Thanks for this video. It's been 40 years since I turned my own wrenches and your video was spot on. A few minor hiccups here and there, but those were all on me. About the shocks, OMG! 2019 Lariat Special Edition FX4, yeah, I kept the racing stripes. At 46,000 miles, Marilyn was losing that new truck ride. I was feeling every bump and pothole. Freeway corning was getting scary with the truck just not feeling planted as before. Bilstein 5100s got my new truck feeling back again, at least in the rear. Unfortunately, I've confirmed my fronts are shot as well. I can't wait to change them out, but I'll probably let a shop do the front. Bilstein 5100s for the win! My cordless right angle ratchet worked like a champ. Thanks again.
Glad you found it useful! I was surprised too at how early my shocks felt "worn out" and needed to be replaced. I'm with you on how much better these are. Definitely more planted. Funny, I'm doing the same thing with my front shocks but I will most likely tackle it myself in the spring. Definitely a more involved project, that will require an alignment after. No problem, thanks for watching!
@@SmackeysGarage Thank you for the video, it really looks quicker and easier to install without wheels removal. I'm going to work on mine tomorrow. BU the way, I have RAS installed too, I've been towing an RV for a couple years, and it was helping a lot with the bed squat. Now, in the "unloaded" position it raises the rear to 2-3 inches, so I wonder if these Bilsteins won't retract to the right height without removing the plastic wrappings...
And yes, I'm thinking on replacing the fronts as well, it's 76k miles on them already. Have you finally done yours? Also, do you think keeping original springs should be fine? Or else, why do they sell Bilstein struts assembly altogether?
Thank you for this video. Installed my bilstein shocks today they appear to be working great. Also after I installed the husky wheel well liners. tomorrow I will be tackling the sunroof maintenance. Thank you so much for your videos very informative and well-made.
Man, I wanted those, but decided to replace mine last minute when I had the tires off doing rotors and the only thing anyone had were the Monroe Reflexes for $80 a piece. But they are 100 times better than the 7 year old rusty factory shocks.
Well, just did it. Took me about 40-mins and that is solely because I couldn't get enough leverage to squeeze the new shock to install. So, used a $4 ratchet and done. Noticed an immediate lift in the rear with the new shocks. Think it will be perfect once we attach our small tear drop. Test drive was sweet, truck handled well.
I followed your easy instructions and it went pretty smooth. The only flaw was the band to compress the shocks was tooooooo long. I ended up using a pry bar and some bicep grease to fit them up. I like them. Much smoother than the probably stock shocks from 2013 (I bought it used in 2015).
Awesome instructions bro, I banged these bad boys out in like 10-15 mins lol. You gotta watch the whole video before you start boys. *Takes off top bolt before bottom, shock extends to the floor of the truck 💀”
Wow, that looks super easy to install, nice work! Does the plastic accordion-looking cover go on the top end of the shock, or the bottom end like you installed it?
Thank you! The shocks can be installed either way with the boot up or down. Most people install it boot down on the F150 with the Bilstein logo up in the correct orientation to read. It made a great difference in ride quality. I was really surprised for 30 minutes worth of work and $200.
Bilstein are designed to always be put in with the lettering right side up or the accordion part at the bottom. Otherwise they don't work like they were designed per the manufacturer.
It's been a while since I installed them, but I believe the instructions said boot side down. Also if you install them boot facing up, then the Bilstein logo is upside down! I've seen them installed both ways.
I do. I've heard good things about it when people install them in the front. If you take the path of leveling the truck though, I'd expect a decrease in MPG.
It was an option I believe. My truck didn’t have them on either side either. I did a video on purchasing and installing them. The truck looks much better with them on and they add a lot of protection.
There is a lot of literature on does it matter. I’ll have to go back and check what the bolt and nut look like. If it is flat washer like surfaces it shouldn’t matter. If one side is serrated and one flat then it might be. I’ll check in a few days after the rain stops.
I am Christopher. I'm debating if I start by putting a 2" spacer level on it and then go to the Bilsteins so I can get a good comparison of the differences. I'll most likely do it mid to late winter.
I don't know. I'd think they would be ok since you aren't using the full stroke of the shock. I would expect it to be a problem with lifted trucks but not dropped trucks.
