and are using the lower "C" spacer from the 1.75 Rough Country kit? I do not see that spacer in any of the Rough Country kits, maybe not in any of the pics they show. The only lower "C" type spacer I see pictured in a kit are the ones in the ReadyLift 1.75" kit. I will give Rough Country a call tomorrow and see if they sell those separately.Here you go... the lower spacers are a one-piece "C" shape, so different than the ones Rough Country has on their site:
1.75 Inch Leveling Kit | AT4 | GMC Sierra 1500 (2019-2026 & Refresh)
Elevate your GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 with Rough Country's 1.75-inch Leveling Kit for a leveled stance, added tire clearance, and improved off-road performance.www.roughcountry.com
I like the solid "C" shape better than the individual spacers anyway. They appear to be polymer and measure approx 5/8" thick, so similar in thickness as the aluminum ones you found above.
SmittysAT4
Active member
Ah okay I went through the installation instructions on the Rough Country 1.75" kit and it does mention the "C" lower spacer and there is a picture. Lets see if they sell those separately now....
D13SEL
Member
Hopefully this clears things up even more... Those 4 x smaller spacers in the pic below have since been replaced by the "C" shaped spacer. The larger strut spring spacers are what I omitted, as moving the retainer clip on the Bilsteins accomplished the same thing. Hope this helps!
SmittysAT4
Active member
Yes Sir!!! Crystal clear..... I just got off the phone with Rough Country and they are sending me a set of those lower "C" shaped spacers and hardware!!! We shall see what amount of lift those will net me... just bummed ill need yet another alignment, oh well,,,, Thx again!!
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