Bilstein 5100s - Good in-between?

[JoeKrogan]

After spending a lot of research lurking on this forum, I think I've decided to get Bilstein 5100s for my non-sas OBX. I really thought about the Ford Performance coilovers, but man does it cost a ton. I still have it in the back of my mind, so please chime in in you think I am making a mistake after reading this. I am in no way mechanically inclined, an know next to nothing about cars and suspension systems. With that said, would you guys say this a good choice?

I don't do a lot of off-roading or trail riding, but if I do, its never intense. I'm not experienced in trail riding, and I would really like to wait a few years (and payments) without taking my new Bronco out into the wild. However, I really want a better stance and 35 inch tires. In retrospect, I should have bought a Sasquatch Bronco (it really looks to be worth it, for multiple reasons besides just looks). After doing a lot of research, it looks like new 5100s really meet what I need. I don't want to go into this process halfway, so I didn't want spacers or a cheap kit. On the other hand, I don't need a stage 8 kit for extreme suspension performance. However, I still had a few questions:

1. Should I stick to a maximum of 2" lift? I just want a better stance and enough space to fit 35s. I've read that some suggest that to avoid messing with the geometry too much. From the mounting instructions, it looks like I should use clip #3 for the front and back? Do you guys recommend a different clip config?
   
   
2. Would adding any additional height lead to a potential warranty denial in the future?
   
   
3. Would you guys recommend any other additional upgrades that you deem necessary during the process? UCAs, adjustable sway-bar, etc. or is that all overkill for what I want?

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[prospectfour]

After spending a lot of research lurking on this forum, I think I've decided to get Bilstein 5100s for my non-sas OBX. I really thought about the Ford Performance coilovers, but man does it cost a ton. I still have it in the back of my mind, so please chime in in you think I am making a mistake after reading this. I am in no way mechanically inclined, an know next to nothing about cars and suspension systems. With that said, would you guys say this a good choice?

I don't do a lot of off-roading or trail riding, but if I do, its never intense. I'm not experienced in trail riding, and I would really like to wait a few years (and payments) without taking my new Bronco out into the wild. However, I really want a better stance and 35 inch tires. In retrospect, I should have bought a Sasquatch Bronco (it really looks to be worth it, for multiple reasons besides just looks). After doing a lot of research, it looks like new 5100s really meet what I need. I don't want to go into this process halfway, so I didn't want spacers or a cheap kit. On the other hand, I don't need a stage 8 kit for extreme suspension performance. However, I still had a few questions:

1. Should I stick to a maximum of 2" lift? I just want a better stance and enough space to fit 35s. I've read that some suggest that to avoid messing with the geometry too much. From the mounting instructions, it looks like I should use clip #3 for the front and back? Do you guys recommend a different clip config?
   
   
2. Would add any additional height lead to a potential warranty denial in the future?
   
   
3. Would you guys recommend any other additional upgrades that you deem necessary during the process? UCAs, adjustable sway-bar, etc. or is that all overkill for what I want?

Don’t beat yourself up too much for skipping sas. Sounds like you don’t off-road much so the equipment would be a waste of $6k for a look. A 2” lift and 35’s will be perfect for what you’re trying to achieve. Post pics when you get it done!

 

[dgorsett]

I'm all in on the 5100s for a non Sasquatch. I am also in the 2" or less school to avoid some common issues. If you are not doing install yourself a full coilover like Ford Performance may not cost much more however. Installation of 5100s requires disassembly/assembly of the coilover.

 

[Snacktime]

5100s are great on and offroad. Noticable improvement in on road handling with larger tires.

 

[87-Z28]

5100s are a great improvement over non SAS hitachis, especially for your use case. Not expensive either if you are comfortable doing yourself.

As stated, requires a spring compressor and not recommended if not comfortable. Compressed springs store a large amount of potential energy, as a function of the displacement squared. It can get sketchy quickly. The hitachi springs are kinda soft so it is not that bad if you know what you’re doing. if you do tackle it yourself, NO power tools and smooth, evenly, and steady.

If you are going to pay someone then the Ford performance kit is also good and might not cost a whole lot more. Especially if you can get a deal. They are similar to the 5100s, just larger diameter. They are 6100s. They will feel the same since they have similar digressive damping.

 

[87-Z28]

Also with either 5100s or ford performance you won’t need anything else. Stock UCAs are great and can easily handle a 2” lift from these. Since you are concerned about warranty, I would just pay to have Ford performance kit installed. <2” lift from either of these will not be detrimental to your front end geometry. No need to worry. And 35s will fit just fine.

if you can put them in yourself, 5100s all day long. And you can control preload with perch collar location. If someone else is doing it Ford performance kit.

 

[JoeKrogan]

Appreciate the insight everyone. I'm definitely going to get some quotes on both installations, as I will not be doing it myself. It looks like the Ford performance kit might be the best option for me when it comes to it at the end of the day. I'll get some quotes and try to post them here for watchers.

 

[Wrestle4life189]

Appreciate the insight everyone. I'm definitely going to get some quotes on both installations, as I will not be doing it myself. It looks like the Ford performance kit might be the best option for me when it comes to it at the end of the day. I'll get some quotes and try to post them here for watchers.

You never posted for those watching years in the future!

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