2015 Dodge RAM 2 inch Lift-Level using Bilstein 5100

Shocks Used in Video: Bilstein 24-187367 & 24-187374 amzn.to/2BS0m37
Today I meet up with my buddy Chris to install Bilstein 5100 ride height adjustable shocks and TufTruck rear springs into his 2015 RAM 1500. He wants to increase payload capacity, level the truck by removing the rake present in the stock setup, as well as increase the aesthetic look of the truck overall. Because this is a daily driver, we wanted to use components that would retain as much of the stock mounting points, geometry, and reliability as possible.
Overall, we are quite pleased with the outcome. After driving for a few days, an alignment was conducted to ensure everything is tracking correctly after installation of the new components. We suggest you do the same if you install a kit similar to what we did. Chris has tracked a few hundred miles since the install and is very pleased with the results.

[@mthlaxer]

great video, thanks for posting! I plan to do a similar modification to my 2012 ram 1500 and wanted to make sure that the reviews were positive for the parts. The installation video was also a huge help

[@ric0000]

I glad you found it helpful! We are glad it helped you make an informed decision before you spend the money on the parts.

[@gilliss6]

how much did the ride quality improve? were you happy w/ the upgrade a year or two later?

[@armchairgangstac907]

Good video plan to have the same setup on my ram except I'm gonna add a 1" spacer in the rear. Thanks for sharing!

[@Sean-oq3ox]

Thanks for doing this video guys. It helped me on my install big time. For anyone wanting to do this who lives in an area where they use salt on the roads, be prepared to cut the old struts out and replace the bushings that the lower shock bolt goes through. It's doable with a ball joint press.

[@ric0000]

Very true, we are in the North-East, heavy salt. This was one of the reasons Chris wanted to do this the first summer he owned the truck. So, if you have a truck you will be doing suspension work on that have been through a few hard winters, it will need some extra effort to get all the parts apart.

[@Italianborn]

@@ric0000 i honestly live in Alberta, Canada...and after 2 yrs of heavy snow,salt and cold I've taken the parts out with no problem at all...my only issue was trying to figure out how to take the spring off... I didn't have your video as guide tho !

[@mrmoparrr]

Sounds like the product description is accurate with that kit, levels the truck out and takes away factory Rake! Great video Guys!

[@ric0000]

Glad you enjoy the video, Thank you for watching!

[@ryanrabe5313]

Mrmoparrr u

[@QCSACrashedToysSPR]

ric0000 what is song playing around 8:45 when you guys are compressing the spring?

[@mdlclassworker3384]

But why get rid of the rake

[@Bondovw]

@@QCSACrashedToysSPR Most Metallica or megadeath music will be sufficient when compressing a Spring.

[@Militaristics]

I have a 08 GMC 1500 that I used a 2" drop shackle kit and the same bilstein shocks but left them at stock ride hight, my truck sits level as well and handles real nice to boot, I did not give up much in payload because I carried 1600lbs of debri from a home project to the dump with it, and it did not bottom out at all, rode and drove fine with minimal droop. I dont know why they make stock 1500 trucks so raked like they do... nice video!

[@jasondimartino]

Great video. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@Italianborn]

Nice video, I've struggled so much to take the spring off, I've raised the shoks all the way up to 2.8 hopefully my lower balljoint won't explode out of there lol..and I'm planning to buy the rear too and set them up at 1"

[@justinr1474]

Make sure to install the washer UNDER the oem top parts on the strut assembly, just the nut goes on top, the washer keeps the piston rod from going through the top plate.

[@ric0000]

You appear CORRECT, These are the instructions as per the Website: 3. Install the spring seat adapter (supplied) such that the groove inside the spring seat adapter fits over the circlip on the shock body. See Figure 2. Install the spring seat adapter in the direction shown only. The circlip must fit completely in the groove inside spring seat adapter. Improper installation will cause permanent damage to the shock! 4. Reinstall OEM spring seat and OEM bumpstop in the direction shown only. 5. Install new washer (supplied) on piston rod as shown. 6. Reinstall the coil spring, all original upper mount parts and upper spring hat in their original locations (reverse order of disassembly). Install new lock nut (supplied) and tighten to 45 N•m (34 lb•ft). Do not re-use original lock nut. Good Catch!

