Mild Lift with Bilstein 5100's or CCM/ReadyLift?

[Tthame1]

I have a 2011 z71 Tahoe that needs shocks. I'm planning to add a mild lift while changing the shocks and was pretty much set on the ReadyLift 2.5/1.5 until I started looking at shocks. It seems like most people love the Bilstein 5100's. Bilstein claims that you can get a 2.5" lift by adjusting the spring perch and that this lift would be superior to one of the spacer kits. Is anyone using the bilsteins at max height and did you get the full 2.5"? Will I lose more ride quality doing this that using the ReadyLift kit? I'm now considering using the the bilsteins only for the front and using a 1.5" spacer in the back to achieve the same lift as the full ReadyLift kit. Does anyone have an argument for using the spacer kit and the Bilsteins at stock height?

Thanks!

 

[01Konvict]

Go with 5100s all the way around and get coil spacer in the rear to match. But yes you will get actual 2.5" up front with them. The ride is far superior with those shocks!

 

[Tthame1]

Fyi, I called Bilstein and the max lift on the Tahoes with the 5100 is 1.75". They also indicated that adding a spacer on top or running any shock extender would void their warranty.

 

[Passin Thru]

What did you end up doing?

 

[Tthame1]

What did you end up doing?

I went with the Bilstein 5100s set at the lowest setting (no height adjustment) and the ReadyLift kit. I got exactly 2.25" in the front and 1.5" in the rear, and it rides exceptionally well. I decided against the lift with the Bilsteins only based on feedback that doing so would result in a much stiffer ride. I'm very pleased with the combo and the lift height is perfect.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I have bilstein 5100's on my Jeep on the middle setting for 1.5" Lift. Rides great.

 

[01Konvict]

Sounds like a good level lift and ride quality. Post pics!

 

[Passin Thru]

I'm thinking of using the Bilstein's on the 1.5" setting. I haven't read stiff comments. The ones that I saw said the 5100's were softer

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I'm thinking of using the Bilstein's on the 1.5" setting. I haven't read stiff comments. The ones that I saw said the 5100's were softer

5100 lift @ max does effectively increase spring rate since it applies some preload on the springs.

I still love the ride.

---------- Post added at 03:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:05 PM ----------

Fyi, I called Bilstein and the max lift on the Tahoes with the 5100 is 1.75". They also indicated that adding a spacer on top or running any shock extender would void their warranty.

Just don't tell them.