Comparisons: FP Bilstein Leveling Kit - VS - Eibach Pro Truck Stage 2R Kit

[s.v.t.]

Hey all,

I am building my F-150 up to handle some larger tires for overlanding, and some easy to perhaps light moderate trails. I plan on running a ~34" tire, and my truck will be primarily used for daily driving; to and from work, as well as hauling odds and ends. No heavy loads or towing. I will eventually put a bed rack over my Retrax Pro XR, and add a R(ack)TT, adding other items to the rack, bed, cab such as a refrigerator, high lift jack, recovery goods, compressor, awning, etc.

For my needs I've narrowed down my suspension setup to either the Ford Performance Bilstein leveling kit, or the Eibach 2R kit. I've watched videos on each kit, and read up what I can find, but I am hoping for some real world experience from fellow Gen 14 F-150 owners. I understand some of the pros and cons with regard to valving, adjustability between each brand's front coilover.. I do plan on installing the suspension parts myself, so the Ford warranty is a moot point. I do wonder about the ability to lift the rear with these suspensions - perhaps an 1" with the front kit maxed on the Bilsteins at 2.5" and something comparable to the Eibach fronts. I do wonder about the affect to front suspension travel with that though.. things to think about.


Thanks in advance!

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[MichF150]

This is the bilstein 2.5 non ford kit with the gen 2 rears.

My tires at 34.3. A little rub but trimming will fix.

 

[s.v.t.]

Did you do any lift to the rear? At 2.5" are you fairly level - if so, how is the added weight in the rear? Do you get any negative rake? The rims I'll be running have a 0 offset, and with a 33.9" tire, I'm hopefully at 2.0" of front lift that I won't have any rubbing (without trimming). Thanks and great looking truck!

This is the bilstein 2.5 non ford kit with the gen 2 rears.

My tires at 34.3. A little rub but trimming will fix.

 

[9663mu]

I’m personally running 35x12.5x17 on Raptor takeoffs. Have bilstien 6112 in front on highest setting with zero rub or cutting. No issues at all. My own personal experience is that Bilstien rides just as smooth as the fox do. While giving you a little more height. I did also change the rear block to 2in from the stock 1.25 in

 

[SpaceWhiteF150]

I’m personally running 35x12.5x17 on Raptor takeoffs. Have bilstien 6112 in front on highest setting with zero rub or cutting. No issues at all. My own personal experience is that Bilstien rides just as smooth as the fox do. While giving you a little more height. I did also change the rear block to 2in from the stock 1.25 in

Why does that truck look so good!

 

[s.v.t.]

Your truck looks great. In comparing the Bilstein FP leveling kit to just getting a 6112/5160 combo to me it's worth the extra money for a complete, ready to install kit as well as I like the applied graphics - hopefully that helps prevent some corrosion..

How does your rear suspension feel when going over some big bumps or dips?

I’m personally running 35x12.5x17 on Raptor takeoffs. Have bilstien 6112 in front on highest setting with zero rub or cutting. No issues at all. My own personal experience is that Bilstien rides just as smooth as the fox do. While giving you a little more height. I did also change the rear block to 2in from the stock 1.25 in

 

[9663mu]

Thank you for the complement mate. I believe the 6112 is same as the ford bilstien ones ? Not sure. But looks very similar. Rear wise it rides good. No issues and no side to side on bumps. But I’m also running Falcons on the rears.

 

[s.v.t.]

Sweet setup. The Ford Performance Bilstein kit is essentially 6112/5160s, but the fronts only have two height settings - 2" and 2.5". I suppose there could be some other differences with valving, but unsure.

Thank you for the complement mate. I believe the 6112 is same as the ford bilstien ones ? Not sure. But looks very similar. Rear wise it rides good. No issues and no side to side on bumps. But I’m also running Falcons on the rears.

 

[Coolhand]

I have the FP set to 2.5 in front. Truck is level and greatly improved the wallowing over bumps of stock suspension. I have the trailer tow package. The truck now feels planted and steady in curves. It had a soft but controlled ride. Then I added the Toyo RT Trails 295x60x20s on my stock black appearance package Lariat rims. the 10 ply’s are what stiffened the ride, but it’s pretty quiet. I am thinking of raising the rear 1” to add a little rake back.

