Bilstein 5100 Question

Was thinking about leveling my '17 Platinum with the Bilstein 5100. Visited the local off road specialist to inquire on their services for this. Their position was they will not touch the 5100 because of some instances of prior installs that ended up collapsing. They claimed that the adjustable clamp gave out which caused the front end to collapse. One of these while driving on the interstate. I have zero experience with the 5100 and don't know if this is a fish tale, but this shop has a good rep. Has anyone ever heard of the adjustable clamp giving out on the 5100?

 

@ColoradoTJ you ever heard of anything like this??

 

anything made man or mass produced can fail. the rate is very low. 5100s have been out a long time and many like myself have had positive results. the shop just doesn't want the liability IF they fail. lots of other options out there, but for what i needed the 5100 was the right choice.

 

I only wanted to raise the front about 1.5" which is the middle notch on the 5100. I still want a slight rake since I pull trailers as well.. I was also thinking the 5100 was my best choice, but is there other options for a 1.5"?

 

just depends on how much you want to raise and how much you want to spend! I did my 5100's at top setting and added shackles in the rear. i would give Toytec or SDHQ a call as they have extensive knowledge on Tundras and Lifts. i guess i dont want to sway your decision, you do whats right for you and in your budget.

 

Top setting here for year and a half..... No issues

 

About 70,000 miles on the 5100’s on my first gen, not a single problem.

 

There you go, that’s tested tried and true!!

 

I have about 70,000 on my 2014 (top setting) and no issues so far.

 

Mine have been on the middle setting since April without any issues. I had read several threads on other forums about the collapsing issue. It had me concerned but the failure rate compared to the number of 5100's out there is negligible. The failures I read about were also prior to a redesign of the shock. I'll also go farther and put some blame on the installers. The instructions specifically state that the snap ring is NOT to be spread. How many people have jammed a flat screwdriver underneath the ring and stretched it out? The instructions also tell you to make sure the spring seat is on correctly. How many people out there can't follow simple instructions, put the spring seat on upside down and damage the ring? The answer to both questions is many.

 

I have had the 5100's on the middle setting since April. No issues here.

 

i think the variable in this is the human. I believe the use of needle nose plier. to move the snap ring and walking the snap ring in a way that takes it out of its original memory and bending it is the reason they failed. snap ring must be very carefully and slowly moved to its destination, also take alcohol in spray bottle and clean the groove very well and snap ring compressed air dry. finally after retaining clip is seated spin it 180 degrees if seated it should move freely.if it binds its not seated right.

 

7k no issues here.

 

When i put my 5100 B8 Bilstien struts togather I put my retainer clip in 2.28 top position ensured it spun freely, sprayed with isopr alcohol compressed air until dry. Then I mixed plastic steel took tooth pick and added small dots of steel under clip each end of open clip and two dots at rear and sides. Compressed springs transferred from 4600 to 5100 .. be carfull get a good pair of comressers don’t go cheep.