Bilistein 5100 lift

Another question just to further my education. What makes the adjustable 5100's superior over another descent shock with spacers?

Adding to what MJ has said, top plate spacers lower the shock body itself. That can make the shock bottom out before the suspension hits the bump stop which can bend the shocks on a hard hit.
 
To whom it may concern. Well I found a great write-up on the Bilstein 5100 in relation to spacers, shock extenders and the use of different bump stops. It was well written for what it is. (Exaggeration alert) including 27 8x10 color glossies with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one ( yes, Alice's Restaurant).
Bottom line I'm happy to say I'm well enough educated on the pertinent working differences of these basic systems. Better than most anyone could have explained it, considering most likely don't know themselves. I'm sure the majority of users take the word of others rather than actually knowing the when, where and why of things themselves. And as I thought, valving is irrelevant as that mannerism can be implemented with other systems. But that's not in the read, let's just call that common sense. Here's the link for anyone interested.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/user_upload/user_upload_us/pdfs/Bil_LevShks_WebArticle.pdf
 
Your comments make much better sense to me after having read the article. Thanks. Like most things, it's not so complicated. It never hurts crawling under there either.
 
To whom it may concern. Well I found a great write-up on the Bilstein 5100 in relation to spacers, shock extenders and the use of different bump stops. It was well written for what it is. (Exaggeration alert) including 27 8x10 color glossies with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one ( yes, Alice's Restaurant).
Bottom line I'm happy to say I'm well enough educated on the pertinent working differences of these basic systems. Better than most anyone could have explained it, considering most likely don't know themselves. I'm sure the majority of users take the word of others rather than actually knowing the when, where and why of things themselves. And as I thought, valving is irrelevant as that mannerism can be implemented with other systems. But that's not in the read, let's just call that common sense. Here's the link for anyone interested.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/user_upload/user_upload_us/pdfs/Bil_LevShks_WebArticle.pdf
I see damping come up atleast twice, and the travel issue whipper stated atleast once.

So, valving, and the length which is what the 2 of us said. Reread ur link
 
I detect sarcasm.
It would appear you took that the wrong way or didn't understand the question. Let me see if I can rephrase a bit. I didn't say the 5100's valving has nothing to do with the 5100's function or that it doesn't work(by the way, does it know where your preload is set?). Nor did I say all shocks are created equal. The question referred more to the function of a spacer as compared to the adjustable preload, what limits change and why. Maybe I should have went with something like "preload from the bottom vs. from the top". These kind of things I like to understand before spending $500. The more I spend on something, the more I research it. And that's a lot of ham sandwiches. So come on. Out of all possible explanations, is "valving" your final answer?
I probably shouldn't have asked but the first couple articles I read did cover anything of use. Some people get disturbed at questions they figure you can find on your own, I get it.
BTW, I think maybe we were all writing at the same time because the last few post weren't there to read when I started that last one so things could be out of time. And I get distracted so it takes a while.
 
The 5100 is valved to deal with a preloaded coil that will be progressively stiffer the more you compress it. There isn't "active" sensing but the valving is better suited than an OEM shock.

The funny thing about all this is you did the research after asking the question.
 
Good to know. Thanks.

I asked the question because my research was fruitless so far, as I did mention. However my effort to find answers continued after the fact. Did I break protocol?
 
U asked, i answered.
U can buy any rebuildable shock u want and have it valved any way u want, but thats not a 5100. With a 5100 u get the spacer basically and valving to help compensate for preload. It aint perfect but they tried.

And if u cant figure out how a spacer works compared to a 5100, well maybe its because the 5100 employs an upside down version of...... a spacer.

So go ahead and copy the design if u want, it aint revolutionary, **** eibach did. Get the valving right for the right preload and it should ride better than the 5100 which is probably a middle ground of valving since its not gunna be able to change its guts to work with 0 lift vs the 2.5 setting.

The TRUCK doesnt know the difference between the perch vs spacer. Hope that helps.

Its just the very poor mans adjustable coilover.... same with the version that uses threaded bodied 5100s that toytec sells. The problem with them maxed out is.....it rides like a tank. But i bet if it was end user rebuildable u could fix that harshness.

How far down the rabbit hole do u want to go over a cheap ass shock?
So you're not a fan of Toytec. I did get the 600 lbs coils, mayhaps they won't ride too stiff...
 
So you're not a fan of Toytec. I did get the 600 lbs coils, mayhaps they won't ride too stiff...
It was an access cab i was in with the threaded bodied 5100s and the eibachs. Set to 3" it was really rough.
Im on eibachs with no preload and the ride is great, but thats just my opinion.
 
It was an access cab i was in with the threaded bodied 5100s and the eibachs. Set to 3" it was really rough.
Im on eibachs with no preload and the ride is great, but thats just my opinion.

I contacted Toytec as I am looking to upgrade my 2015 Taco dbl cab, 4x4, v6 sr5. They actually recommended their Boss kit with specially valved shocks and Eibach springs. They told me this gives a much better ride than Bilsteins 5100 or OME. I also asked about the setting for 3" lift and they told me ride quality would not change noticeably. But, best ride would be 2 to 2 1/2 inch lift. I kind of am worried about the amount of preload to obtail 3". I guess since they are adjustable I could go 2 1/2 and see the difference although 1/2 inch isn't much.
 
Of course they recommended their boss kit. Call King see what they recommend :D
They sell Bilstein, OME, etc but they teamed up with Eibach to get the proper shock valving to match the Eibach spring. Softer ride than OME and Bilstein 5100. And no need for a spacer to get to 3".
 
They sell Bilstein, OME, etc but they teamed up with Eibach to get the proper shock valving to match the Eibach spring. Softer ride than OME and Bilstein 5100. And no need for a spacer to get to 3".
If that's what you want pull the trigger. Let's see pictures when it's done.
 
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