Help with Bilstein 5100 and 2" lift

[Rayyy]

I'd like to lift my NBS Yukon XL by 2"-2.5", and wondering if anyone can help answer a few questions...

I will be installing Z71 springs (Moog 81069 rear), and initially considered the Rough Country 2" lift kit, which comes with 2" torsion keys (front) and 2" spacers (rear), along with longer front/rear N3 shocks to compensate for the height increase… but, I figure Bilstein B8 5100 all around is the way to go in terms of quality and longevity, and I can just get the keys and spacers separately.

Wondering if anyone could clarify…

1) Would I need sway bar extended end links and/or a differential drop bracket for a 2"-2.5" front / 1.5"-2" rear lift?

2) Can keep my stock upper control arms without ANY stress on the CV's with just a 2.5" lift? Or would a 2" lift in front provide better ride quality/longevity with the 5100's?

Thank you in advance for any insight.

 

[Rayyy]

Also, which rear Bilstein shocks would be appropriate for a 2" lift rear spacer? 24-187237 OR 24-185783?

What threw me off is several websites (Summit Racing, Shock Warehouse and Amazon) incorrectly list 24-187237 as appropriate for a 0"-2" rear lift, which is a mistake per the Bilstein product catalog (highlighted in yellow), and actually designed for a 0"-1" rear lift.

Meanwhile, 24-185783 are listed as 3" rear lift, and are the only ones listed on Rock Auto (highlighted in red).

Given that I will not be exceeding 2.5" up front (to avoid the need for new upper control arms/spindles), I was thinking 24-186643 front shocks (highlighted orange) and so a 2” spacer in the rear to achieve a 2.5"(front) and 2"(rear) lift… But, which rear shock is ideal???

Am I confined to a 1" rear lift if I'm raising the front by only 2.5"?


Bilstein Product Catalog:

https://cart.bilsteinus.com/Portals/0/PDF/BILSTEINORCatalog2020_WEB.pdf

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I cannot personally help you with your question; however, I'm sure that other members on this Forum that are much more knowledgeable than me will chime in.

 

[Rayyy]

Still doing research… I heard Rancho RS7MT shocks are bit more comfortable/cushiony than the Bilstein 5100’s? Any comparison?

The Rancho RS7000MT (now called RS7MT) come in different sizes for different height applications as well: 0” height, 1” height and 4” height (which I think they mean height of lift).

Would I be safe installing the 4” version of the Ranchos front/rear with 3” torsion keys up front and 3” spacers in rear?

I realize I’d have to upgrade the upper control arms, but would that extra inch cause any issue otherwise? Or is that extra droop okay?

 

[Rayyy]

I called Bilstein to ask about the rear lift height discrepancy thing… The product technical support guy told me the stated heights listed are indeed the correct min/max rear lift heights to achieve the best performance/shock travel (and to stay within warranty) as per their tests... Meaning that all of the websites listing the rear lift as 0-2” are wrong!

It looks like I'll just opt for a 2.5" front torsion keys and 1" rear spacers lift to perfectly match the Bilstein 24-187237 and 24-186643, along with the Moog 81069 (Z71) rear springs, and call it a day.

 

[salisburyv]

How did you make out with the shocks? i have the 24-187237 in the rear and a 2" level up front with KYB front shocks. (bilsteins were out of stock nationwide at the time)

the ride is perfect for me, smooth as silk. i do want to go 1" higher... i was going to do a 3" front and 2" rear lift. i'm worried it will change the ride characteristics . wife won't have any of that, i'd have to revert back.

 

[Eltoxico]

I called Bilstein to ask about the rear lift height discrepancy thing… The product technical support guy told me the stated heights listed are indeed the correct min/max rear lift heights to achieve the best performance/shock travel (and to stay within warranty) as per their tests... Meaning that all of the websites listing the rear lift as 0-2” are wrong!

It looks like I'll just opt for a 2.5" front torsion keys and 1" rear spacers lift to perfectly match the Bilstein 24-187237 and 24-186643, along with the Moog 81069 (Z71) rear springs, and call it a day.

Glad I came across this post. I'm taking a 1k mile road trip from PNW to SoCal in 10 days and I'm overdue for new tires and shocks. I was looking in to getting some BFGOODRICH ALL TERRAIN T/A KO2 LT285/75 R16 (33"s), 3" Leveling kit, Z71 Springs, Bilstein 24-185783 for the rear and Bilstein 24-186643 for the front.

Is there a reason you went with the 1" rear instead of the 3" rear? Would I be fine with the 3" Bilstein 24-185783?