[@ZmannR2]

Glad I saw this comment. Thanks

[@lrbs6237]

Please place washer on the inside of top of piston and not on top of the strut mount

[@Dakine121]

you are correct. The washer was insalled incorrectly. The piston shaft will breach through

[@scottscott5301]

Thanks guys very help full! I will buy this exact setup you should get something from Bilstein for this!

[@CarlosLopez-gj3pe]

You guys make it look so easy....i couldn't even take the tie rod out or the lower bolt from the strut those things are stuck...i took it to some mechanics and they wont do it bcuz they said that little ring wont hold the pressure from the springs...so i have to wait till someone can actually put them on....good job guys

[@RedComet1701]

I have a 2020 Bighorn with the Offroad group. The factory lift is ok but i definitely wanna do a bilstein lift and level. Very informative video.

[@rjbeer]

ric000, what tuftruck springs were used and how do they perform? I have been looking at them because ill be leveling my truck but want to limit the sag in the rear while pulling my 9500lbs trailer.

[@spock1017]

Since everything has been installed. For months now... how is the tide? Esp with the new springs?

[@misfit77]

Thanks for posting. I thought that maybe I could adjust the height according to my purpose.I broke my front valance the first time I went off road and would like to get some height adjustability.I now realize it isn't that easy.

[@DawgboneJohnson]

When removing the nut from the old strut if space is tight, I find it much easier to us a large set of vise grips to hold the strut shaft through the coils of the spring to prevent it from rotating.Using this method you are able to use your ratchet or air tools saving time and effort. Great Video!

[@ric0000]

The biggest risk in that process is scuffing and scaring the strut shaft. Once the shaft is gouged, scratched or chipped it cannot make a complete seal into the strut allowing dirt to get in, and oil to get out. If you do not intend on using the old struts, buy all means vice grip that thing and have at it. But for anyone looking to re-install new or re-use old, do not grip the strut shaft.

[@jasonchapoton3490]

I think he meant disassembling but I could be wrong. I use the same method of vice grips thru the coil on the shaft for disassembling. That is usually the harder part of the job especially when you live in the salt belt like I do

[@mcdermottelvis22]

Stock tire size? I apologize if it’s already been covered. Thanks

[@chalaxif5878]

how do you know what torque is required when using the torque lever.

[@kevinstafford2793]

Curious now if you've had any issues with upper ball joints coming out like everyone else using the pucks. Looking at putting these Bilsteins on the front

[@DRYXVAD3R]

What size tires can you comfortably run with that size of level/lift? Want to run something similar and run slightly larger tires.

[@twiddler2386]

How did you get that rear nut from behind the rear shock?

[@007Knightjp]

What is the payload capacity after putting in the springs? How does the truck ride after without a load on it? And How does it handle offroad?

[@beernburnouts440]

Sweet Gains Bro!

[@DPIDDY69]

I have almost an identical truck. How are the upper controls and balls doing with the bilstein kit?

[@PKDesigns2011]

Ive ran Bilstein setups on my previous vehicles and liked the ride they always offered ... was considering them for the 2018 ram but it's annoying they don't supply a full assembly Springs + shocks ...

[@stevethebarber1]

Looks like there is 5 different levels to choose from? Like 5 different grooves the ring can sit around right?

[@UnrealAndersen]

Have the same set up on my 2011 1500, wondering if you noticed the shocks sagged a little from settling? The 5100 shocks have been installed for about 2 years now currently have 265/70r20 duratracs on and front ride height is sitting at 38"

[@jneil14521]

Which model spring was used from tuftruck

[@mattroberts9569]

Looks just like my ram I just have a 6" lift, different rims, wheels, & running board. Nice truck! 😄

[@Hugh_Jarsole]

Wheels AND rims?! Damn bro you ballin'! 😂

[@alwaysaswish]

Did you set your front struts at the highest setting?

[@victorortega2718]

Hey bud question for ya... how are the bilsteins holding up ? Did you like them would you recommend? Im only looking to level the front of my truck i have a 2017 1500 sport night edition and dont really want to use spacers for a level i only want to go up about 2"in the front to fit bigger tires its all this looks legit but there are so many products out there hard to decide, now will this level out my truck? And did you have to like upgrade your upper control arms? Did your angles change ? Anything down on the suspension wear out fast or have any issues ?