I just put the roadmaster active suspension on my 2011 f150. While doing so I realized that my left rear shock was bad. I ordered new front and rear shocks.
@@SmackeysGarage I just put it on but it does feel like the rear end rides a bit better over rough roads. It feels more planted. I don't tow a lot but when I hook up my portable grain cleaner my truck squats like crazy. I have no idea how much that thing weighs. It'll definitely help with that. This summer I'll be pulling an inclosed car trailer loaded with my car. That'll be really close to my max towing rate so I put on the roadmaster and I'm installing a weight distribution hitch. People seem to love the roadmaster.
This is the like the world's biggest debate! The shock should work the same no matter which way it is oriented. If you prefer the label right side up and boot up top go for it. It does make sense though the label orientation would be the normal way to install it.
@@SmackeysGarage I looked it up and that's what Bilstein states on there shocks per orientation they state the label shouldn't be upside down .. I'm about to install a set of 5125s on a lowered f150 and the label looked upside down from the way I'm used to installing there shocks (boot up) on the trucks so I was searching the internet to check before Install
I did notice less rebound with the 5100s. That is one of the areas that I was really happy with. The truck doesn't shift as much unloaded as it did before. I specifically tested this on a set of raised tracks near my house.
That is what the torque requirements are on my 2018 F150. Both top and bottom. Sometimes, if one is hard to get to, I just try and mimic the force I put on the one that is easier to reach.
Bilstein 5100 Rear Shocks for 15-18 F150: amzn.to/37E8OYM
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Do this shocks fit stock 2018 F-150 3.5
@@valentincabada1518 they should. You could check the link. I believe 4wd matters but not engine type
This is what I've been explaining to people. This is what I'm experiencing. Thank you for this video man.
You are very welcome! Let me know how you like the shocks when you install them
Thanks for this video. It's been 40 years since I turned my own wrenches and your video was spot on. A few minor hiccups here and there, but those were all on me. About the shocks, OMG! 2019 Lariat Special Edition FX4, yeah, I kept the racing stripes. At 46,000 miles, Marilyn was losing that new truck ride. I was feeling every bump and pothole. Freeway corning was getting scary with the truck just not feeling planted as before. Bilstein 5100s got my new truck feeling back again, at least in the rear. Unfortunately, I've confirmed my fronts are shot as well. I can't wait to change them out, but I'll probably let a shop do the front. Bilstein 5100s for the win! My cordless right angle ratchet worked like a champ. Thanks again.
Glad you found it useful! I was surprised too at how early my shocks felt "worn out" and needed to be replaced. I'm with you on how much better these are. Definitely more planted. Funny, I'm doing the same thing with my front shocks but I will most likely tackle it myself in the spring. Definitely a more involved project, that will require an alignment after. No problem, thanks for watching!
@@SmackeysGarage Thank you for the video, it really looks quicker and easier to install without wheels removal. I'm going to work on mine tomorrow. BU the way, I have RAS installed too, I've been towing an RV for a couple years, and it was helping a lot with the bed squat. Now, in the "unloaded" position it raises the rear to 2-3 inches, so I wonder if these Bilsteins won't retract to the right height without removing the plastic wrappings...
And yes, I'm thinking on replacing the fronts as well, it's 76k miles on them already. Have you finally done yours? Also, do you think keeping original springs should be fine? Or else, why do they sell Bilstein struts assembly altogether?
Hey Miroslav. The install was extremely simple. Let me know how you make out with the RAS. I am curious to hear.
Thank you for this video. Installed my bilstein shocks today they appear to be working great. Also after I installed the husky wheel well liners. tomorrow I will be tackling the sunroof maintenance. Thank you so much for your videos very informative and well-made.
Thanks for the feedback John! You are welcome.
Man, I wanted those, but decided to replace mine last minute when I had the tires off doing rotors and the only thing anyone had were the Monroe Reflexes for $80 a piece. But they are 100 times better than the 7 year old rusty factory shocks.
You nailed it with the Monroe’s being better. It’s definitely a must needed mod that makes the truck handle so much better.
