So, I have been seeing the front end of my 07 NNBS 2wd slowly get lower and lower. Pretty sure its time to replace the struts. So, I know i can get a great deal on Monroe quick struts, but I would like something better. I am not really looking at lowering the truck, if anything later on I will level the front but for now im keeping the right height. My question is what are you guys runnin' to give that better response feel. I will eventually be looking at a hellwig front sway bar, or better end links and a hellwig rear bar. anyone using the Bilstein struts? To put it simple i guess, I want to decrease body roll and dip at turns but keep some decent reliability. I've used aftermarket nitro filled shocks on my last truck that last 2 months and im swapping shocks 3 times in a year. If you know of a quick strut too that would be killer. I know this big fatty truck is no vette, but I would at least like a more firm, responsive feel.

 

Bilstein 5100.

And losing height is not a strut/shock problem. It is a spring problem. Shocks/struts don't support the weight of the vehicle, springs do. Shocks dampen the oscillation that happens when springs compress and rebound.

But bilstein 5100 ride height adjustables will be the ticket for what you need/want to accomplish.

 

I will look that number up, thank you. Yeah, I always think of struts as the full assembly so i say replace struts when reality is the strut is actually probably in fair working order and only the spring needs replacing. Now, since the bilstein 5100 is just the shock, is there a spring people recommend too or just change the shock and use a an OE spring?

 

Use oe spring.

 

gotcha. cuz im thinking about that hellwig rear sway bar and these struts and new bilstein rear shocks. now what about the heavy duty bilstein shocks? the yellow ones, are they just OE style, nothing special?

 

Correct. Yellow ones are the 4600 series. Just stock replacement. Better than the factory Z71 bilsteins. The 5100 are next step up. Zinc coated silver. And the front for a gmt900 are adjustable 0-2" I think. Do the 5100.

 

Reviving an old thread. Anyone use Bilstein struts and what to do about the spring perch??? The ones I am getting have a note to use stock perch. Was not aware that I could swap it out. I also want to lower the truck 2" in the front and the 5100 series struts are adjustable but for lift. Can I still use these struts and put drop springs in?

 

to remove the spring perch you gotta remove the strut from the truck, then remove the spring (safely) and turn it upside down, spray some penetration lube all around the cup and let it soak a bit then gently tap it off.
you could get yourself a set of 2" drop springs and set the bilsteins at 0"

 

So that spring perch does come off... Interesting. Ever see a replacement for one? I figure if I can replace it, do it.

Got any good brands for lowering springs?

I see people are using Belltech struts in the front and using 4 rings to drop it 2". I was set on using Bilstein for their handling and longevity. How are Belltech's lasting?
I recently helped a friend warranty out his struts for the Volvo as they were toast in a year. They are the magnetic style and are Monroe(OE). I want to gain a better than OE handling(i know a sway bar upgrade will help but thats later) strut and also lower the front 2". Belltech or Bilstein and get drop springs?
Thank you.

 

Haha my springs are so shot in my 07 that I have 5 rings (one 10mm and four 8mm) and its still a 4 inch drop. Belletech struts will definately stiffen stuff up but not too bad. Ive had mine for about 6 months and like 8k miles and so far so good.