[@valentingallardo5502]

Hi, did you have a problem with dif drop after qll of this time, ot did something broke

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

Great video. I live in an apartment and will just pay a shop to install these.

[@jekinneys]

FYI: the rear springs will "settle" a bit to. Leaf springs more than coils but coils you can get about 1/2" of settling where leafs can be closer to an 1" of settling (or more). If you change springs and get alignment they SHOULD recommend coming back in 50 - 200 miles to recheck because of the settling and re torqueing.

[@johnredmond2099]

hey what webpage did you order them off of?

[@chrisgarrettmoon]

How did they hold up? Just got 2 front shocks today. I wanna do mine at the highest setting (2.8) but I don’t know if that would make my 2018 ram squat

[@guitar_nicks_licks]

Looks perfect!!!!!!!! It's the right amount of additional clearance where a pickup needs it most. Is it a 4x4? Factory payload on the 4x4 is about 1500 lbs. Whats the payload now? I'll be doing this to my 1500 also. What wheel size and type of tires you got there? Looks like BGF ATs. Mine has the 20" wheels and its hard to find a good tire with a thick sidewall for A/T purpose. I have the Dueler A/T's right now.

[@natenelly9940]

Do you need to replace the UCA?

[@GunnereddieGunnereddie]

Thank you.

[@rjm2010]

How do the 5100s ride compared to the stock? Is it noticeable?

[@PitbullSoco]

I know this was awhile ago but do you remember the model number of which springs you got from tuftruck?

[@jesusroman5813]

Beautiful truck

[@cjr4497]

Which Tufftruck springs did you use? Tufftruck has 5 different springs for the Ram 1500. I just ordered my Bilstein 5100's and may want to add springs if they make my rear end softer.

[@papapump6236]

Is this a 4x4 or 2wd? The kit says it only works for a 4x4. I’ve got a 2012 1500 2wd and want to put theses on my truck. Will it work?

[@samidarwish86]

I set my fronts at 2.1 inches. Rear are stock, i feel the distance between the front tire and wheel well os higher than the back which is very annoying 😅.. i noticed you guys set it to the max front lift, did you raise the rear?

[@flightlinerstv299]

Where did you get the shocks?

[@dbriggs1689]

What size tires are you running?

[@--emt]

What is the setting they are set at 2.1?

[@thegreatempire3882]

I'm interested in installing Bilstein 5100s in my 2017 Ram 1500 sport. How do you like the new rear springs and do you have any reliability issues with the front struts? I'm trying to debate if I should go with the 2.1" and factory rear height, or go 2.8" and add the Bilstein B12 spring.

[@FrankMaree]

I have a question, how was the ride after you installed these? Did it ride better?

[@patrickerwin4922]

For those asking about tire size, I'm also running the K02's. 275/65r20 fits on stock 4WD hight

[@ric0000]

Thank you for fielding that question. After about 20 times I stopped answering it, haha.

[@TheKairayn]

Just a word of advice, it only requires two spring clamps to compress the strut springs, and if you use for force of the spring to retain vertical pressure on the strut nut it makes removing the strut nut much quicker then fumbling with box wrenches

[@ryancarpenter1678]

Thank you for the advice!!! I upgraded to dirt logic coil overs!

[@joshuaravnikar9730]

What size are those wheels?

[@jimlmackjr1]

What size tires please sir

[@marcshaw569]

How is it driving now? Did you have to get new control arms that were bigger so it wasn’t stressed on the ball joint?

[@davidrabago7129]

You guys are awesome! I bought 5100s and the rear springs from tuf truck but I just realized I ordered the 35% . See what happens. Have you done any engine performance mods, for pulling that trailer?

[@matt9741]

Updates today on the truck?

[@monsteroyd]

torque specs for front struts?

[@craigr6763]

Ride quality? Better then stock suspension

[@blah9664]

Nice truck

[@fabiostevioanddaid7678]

Do these work on a RWD 1500?

