• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

5100 Bilstein Assistance/verification

rbljack

Full Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2004
Messages
22
Location
Texas
So first off, my av is an 04 1500 Z71 and needs replacement shocks bad. Ive been reading on here and a lot of recommendations for the 5100's. But I keep reading in different places that they are designed for the trucks with small lifts using the keys. Can yall confirm for me that...
A: The 5100 series CAN be used with a stock height avalanche and provide an upgrade to ride quality and
B: Are these the correct ones on amazon?

I carry a 100 gallon herbicide spray rig in the back of my avalanche on a day to day basis, so there is always extra weight in the bed. I also tow a 14 foot enclosed trailer from time to time, so would the 5100 series fit the bill? Thanks!
 
A normal 5100 can be used with a 0-2.5 inch lift front 0-1 lift rear. Not sure what 100gallons of water weighs so you may look at air bags.
 
Last edited:
100 gal os water weight 800 lbs plus container
 
yeah I never fill it all the way up because it will get too heavy. Try go half full typically so 50 gallons which is around 450 pounds or so plus a cpl hundred pounds in the spray rig. When you say the "normal 5100's " are those the correct ones I have linked in amazon? I dont want to order the wrong ones because returns are a PITA on amazon for larger items like that.
 
Yes, according to Bilstein's catalog they are correct for a 04 1500 Z71.. they will be fine for any load in the bed or trailer you tow, shocks do not support any load they just dampen the movement..


 
Last edited:
Yes, according to Bilstein's catalog they are correct for a 04 1500 Z71.. they will be fill for any load in the bed or trailer you tow, shocks do not support any load they just dampen the movement..


Thanks Randy....and yeah I realize they just dampen the load. I just figured with the load in there all the time, a heavy duty shock would last longer. I do have a follow on question about doing the Rear shocks though....

Im at 197K....replace the springs as well?
 
Probably not need unless you're seeing a sag in them or something else.
 
Got the rear shocks replaced today after work. Was going to rotate tires and do the front shocks another day but discovered my rear wheels are frozen/ seized on. SO....that will have to be a project for another day along with the front shock replacement. I guess its good to find out that the wheel is seized while working on it in my driveway, and not with a flat tire along the highway somewhere in the dark when its 20 degrees and windy, or raining, or 105 in the shade. That's how my luck normally runs. I will have to try some techniques to free them wheels up and get them off and get some Anti seize on them.
 
Last edited:
Got the front shocks done tonight. One of the old ones was completely trashed. So I had one bad front and one bad rear shock. Didnt have time to get the Rear rims/tires off, so that will have to wait. Debating if I should go get the alignment checked....but Im debating if I should get the Key lift at the same time. Money being tight....the key lift may have to wait.
 
Back
Top