just ordered the bilstein lift shocks for my 08. Anyone know if you can squeeze more than 2" out of them? I need 2" to level but would like to install these on the rear too. They give the rear a 1" lift.

 

...also, with 2" in the front and 1" in the rear do you think I can squeeze 35s?

 

I've never heard of a shock lifting a truck. These are longer shocks to compensate for a lift kit.

 

Someone on another site got 2.5in out of them...but 2.5in leveled the truck. If you use them on the rear too it will still have a rake. You will be able to fit 35s but the width is the biggest part, you might have to trim some with the stock 20s, probably need wheel spacers

 

Now you have. the 06-08 1500's have a srut shock inside a stock coil spring for or I should say to accomadate the independant front suspension. Certain after market napplications utilize this and the owner can replace the strut and add lift at the same time.!!sweet huh? pita and expensive thou

 

haha I just thought he was bolting longer shocks to the truck. Our 2nd gens don't have struts. Do the struts ride better than coil springs?

 

I coudn't say it's been awhile since I road in a ram 1st gen I think that was lifted and I cared more about not dropping driveshafts than the ride. that said mine is smooth and steady the stock struts nhave got to go. soon I'm afraid.

 

looks like the ones for the rear can be adjusted to stock height or +1. I'll just keep them at stock and raise the front end 2-2.5. I'm going to stick 275/65/20s on it. that will be 1" taller and only a half inch wider. No trimming needed if all goes well.

 

you are correct sir, except for 1 thing, the pita. these are really not that hard to install.

the way the bilstein 5100 serious works is a little like this. the strut sits inside the strut spring (coil). the bottom spring bucket is actually attached to the strut. the 5100s have a metal washer that can be placed in a couple of different locations, giving you stock height,1", 2" or 2.5" of lift. the washer fits into grooves in the strut, then the spring bucket sits on that washer. the higher up the strut you place the washer, the more lift you get. its similar to adding a spacer, as it puts more tension on your coils thus forcing the front of your truck up.

as far as installing them. just rent a strut spring compressor from autozone. take the strut/coil out as one unit, compress the spring, take the retainer off. take the spring off and put it onto the new 5100 strut, put the washer onto the groove corresponding to how much lift you want. compress the spring, put the upper retainer on. install the strut/spring back into the truck, and get an alignment. can be done in just a couple hours with 2 guys, jack/jack stands, spring compressor, and a couple beers.

 

I've got 285/65/20 BFG's on mine with a 2" BDS leveling kit on. Specs on that tire is 34.7" tall with no problems.