The folks at Bilstein are useless. I got a different answer every time I emailed or talked to them on the phone.

Call Sean at Lorenz Industries and he'll have a set of 5100's for your truck shipped to you.

 

I just got my set from Sean Lorenz last weekend and installed them myself. Took about 2 hours total.

Truck is an 06 3500 Megacab

 

So how do you feel about the upgrade?

 

Save $700 and get Carli's add-a-pack instead. Do the install yourself and your total will be well under $1000.

 

Bilstein said the same thing about the '04s. Not available. Well, I just went out and bought them anyway and they fit and work fine.

Bilsteins may be made better than Ranchos, I don't know, but Ranchos are better for the rear with added tongue weight. Sometimes heavy, sometimes light. I crank mine all the way to hard when towing and it makes a big difference. Then back to light for cruising empty and the handling is great. Much better than stock.

Don't do anything with your springs till you get shocks, then decide on springs.

John

 

Best money I've spent so far on the truck, WOW what a difference............Well other than the Quad XZT that is.

 

I guess I solved that problem with some Air Lift Air Bags instead of the Ranchos as I run a 1200 lb tongue weight on my Toy Hauler.

I went back and forth on Rancho versus 5100 and decided I wanted the performance and look to be the same all the way around the truck. Didn't think I would like the red and white out back and silver/Black up front. I know, I know, sounds superficial.

 

You made a good choice.....

 

I've been thinking about bags for mine too.

I was wondering if you pulled out any leaves? Also does axle wrap up cause any problems with the bags? What happens when the truck is up on a lift with the axle hanging?

Thanks, oh, and sorry to hijack the thread


John

 

No, I did not pull out any leaves. Left it stock. Axle wrap can cause problems with the bags but I haven't put the truck in any situations to have axle wrap really happen yet. My neighbor has an 04.5 with the skyjacker 4" lift with ride rites and has had some axle wrap in the sand but no issues with the bags yet from it. dunno.

As for a lift the bags stretch pretty well, no real issues with them. Really like them. Very easy and clean install for the airlifts brand.

 

Sure thing. Where's it at?

 

It's not a good idea to let the axles hang unsupported with bags. They will tear.....eventually.

 

I have been looking into the 5100's and the ride rite bags i think that would be a great move for me.

 

I put the 2" levelling spacers and the 5100s on mine late last fall and after just 1 winter they look like crap ... all corroded and pitted ... sucks. Very disappointed with the finish on these expensive $hock$. The ride improvement ... though a little less mushy ... was not as great as I thought it would be ... the stockers weren't all that bad I guess. I plow with mine and the 2" spacers were a HUGE improvement and are perfect.
I'll try a different shock next time.

 

I talked with Jeffe at Carli Suspension. Great guy! I really like the sound of his "starter system," but really don't want to raise the truck. The new leaf pkg. would raise the rear about 1 inch and the front springs would raise the front 2+ inches. OK, the truck would sit level, but I know I would be looking at the stock tires and since they look small now, then oh man! I would go for this system, but really don't want the raise the truck. Got two small kids and a wife....

Is there are rear leaf set up, cheaper than Lorenz that won't raise the truck?

I think I will order up some Bilsteins today since I guess it all starts there anyway. I am in sunny CA so hopefully they don't get "pickled" after a year and still look good. Doing the install myself... Should I use some "Locktite" or some other thread locker on the bolts when I re-assemble?