5100s and top spacers??

I know the opinion is to go with 5100's over spacers but came across this and wanted to know if this makes sense, would work or it just not a good combo altogether.

Since I need more lift than the 5100s accommodate and on a limited budget, what about going with 5100's set at 0 or first setting - with stock coils and using an above coil spacer to get the desired lift? That way we get the longer, bigger stronger shock that can handle the full droop, don't have to compress the coils whatsoever, and get to retain stock ride quality, or better with the 5100's.

Seems like maxing out the 5100s greatly contribute to the harsh ride. I've seen a suggestion of shims to make up the difference needed in height but then read that was not a good way to go.

I'm new to this and not up with all the lingo, so.

thanks.

 

You could do that, but I would recommend on Not doing more than a 1/2" thick top-spacer. Especially if the truck is going to see back road use.

 

If I remember correctly, @CaptTyler did that, can't remember if he upgraded to coilovers or not. But I don't think that's the best move (putting spacers on top of bilsteins)

 

People put 2 coachbuilder shims on top of 5100s or stock shocks for that matter.. I don't understand how this is accepted, but not spacers... Can someone please explain this to me..

PMG

 

I had 2.25" spacers before my 5100's on my stock struts. Never had them combined with my 5100's. I would NOT recommend it. I not have 5100's on top setting with (2) Coachbuilder shims on top of each strut.
The shims provide about 0.5" each. In the end, I totaled right about 3.25" of total lift in front.

 

yeah, I meant the shims not the spacer on top of your 5100's.

 

Nothing wrong with using a top-spacer as long as it is small. They can provide some additional lift, or help correct for a lean issue without really making the ride stiffer since they do not add more pre-load to the coils.

 

I have been considering doing this as well, but only using the small spacers in the front and using a Wheeler's AAL in the rear. Figured this would be the way to go in order to not mess with the ride quality.

 

Yeah, I'm not sure I understand as well. To me it seems like basically the same as a spacer, maxing out the shock and then adding shims. I guess it's preference??

 

A better option would be to go with OME in 612 for 3 inches of lift. Best bang for the buck, imo.

 

I know a lot of people on here go 3" lift and then some, but if you do your research and talk to some of the techs that make these shock lifts, most of them max out at 2-3/8 to 2-1/2" for good reason. Once you get much taller then that you start screwing with the geometry and limits of the ball joints, tie-rod ends, alignment issues etc. For the short haul you are probably ok going taller, just be prepared to replace suspension parts a little sooner. I would not do anything more than one, possibly two shims with a 5100 at top setting. Just my 2 cents. Good luck whichever route you take. Also recommend the Bilstein website for lift and spacer info.

 

Well, what I was told or someone else was doing was not 'maxing' out the 1500 but instead, adjusting it slightly, maybe somewhere in the middle and making up the other 1.5'" or so with shims. So you still have a lot of shock left but using shims to achieve height. But to me, that is the same as a strut spacer.