Well, just did it. Took me about 40-mins and that is solely because I couldn't get enough leverage to squeeze the new shock to install. So, used a $4 ratchet and done. Noticed an immediate lift in the rear with the new shocks. Think it will be perfect once we attach our small tear drop. Test drive was sweet, truck handled well.
Glad to hear! It really does make it a much better drive. Feels much more planted.
I followed your easy instructions and it went pretty smooth. The only flaw was the band to compress the shocks was tooooooo long. I ended up using a pry bar and some bicep grease to fit them up. I like them. Much smoother than the probably stock shocks from 2013 (I bought it used in 2015).
That sounds great. Definitely a lot smoother than the oem ones. Thanks for the feedback!
Awesome instructions bro, I banged these bad boys out in like 10-15 mins lol.
You gotta watch the whole video before you start boys. *Takes off top bolt before bottom, shock extends to the floor of the truck 💀”
Yea! Definitely need to do that or else you are wedged in! Thanks
I own 2008 toyota sequoia limited I had blistein 5100 installed front and back love them great shocks
Cool. Glad to hear you like them too!
Do you use the same bolt and nut or get new ones?
I used the same bolt and nut when I changed mine.
Did the same to my 2017, together with a sway bar. Man it takes corners like a sports car.
I'll have to check out sway bars. Which one did you go with?
@@SmackeysGarage Hellwig rear adjustable sway bar.
Wow, that looks super easy to install, nice work! Does the plastic accordion-looking cover go on the top end of the shock, or the bottom end like you installed it?
Thank you! The shocks can be installed either way with the boot up or down. Most people install it boot down on the F150 with the Bilstein logo up in the correct orientation to read.
It made a great difference in ride quality. I was really surprised for 30 minutes worth of work and $200.
@@SmackeysGarage
@@SmackeysGarage my😅
Bilstein are designed to always be put in with the lettering right side up or the accordion part at the bottom. Otherwise they don't work like they were designed per the manufacturer.
Are these mounted upside down? I see people saying the boot is supposed to face up! 🤷🏼♂️
It's been a while since I installed them, but I believe the instructions said boot side down. Also if you install them boot facing up, then the Bilstein logo is upside down!
I've seen them installed both ways.
Boot down is 100% the way to instal these.
boots down for the dirt and water to fall off by itself and not sitting on the gasket.
The youtuber is correct. The bilstein logo is upright for proper installation.
Do you think there would be a noticeable improvement in the ride if you put the Bilstein's in the front, too?
I do. I've heard good things about it when people install them in the front. If you take the path of leveling the truck though, I'd expect a decrease in MPG.
Great video. Super easy without having to take out tire. Thanks
No problem!
No jack? I like that. Great video
Thanks! No jack was necessary. It was such a simple project.
Are these supposed to come with an inner fender liner? My truck doesn't have them on either side.
It was an option I believe. My truck didn’t have them on either side either. I did a video on purchasing and installing them. The truck looks much better with them on and they add a lot of protection.
I've got a 2018 F150 l'm going to use it as a daily do you think I should put these 5100 or go another route?
I really like these in my daily. It’s a good bang for the buck mod.
Isn't the rubber supposed to be on top?
There has been a big debate in the comments about it. Run them how you see fit.
Hi I don’t understand something in your video. Shouldn’t the torque be applied to the nut and not the bolt head?
There is a lot of literature on does it matter. I’ll have to go back and check what the bolt and nut look like. If it is flat washer like surfaces it shouldn’t matter. If one side is serrated and one flat then it might be. I’ll check in a few days after the rain stops.
@@SmackeysGarage Ok thank you- I won’t send you a virtual umbrella because I’m old school.
Do they make the rear sit any higher?
Thx,
SB
They do not make any noticeable difference. No problem!
Does it matter if that rubber part is upside down or not?
Instructions said "boot side down" if I remember correctly. I've seen them installed both ways.
Is your truck stock height or is it lifted?
Stock Height, but on 33" tires
Ok perfect. I’m going to level my truck and put 33 on. Thanks.
No problem. I think that’s the sweet spot for looks imo
Question how do I just adjust these when there already installed on the truck, I want to lower it 1 more inch down?
These do not control the height of the truck. Your rear springs / blocks will.
Is the blue lock tight required?
