Bilstein 5100 shocks fitment on 2021 F-150 (installed and feedback)

[Tizzzo]

What's up everyone, just wanted to make this thread to show everyone that bilstein 5100s do in fact fit on the 2021 models. I know there was some confusion on what does and doesn’t fit on this new gen. I even remember seeing someone say that they reached out to bilstein to confirm fitment and they said that installing older gen kits on the current gen can be catastrophic (don’t see how or why).

It bolts up just fine especially since you transfer over the stock springs and top hat onto the new shocks. Ride quality is more firm than stock but excellent in my opinion, very smooth and it gets rid of the stock floaty feeling when hitting bumps at speed. I’m sure bilstein will come up with a 2021 specific kit at some point with slightly different valving but at only $389 for the full set from @Stage3Motorsports I can’t recommend them enough. I will be taking my truck off roading this weekend so I will update this thread with some new pictures as well as my opinion on how they ride off road soon.

P.S. If anyone is interested in a ready lift 2.25 inch puck style spacer, I have one in good condition for sale I wont be using anymore.

 

[Tizzzo]

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/15f1504wd-15-20-f150-4wd-bilstein-5100-complete-shock-kit.html
Here's the link if anyone is interested ?

 

[flynavy]

https://www.stage3motorsports.com/15f1504wd-15-20-f150-4wd-bilstein-5100-complete-shock-kit.html
Here's the link if anyone is interested ?

Do you think those tires would clear without the Bilsteins?

 

[Tizzzo]

Do you think those tires would clear without the Bilsteins?

Honestly I think so I still have clearance left on the crash bars, i'll upload pics of the clearance later today. Also you can fit stock raptor wheels and 35 inch tires without a lift and no rub. I have 295/70/18 tires which end up being about the same diameter as the raptor wheels and tires just less width. https://tiresize.com/comparison/

 

[Tizzzo]

Also depends on your wheel set up and offset, If its stock wheels I don't see it being a problem but only one way to find out lol.

 

[Pibblemobile]

This seems like a better setup than a spacer at a slightly higher cost.

 

[Pibblemobile]

Also depends on your wheel set up and offset, If its stock wheels I don't see it being a problem but only one way to find out lol.

This is a great point. Our accessories manager has a leveling kit with 285/65/20 and rubs due to the offset of her Fuel wheels. Our Linex vender has the same tire on stock wheels and is fine.

 

[Jaylars]

I am glad it is working out for you but for now I am only installing the rears until Blistein releases the new 2021 version of the fronts. For clarity to others on the forum, below is the response I received from Bilstein's technical department recently.


Laffin, Joseph <[email protected]>
Mon 8/16/2021 7:16 AM

Hello,

Thank you for contacting Bilstein. As of right now we have nothing for the front of the 2021, Ford F-150. Ford made a change on the front of the 2021, F-150. Our product management is working on developing product for the front. No ETA as of right now.

As far as the rear 2020 carried over to 2021. Looking at our online catalog https://cart.bilsteinus.com/ you will see what part #’s will fit. Here is a few names of our direct distributors like, Summit Racing, Tire Rack or 4Wheel parts. Hopefully this info will help you. Thank you.

 

[Tizzzo]

This is a great point. Our accessories manager has a leveling kit with 285/65/20 and rubs due to the offset of her Fuel wheels. Our Linex vender has the same tire on stock wheels and is fine.

My buddy just recently got new method wheels with a +0 offset and 33inch tires and he has less clearance than I do and I’m on 34inch tires so wheel offset has a lot to do with it!

 

[Tizzzo]

Do you think those tires would clear without the Bilsteins?

Here are some pictures showing the clearance I have currently. This is a 2inch lift and 295/70/18 tires, stock wheel and offset.
Straight wheel

At full lock

 

[flynavy]

Here are some pictures showing the clearance I have currently. This is a 2inch lift and 295/70/18 tires, stock wheel and offset.
Straight wheel

At full lock

Hm hard to tell. Per our conversation I’m still at a dead end on what route to take. Rough country has assembled struts but they are dirt cheap compared to other options.

 

[Tizzzo]

Hm hard to tell. Per our conversation I’m still at a dead end on what route to take. Rough country has assembled struts but they are dirt cheap compared to other options.

I feel you I was stuck too on what route to take. If you decide to go the safe route and get the puck spacers lmk

 

[GABAR]

What's up everyone, just wanted to make this thread to show everyone that bilstein 5100s do in fact fit on the 2021 models. I know there was some confusion on what does and doesn’t fit on this new gen. I even remember seeing someone say that they reached out to bilstein to confirm fitment and they said that installing older gen kits on the current gen can be catastrophic (don’t see how or why).

It bolts up just fine especially since you transfer over the stock springs and top hat onto the new shocks. Ride quality is more firm than stock but excellent in my opinion, very smooth and it gets rid of the stock floaty feeling when hitting bumps at speed. I’m sure bilstein will come up with a 2021 specific kit at some point with slightly different valving but at only $389 for the full set from @Stage3Motorsports I can’t recommend them enough. I will be taking my truck off roading this weekend so I will update this thread with some new pictures as well as my opinion on how they ride off road soon.

P.S. If anyone is interested in a ready lift 2.25 inch puck style spacer, I have one in good condition for sale I wont be using anymore.

Just because they bolt up, doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea to use them.

There might be different internal and external differences that are needed for the 2021 hence the reason they’re not recommending the 5100’s from the 13th Gen.

I hope they work out for you but people really should wait until the 5100’s are released for the 14th Gen.

Better safe than sorry.

 

[Bravo36]

Agreed, but I get it that some folks are tired of waiting. Personally, I'll be waiting till we have a few more options with "made for" parts. Don't like it, but it is...what it is.

 

[Tizzzo]

Just because they bolt up, doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea to use them.

There might be different internal and external differences that are needed for the 2021 hence the reason they’re not recommending the 5100’s from the 13th Gen.

I hope they work out for you but people really should wait until the 5100’s are released for the 14th Gen.

Better safe than sorry.

This is true, but I just can’t seem to understand why it would be an issue. Different valving for the change of weight? Slightly different geometry? Maybe. But even Ford dealerships and roush are installing the fox coil over kits for the previous gen without issue. Only thing I would see change would be the height setting you put them at if the geometry was different, but that’s about it. To each there own though, I’m just sharing my experience and will update you guys as I go

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