[@jamarnicholas5697]

Im about to do mine. Im doing 5100s upfront new UCAs, 30% increase on front springs, 5100s valve for 2500/w 35% rear springs pergressive rate 1.5" taller. This should get me 3.5 front /3 rear

[@stevenmalvasio5639]

have you had any problems with your front half shafts I installed these few months ago now I have a lot of play in them. I was told it will keep happening with the level shocks and that I need a proper lift

[@GayPrideHD]

Did you end up needing a proper lift?

[@juanfulgueira5966]

Is your truck a 4x4? I ask because the front shock on mine looks different

[@4rolando]

Hi I have a 2015 1500 5.7 RWD I want to just lift the front and all the shops in my area say my truck doesn’t have struts that I have to replace the springs in order to put the bigger 5100 shocks

[@ihatemytown]

Where can I get those springs??? My rig has the air ride and it’s failing. So I’m going to do a conversation to good ol steel. Can’t find springs that aren’t over $300-$400 for the set!

[@rasleak8714]

Good job boyz you took the long rout though like an subed

[@andrewdenine1685]

Those jack stands look small what are they looks like what I've got but I thought they weren't heavy enough

[@salvatorecabano5482]

I have the same truck same year everything.. I level the front 2 inches .. now the back sits lower? Anything I can do for the back.. the front is 39 1/4 back is 38 .. please help

[@franklyntaveras6863]

How to other the springs ?

[@adamferoli]

Did the Bilstein shocks make it too stiff?

[@kiaracrisostomo7161]

very good vid. thanks for sharing

[@ric0000]

Thanks for watching!

[@LuisSanchez-dk7ne]

Old video, but for the front, if i install bilsteins. Will i have to replace all springs or will my stock ones work

[@ric0000]

stock springs will work in both front and back

[@lancejohnson2352]

I got a 2017 I've been looking for some good shocks and struts. Can u post the link for the parts u used.

[@ricodamore]

Great video, one of the best ones I've seen on the topic! You guys explained things very well, and now I'm much more confident in my ability to do the job, with a little help from my friends of course. 4 hands are often better when working on trucks :-)

[@ric0000]

Thank you very much! This is Exactly why we like to put these types of videos out, we want to help other people enjoy the automotive hobby like we do! Thank you for watching!

[@willrestaino9282]

5100s are the move I threw them on 22 warlock and it sits perfect now

[@bobsisic5714]

Did u take the front struts apart again to put the supplied washer in under the top hat , cause I did the same thing

[@Italianborn]

I did the same thing to and then found out in the comment that shouldn't have been that way..but in other comments he said that was over a year without any issue so I wouldn't bother taking everything apart..

[@anthony2558]

ric0000 if you remember what did you torque the upper and lower bolts for the rear shock to. Thanks.

[@armchairgangstac907]

Anthony should be 100 ft/lbs

[@Steeltoe87]

What's the overall height of your truck now?

[@louindorato6855]

Nice job. ..So , did you or didn't you use new springs ?

[@lancelassen7922]

What size are your tires? I like them a lot.

[@magneticstang1375]

Man this is driving me crazy. These shocks are on my 2014 crew cab 4x4 (front only)I recently bought and then I put on 35x12.50x20 tires and on my tires from ground to fender in the front is 38 and a half inches with the back tire from ground to fender at 40 inches. Actually went to put on 2 and a half in spacers up front when I got the truck because of the stance. Really not looking to do a lift as it's not really a need with kiddos.

[@MiguelLopez-ur3ik]

Does this void your warranty?

[@georgevolyk7629]

Hello! Do I need to do a wheel alignment after I lifted 2 inches my truck front and rear

[@simonsays456]

George Volyk anytime you take the tie rod ends off / on I’d recommend it

[@metalmd1]

Hey ric0000 i got a 2012 ram with 295/65 /20 tires it is suppose to already have a 2 inch level kit in front but it sits 2 inches lower in the front wheel well than the back wheel well will the bilstein 5100 help get the front up any more thanks

[@ric0000]

I believe it would help, but it really depends on what level kit is already on the truck.

[@buzzhayes8575]

Im looking to do the same thing to mine but with all the factory couls how is the ride quality? I also have a 2015 ram 1500

[@ric0000]

Ride Quality is good. slightly better than stock but higher.

[@davepersonal9082]

The washer that is supplied does NOT go right under the nut.......it goes on the rod BEFORE the top spring seat is mounted. Check Bilstiens directions closely. WILL CAUSE DAMAGE IF DONE WRONG!