 

[s.v.t.]

Do you tow or carry heavy loads on/in the truck? Curious as to how much rake you have now as-is. Do you have any pictures?

I have the FP set to 2.5 in front. Truck is level and greatly improved the wallowing over bumps of stock suspension. I have the trailer tow package. The truck now feels planted and steady in curves. It had a soft but controlled ride. Then I added the Toyo RT Trails 295x60x20s on my stock black appearance package Lariat rims. the 10 ply’s are what stiffened the ride, but it’s pretty quiet. I am thinking of raising the rear 1” to add a little rake back.

 

[wessermgm]

If you are going to install yourself, then I wouldn't do the Ford Performance kit for the reasons already stated: it is basically the same setup as the Bilstein 6112/5160 but the branded Bilsteins are about $250 less MSRP. I think that a lot of folks are willing to pay the extra for the warranty, but if you aren't going to get the warranty anyway, then it really makes no difference.

 

[Coolhand]

Do you tow or carry heavy loads on/in the truck? Curious as to how much rake you have now as-is. Do you have any pictures?

I have loaded the bed with brick with no problem. I also tow a 7,000lb boat with no issues. It still looked level, but that’s why I’m going to add the extra inch in back. I plan on getting a dual axle camping trailer so the inch might come in handy. I really like the look of the height of the front of the truck. I have to figure out how to do pictures.

 

[Coolhand]

If you are going to install yourself, then I wouldn't do the Ford Performance kit for the reasons already stated: it is basically the same setup as the Bilstein 6112/5160 but the branded Bilsteins are about $250 less MSRP. I think that a lot of folks are willing to pay the extra for the warranty, but if you aren't going to get the warranty anyway, then it really makes no difference.

When I looked into these, I think you have to have the Bilsiein front struts built using the tops of the stock struts. Also, they said the FPs had different valuing, but I have no idea what that would be.

 

[s.v.t.]

Yes - that's not much of an issue. You'll use your stock top hats so you'll need to compress your stock coilovers, and then the new ones to install! I wonder how the FP setup vs the 6112/5160 compare with regard to corrosion resistance (if any).

When I looked into these, I think you have to have the Bilsiein front struts built using the tops of the stock struts. Also, they said the FPs had different valuing, but I have no idea what that would be.

This is good to know - thanks! I will probably hold off on adding a leaf until I add more weight (RTT, rotos, etc.). Hopefully you can get pics uploaded of your setup!

I have loaded the bed with brick with no problem. I also tow a 7,000lb boat with no issues. It still looked level, but that’s why I’m going to add the extra inch in back. I plan on getting a dual axle camping trailer so the inch might come in handy. I really like the look of the height of the front of the truck. I have to figure out how to do pictures.

Yep - this is the issue I find myself having.. paying for something I'm not going to get. Included the FP branding on the shock bodies, and tweaks to valving (supposedly) still probably don't warrant the up charge, but it's kind of nice having it for branding's sake. This also leads me to looking at the Eibach 2R setup..

If you are going to install yourself, then I wouldn't do the Ford Performance kit for the reasons already stated: it is basically the same setup as the Bilstein 6112/5160 but the branded Bilsteins are about $250 less MSRP. I think that a lot of folks are willing to pay the extra for the warranty, but if you aren't going to get the warranty anyway, then it really makes no difference.

 

[s.v.t.]

I called Shock Surplus the other day to ask them their opinions. They advised a Bilstein 6112/5160 setup. It is stiffer than the Eibach 2R, with more heavy duty tubes (larger). For the money it’s still a better deal to get the FP setup, but I find myself wondering if I’d be better served with the Eibach setup.
I drive mainly on pavement, my truck is my fault driver, so off-roading will be minimum. Additionally, I won’t be adding a lot of weight to the truck immediately. Over time I will add a bed rack, off-roading accessories, skids, and I’d like a steel bumper with a winch. I worry that the Bilstein setup (regardless of Ford or factory Bilstein) will be too firm, and without the extra weight I’d be better served with the Eibach kit.
Any one have insights, opinions, or thoughts on this?

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