[B52U]

One question I thought of regarding the Halo setup is, if you make an adjustment yourself to preload, does that make substantial changes to your alignment requiring realignment every time? I know upon bumping up from stock height to 2" increase it is somewhat standard procedure to get your tow in and camber settings adjusted to compensate. Perhaps the adjustment range isn't dramatic enough to be concerned.

 

[FanaticalKilla]

One question I thought of regarding the Halo setup is, if you make an adjustment yourself to preload, does that make substantial changes to your alignment requiring realignment every time? I know upon bumping up from stock height to 2" increase it is somewhat standard procedure to get your tow in and camber settings adjusted to compensate. Perhaps the adjustment range isn't dramatic enough to be concerned.

It would adjust it somewhat. Tow and camber would be off from original setting.

 

[Boatwaco]

I would imagine any significant adjustment would require an alignment check.
Note however that the adjusting collars allow an infinite range of adjustments within the overall range, so insignificant adjustments are possible. What I mean is you set the collars up on one of the 5 levels on the Billsteins, assuming you set these up on the 2nd or 3rd ring, the collar will provide about 2 /12' of upward or downward travel without taking the struts off. If you made a few turns on the collar up or down, probably no alignment needed. Turn it enough to go up or down 1/2" an inch - maybe an alignment is needed.
In my mind though, you can turn the collars all day to see how your truck's rake or level looks and only once you are done adjusting do you need to then go check alignment. That's the beauty of this set up (theoretically).

 

[Boatwaco]

I’ve decided to return my Halolifts components and still focus on pre-building my 5100s (the original aim of this little experiment thread).

That said - I really like the HaloLift adjustable struts set up with the 5100s. It would be cool to be able to adjust the height without removing and disassembling the strut assemblies. If you’re considering adjustable struts I would suggest you look into Halolifts and their offerings.You can get their kits and convert your existing 5100s to be adjustable. Or buy a pair of assemblies ready to pop in.

Now, I’m going back to my pre-building project…

 

[FanaticalKilla]

Someone’s gotta have some new take offs that got swapped for lifted stuff.

 

[Boatwaco]

I have found a pair of take-off shocks to get the lower spring seats from. Once those arrive, I’ll knock off the spring seats and start getting everything pre-built.

(I’m also gonna go into business of buying old shocks and struts and stockpiling lower spring seats. I can hear the eBay orders pouring in now!)

 

[Boatwaco]

One down, one to go!
A New - other from eBay. A pretty much brand new shock for $7.00 on eBay.

 

[Boatwaco]

Unfortunately as you have discovered those are not available separately and need to be removed from oem struts. Bilstein does plan on offering these in the future but as of last month had no time frame for when they will be brought to market.

@Stage3Motorsports - do you know if the lower spring seats are available from Bilstein yet?

 

[Boatwaco]

I finished pre-building my Bilstein 5100’s. New components are - 5100’s, springs, hats, top rubber spring seats, hardware, bump stops.
Reused - lower spring seats and lower plastic seats off of a set of take-off shocks.
I’ll never suggest nor recommend anyone do it this way. Too much hassle to get the lower spring seats. Buy coil over assemblies or just swap in the shocks all in one event.
The spring compressor was great! I’ll keep it around if anyone in Texas needs to borrow it - PM me. See this thread for the spring compressor I used: Spring compressor reviews and stories

Here are my pre-built Bilstein 5100’s - ready to swap in and the spring compressor tool.

 

[Upshifter]

Nice work! What height setting did you end up going with?

 

[Boatwaco]

Thanks!
I went with the Lowest - stock height.

 

[Justinjs]

So when do they go on?

 

[Boatwaco]

Soon, I hope!

 

[Boatwaco]

Guess what? Today I installed my Bilstein 5100’s up front! While I was at it, I also installed new IWE’s on both sides - I had a pair of them waiting for, whatever. You may recall, I prebuilt a set of struts with the 5100’s a loooooong time ago. I was close on the top hat alignment but did have to compress each one to slightly turn the shock to top bolt orientation. Here’s what the truck looks like now. I used the lowest setting on the Bilsteins.

 

[FanaticalKilla]

That a boy, good job!

 

[Boatwaco]

Oh! This truck rides really, really nice now. Much better feel on the front end. The leaking shock must have been going out for some time now. I’m glad I finally installed these Bilstein 5100’s. And I used brand new coil springs, too.

 

[Mitchf150]

So you had to remind me about my biggest blunder when I put my 5100's on...

I put mine on the 3rd ring from the bottom and really, really, really wish I had stuck with my plan to only do the 2nd ring... But changed my mind at the last minute when I had them off and just said "what the heck..."..

That extra little bit of "level" bites me every time I hitch up my TT.. I've added some additional 'help' in the rear and do adjust the WD hitch/bars correctly, but I always notice!

But, as you say, it rides so much better and don't regret going to the 5100's at all!

Glad you finally got them on and enjoying them!

I know I could just re-do mine and re-set the ring.... BUT... still have not gotten that "bug in the butt" to do it yet.. Even thou the truck now just sits in the garage most of the time! ha, ha...

Mitch

 

[Boatwaco]

So you had to remind me about my biggest blunder when I put my 5100's on...

Sorry!

Glad you finally got them on and enjoying them!

Thanks!

 

[Boatwaco]

Today I drug out the spring compressor set again, and disassembled my two old front struts. They’ve been on the shelf since I swapped them out. It was a challenge getting the shock top nut off both units. A little box end wrench on the nut, small socket and breaker bar on the shaft and they finally came off. A lot of rust.
I’m keeping the lower shock mounts - these are as rare as unicorns and cannot be bought separately… Also keeping the bumpers and springs (for now). These are all getting degreased now.
I’ve had a pair of 5100’s on the shelf too. I may order new parts and assemble the struts again. Maybe. 🤔

 

[butthead]

Spares and the tool allow flexibility. When you decide to change. KM