[@07drewboyd]

having a really hard time removing the nut on the strut... is it an 18mm? who's had the best luck getting it off and how?

[@jessejensen7527]

I hope he is still not trying to get the nut off one year later but just in case someone else is looking for the answer, I drilled it out.

[@peterrandall7979]

so the lift yielded in the rear is simply due to the stiffer rear springs, or did you get a longer spring?

[@DF-et4gs]

It's due to it being stiffer so less sag. I ordered similar springs from Tuftruck

[@Christophergg279]

Is the truck 4wd?

[@justindecker1587]

Looking at this kit for my 2015 ram, but I have a question, do you have to tire alignment every time you change the height? For example; having it at a 2" lift in city, then putting it to 0" lift when driving on the highway. Would I to re-align the tires every time you do this?

[@ric0000]

After you install the Kit you need to have an alignment. If you are talking about changing the ride height as you go after the install and alignment, you'd probably be OK.

[@justindecker1587]

ric0000 thanks for your help and the quick reply!

[@Steviethegr8]

@@ric0000 i know its been years since you asked this but thats not okay to do.. think about it if you put it back to stock and wouldnt have to get it aligned why would you have to after you went up 2"?

[@danisduarte89]

Nice. Thank s

[@brywong93]

My loca shop is telling me I need aftermarket UCAs for my 2013 1500. I’m looking to set my bilsteins to 2.1”, did you leave yours stock?

[@MrMaacin05]

You need a new shop. Stock is fine. If after they are installed and the alignment is jacked... then upgrading the UCAs would make sense but for less than 3” of lift... you’re fine running stock. Go somewhere else

[@jamesfrank5574]

how long did it take to install the front struts

[@ric0000]

Good question, for both sides it was about 3 hours for us, so about 1 1/2 per side. I'm sure it would go quicker if you are a more experienced mechanic.

[@MrLaddy58]

I know it's an older video, but what did you set the height to on the front struts?

[@ric0000]

We set it to the adjustment that would give the maximum height.

[@fattie2550]

The height would be 2.8 max height FYI

[@JimRLinton]

Kind of curious how adjusting the ring on the shock alters height...since the distance from mounting point to mounting point will not change with the adjustment of that ring, it seems as though it would only offer the adjustment of preload.

[@mikesrt5206]

The mounting point stays the same but the shock seat is moved up by the rings also these shocks are longer

[@neverquit5794]

Adjusting the circlip ring on the shock does indeed increase the distance from mounting point to mounting point. Moving the ring up makes the spring assembly sit higher on the shock tube. Another way to explain/understand it is by measuring the bottom shock length below where the spring sits at each position. The measurement of the bottom portion of the shock is longer each time you raise the spring position using that ring. Since that part of the shock doesn’t change size as the shock and spring is compressed, it is able to increase your ride height.

[@matthewvanorsdel9472]

What website did you get the new springs for the rear? I’ve been thinking about doing the same to my Ram. Thanks.

[@chrisgreenwood4601]

TUFTRUCK

[@TheBand4me]

Nice video, thanks for sharing. I am wondering if you considered using air bags in the rear?

[@ric0000]

We did, basically it came down to price. Using bags in the rear would be the best situation, but comes at additional cost, and having to mount a compressor and tank.

[@erchachanfles]

Brian C. Wuttke I bought a pair of air bags from airlift for 100$ bucks and I am very happy with them, I load up my atv which weighs around 450lbs and the back of the truck stays the same. Check them out, i installed myself in 2:00hrs with no on board compressor though, i just inflate them from my garage compressor.

[@Italianborn]

@@erchachanfles those are the ones that go in the spring ? They're well known to get pinched in the spring, you spent a 100$ mind as well spend a little extra and get the actual air bag they're fenomenal..

[@johndoe5203]

I hope you drove it before measuring

[@kingofbattle1663]

Would it be alright if I just keep the rear springs stock?

[@ric0000]

Yes - totally fine, Chris just wanted to add a bit more load capacity so he changed up the springs

[@stevenmunoz4697]

fantastic video ! Also does did void your warranty ?

[@DL101ca]

It did does not.