I’m walking you through one of the most rewarding DIY upgrades I’ve done to my 2019 Ram 1500: installing the Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit. If you’ve ever looked at your truck and felt the front sagging lower than the rear, this kit offers a smart, reliable, and surprisingly straightforward solution. In this guide, I’ll break down the entire process, share tips for handling it safely, and let you know how the ride feels afterward.
Table of Contents
Why I Chose the Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit
The Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit stood out to me because of its adjustability and reputation for durability. The shock has circlips that let you set your desired ride height, and I chose the fifth notch to gain a full 2 inches of lift up front. That extra height helped level the stance of the truck and improved its appearance without compromising ride quality.
To pair with the shocks, I added Mopar upper control arms. While Bilstein doesn’t say upgraded control arms are required, I decided to play it safe. The Mopar arms are budget-friendly and offer more ball joint travel, which helps prevent premature wear or damage when lifting the front.
- Ride Height Adjustable: The multiple snap-ring grooves in the body allow for different spring seat positions, providing 0-3 inches of front lift with OE springs (depending on application)
- Non-Fading Performance: Bilstein’s 46-millimeter monotube design delivers consistent, non-fading performance, no matter the conditions
- Digressive Valving: Bilstein’s patented digressive valving instantly reacts to changing road surface conditions for maximum comfort and control on and off-road
- Warranty: Bilstein’s 5100 series shocks are backed by Bilstein’s limited lifetime warranty, ensuring their products are free from defects in design, materials, and workmanship
- Vehicle Compatibility: Fits 2019-2024 Ram 1500 4WD RWD without air leveling suspension; Provides 0-2.6″ front lift without factory off-road package; Provides 0-2″ front lift with factory off-road package
Last update on 2025-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step-by-Step Installation: Safe, Smart, and Simple
I started with basic prep: lifting the truck and removing the front wheels. The first components to tackle were the tie rod and brake caliper, followed by disconnecting the sway bar end link. A 16mm socket got the brake caliper bolts off easily. I set the caliper on a bucket to keep pressure off the brake line.
Removing the upper ball joint required some extra effort. A deep 21mm socket and a bit of elbow grease got the nut off, and I left it on a few threads to safely pop the joint free. My puller didn’t fit, so I carefully knocked it loose. This part can be tricky—especially if the ball joint is stubborn—but patience and the right tools make all the difference.
Once the steering and control arms were loose, I moved on to the lower shock mount (21mm front, 24mm rear), then removed the shock entirely.
Handling the Most Dangerous Part: Spring Compression
Let me be blunt—compressing coil springs is dangerous. If you’re not confident with this, take your parts to a shop. I used a heavy-duty spring compressor and took it slow, keeping even pressure on both sides. My struts came factory-marked, so I didn’t have to manually align them. Still, I double-checked to ensure everything sat correctly.
After decompressing the spring and removing the stock shock, I adjusted my new Bilstein 5100 shock to the fifth notch. That small circlip might look insignificant, but Bilstein engineers these to handle the pressure safely. I installed the lower perch, spring, and top plate, then carefully reassembled the strut.
- Safely Handle Any Springs: Securely remove or install springs, shock absorbers, struts, and spacers with stable and balanced compression power given by Orion Motor Tech’s spring compressor tool
- Ideal for Most Vehicles: With its 11 inch range and 2200 pound capacity, this coil spring compressor works exceptionally well for springs with a wire diameter range of 0.6″-0.8″ found on most cars, pickup trucks, and other large vehicles
- Secure Locking Design: The hooked jaws combine with precision threading on this easy to use coil spring compressor tool to make sure everything is locked in place for added safety
- Extendable Bracket: This strut spring compressor comes with an adjustable bracket that ensures stable parallel compression, as well as protection against accidental release of the spring under high tension
- Built to Conquer & Last: This strut spring compressor set boasts high strength and corrosion resistance thanks to its heat treated carbon steel construction and premium galvanized finish
Last update on 2025-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Reinstalling the Assembly and Finishing Up
Getting the strut back in was smoother than expected. I slid it into position, reattached the lower shock mount, and torqued everything back down. I used brand-new nuts on both the ball joint and tie rod ends—since these are one-time-use components, reusing them isn’t safe.
I repeated the process on the passenger side and then checked my measurements. Before installation, the front ride height measured about 22¼ inches from the hub center to the fender. Afterward, it jumped to 24¼ inches—exactly two inches of lift. The truck now sits level, with the front matching the rear.
Test Drive Results and Final Thoughts
The next day, I took the truck out for a spin. I’m thrilled to report that the ride feels just like stock, with no added harshness or strange noises. Steering response is tight, and the alignment feels spot-on.
The Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit did everything I hoped it would. It added clearance, leveled out the truck, and maintained excellent ride quality—all for a very reasonable cost.
The Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit Delivers Real Results
If you’re looking to level your truck without compromising comfort or breaking the bank, the Bilstein 5100 Leveling Kit is a powerful upgrade. It’s straightforward to install if you’re mechanically inclined, and it provides a noticeable visual and functional improvement. Just remember—compressing springs is serious business, so always prioritize safety.