So, I'd at least make sure you are using lock nuts or a lock washer if you aren't using lock tight.
Can I use these on my lifted f150?
Depends on how much lift. The 5100 has a version that is 0-1" and then 2" lift I believe.
@@SmackeysGarage mine is 6"
Are you going to change the front shocks to Bilstien?
I am Christopher. I'm debating if I start by putting a 2" spacer level on it and then go to the Bilsteins so I can get a good comparison of the differences. I'll most likely do it mid to late winter.
will these rear shocks fit for 2 inch drop truck?
I don't know. I'd think they would be ok since you aren't using the full stroke of the shock. I would expect it to be a problem with lifted trucks but not dropped trucks.
Thank you what a great video tutorial. I appreciate it!
You’re welcome!
Thanks
No prob Josip
Great video! Thank you.
You are welcome!
TY. Ford Motorcraft shocks are fine.
Yea they are. I prefer the ride of the Bilsteins though.
Did it change the rear height at all?
No it didn't. To adjust the rear height you'd either have to change the springs, or put rear blocks in.
Will these fit for a 2014 F150 ?
They sell Bilstein 5100s for a 2014 F150. The 15-20 version is different.
How do I now if it has some lift on rear I SE it normal
The shocks are good for 0-1" lift. So if your truck doesn't look lifted they are probably ok.
I just put the roadmaster active suspension on my 2011 f150. While doing so I realized that my left rear shock was bad. I ordered new front and rear shocks.
How do you like the active suspension? I’ve heard good things about it. Do you tow often?
@@SmackeysGarage I just put it on but it does feel like the rear end rides a bit better over rough roads. It feels more planted. I don't tow a lot but when I hook up my portable grain cleaner my truck squats like crazy. I have no idea how much that thing weighs. It'll definitely help with that. This summer I'll be pulling an inclosed car trailer loaded with my car. That'll be really close to my max towing rate so I put on the roadmaster and I'm installing a weight distribution hitch. People seem to love the roadmaster.
@@lobbyrobby That's good to hear. I'll have to look into it for future trucks.
Do this shocks fit stock 2018 F-150 3.5
4wd?
@@SmackeysGarage yes 4x4 fx4
They should fit with no lift
Yep. Rear f150 shocks are zhit. Replacing mine too at 30k
Old post but you mounted them upside down .. label shows correct orientation ..if the Bilstein label is up side down the shocks upside down
This is the like the world's biggest debate! The shock should work the same no matter which way it is oriented. If you prefer the label right side up and boot up top go for it. It does make sense though the label orientation would be the normal way to install it.
@@SmackeysGarage I looked it up and that's what Bilstein states on there shocks per orientation they state the label shouldn't be upside down .. I'm about to install a set of 5125s on a lowered f150 and the label looked upside down from the way I'm used to installing there shocks (boot up) on the trucks so I was searching the internet to check before Install
@@Daddyd402 Boot goes on the bottom.
@@SmackeysGarage in the video tho the labels are up and they are not upside down.. I think I'm seeing that correctly @3:00 unless you redid it idk
Do you reccomend installing Bilsteins on the front?
I would. Especially if you are wanting to level your truck. I did get a bigger improvement on my previous trucks when I did the rear though.
@@SmackeysGarage I bought'em. Just gotta install'em. Thanks.
Let me know how you like them!
@@mikeledford5035 What did you get ? I'm thinking of getting Bilstiens 6112s
@@mosasa1307 I don't remember what I got. But I replaced all 4 corners, and it was a big imprivement.
You make it look to easy.
Luckily this project was really easy
Do you noticed less rebound? I tow a trailer and The FX4 package is too soft it bounces loaded and unloaded.
I did notice less rebound with the 5100s. That is one of the areas that I was really happy with. The truck doesn't shift as much unloaded as it did before. I specifically tested this on a set of raised tracks near my house.
Adjust to 66 foot pounds what does that mean?
You need a torque wrench to tighten them down correctly.
Do you have to torque to 66lbs on both top and bottom nuts for each shock?
That is what the torque requirements are on my 2018 F150. Both top and bottom. Sometimes, if one is hard to get to, I just try and mimic the force I put on the one that is easier to reach.