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Leveling Kits: Bilstein's 5100 or Eibach's Pro Stage 2/R?

mtnryder56

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I installed the Stage 2, no resi. I tow a 8k lb boat. I switched out from FX4 suspension and have noticed a big improvement. Enough of one that I am going to return the timbren system I bought, but have not installed yet. You will be happy
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Blurb

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I have the Eibach pro 2R, and ordered them from Hotshot Offroad last year. They are great on road and don't have the boat ride that the stock FX4 had. When pulling out of my driveway, at an angle, I do still get some of the rocking but have a feeling that will happen on any set up unless you get sway bar upgrades, which then detract from off-road capabilities.

I haven't ridden with any other shock type, but after researching it seemed the consensus was that Fox was the softest, Bilstein was the firmest, and Eibach was in between. Also haven't had any experience offroad either so I can't comment on that.

Eibachs can be adjusted higher/lower on the truck. I currently have 10 turns (about 1.25") off the max height so I can have just a little rake incase I tow or carry a load. Adding the additional 1.25" in height would probably stiffen the front a little bit more also.

Not sure how much weight difference there is in the front of different trims, but for comparison, I have a '22 platinum 3.5EB, 34" tires on 20" rims.


20240119_164321(0).jpg
do you think you could fit 35s if you went up another inch or so?
 

rpold150

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do you think you could fit 35s if you went up another inch or so?
I really don't know. I never have any rubbing, so I've never actually looked under there to see how close it is. I'll try to get under there and see how close it is lock to lock, but that will be on a flat garage with no articulation of the suspension. YMMV
 
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motivology

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I have the Eibach pro 2R, and ordered them from Hotshot Offroad last year. They are great on road and don't have the boat ride that the stock FX4 had. When pulling out of my driveway, at an angle, I do still get some of the rocking but have a feeling that will happen on any set up unless you get sway bar upgrades, which then detract from off-road capabilities.

I haven't ridden with any other shock type, but after researching it seemed the consensus was that Fox was the softest, Bilstein was the firmest, and Eibach was in between. Also haven't had any experience offroad either so I can't comment on that.

Eibachs can be adjusted higher/lower on the truck. I currently have 10 turns (about 1.25") off the max height so I can have just a little rake incase I tow or carry a load. Adding the additional 1.25" in height would probably stiffen the front a little bit more also.

Not sure how much weight difference there is in the front of different trims, but for comparison, I have a '22 platinum 3.5EB, 34" tires on 20" rims.


20240119_164321(0).jpg
Thank you for chiming in, I appreciate it. This will be my first time leveling / lifting a truck, so obviously it will be hard for me to compare to others. After an exhaustive research for my 3.0L PS, I’ve seen and heard a lot of great things about Eibach’s Stage 2R kit.

The Powerstroke diesel engine is the 2nd heaviest in the MY21 line up with Powerboost being the heaviest. I had to find one that will accommodate the heavier engine - meaning, higher spring rate in the front. There are PB kits out there, but companies weren’t willing to confirm compatibility with 3.0L PS so that made the research even harder.

Hopefully the 2R kit will work out great for me. I’m tired of researching and want to level it off NOW so I can put bigger tires on it lol.

-DK


I installed the Stage 2, no resi. I tow a 8k lb boat. I switched out from FX4 suspension and have noticed a big improvement. Enough of one that I am going to return the timbren system I bought, but have not installed yet. You will be happy
Wow - that is great to hear you don’t need the timbren system anymore. I might still get air bags to help offset a heavy load but that’s down the road.

-DK
 

rpold150

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Hopefully the 2R kit will work out great for me. I’m tired of researching and want to level it off NOW so I can put bigger tires on it lol.
I think you will be very happy with it.
 

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VTR_16

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I ordered the Eibach from HotShot a couple months ago and finally got them installed last week. The fellas at HotShot really took the time to talk with me on the phone and find out what the intended use was for my truck and pointed me in the right direction. Thrilled with the end result. Being able to adjust the height of the fronts while on the truck was a big selling point for me. As were the remote reservoirs on the rear. Add in the price and customer service from HotShot and I couldn’t be happier, overall.

I started with the setting they came with but for the sake of my CVs I’ll be lowering it pretty soon. I love the 1/2” rake I ended up with but it def needs to drop a bit in the front. My original rake was 4” haha

Ford F-150 Leveling Kits:  Bilstein's 5100 or Eibach's Pro Stage 2/R? IMG_5774


Ford F-150 Leveling Kits:  Bilstein's 5100 or Eibach's Pro Stage 2/R? IMG_5773


Ford F-150 Leveling Kits:  Bilstein's 5100 or Eibach's Pro Stage 2/R? IMG_5770


Ford F-150 Leveling Kits:  Bilstein's 5100 or Eibach's Pro Stage 2/R? IMG_5769


Ford F-150 Leveling Kits:  Bilstein's 5100 or Eibach's Pro Stage 2/R? IMG_5772


Ford F-150 Leveling Kits:  Bilstein's 5100 or Eibach's Pro Stage 2/R? IMG_5825
 
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jflem

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I ordered the Eibach from HotShot a couple months ago and finally got them installed last week. The fellas at HotShot really took the time to talk with me on the phone and find out what the intended use was for my truck and pointed me in the right direction. Thrilled with the end result. Being able to adjust the height of the fronts while on the truck was a big selling point for me. As were the remote reservoirs on the rear. Add in the price and customer service from HotShot and I couldn’t be happier, overall.

I started with the setting they came with but for the sake of my CVs I’ll be lowering it pretty soon. I love the 1/2” rake I ended up with but it def needs to drop a bit in the front. My original rake was 4” haha

IMG_5774.jpeg


IMG_5773.jpeg


IMG_5770.jpeg


IMG_5769.jpeg


IMG_5772.jpeg


IMG_5825.jpeg
Checking in - new here. Was curious how you’re liking the ride? Plus a question: did you need a new upper control arm for the front coil overs? This close ? to putting the stage 2r on my 2017 f150 stx 4x4

Many thanks!
John
 

VTR_16

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Checking in - new here. Was curious how you’re liking the ride? Plus a question: did you need a new upper control arm for the front coil overs? This close ? to putting the stage 2r on my 2017 f150 stx 4x4

Many thanks!
John
My feedback will be different than yours because I’m on a shorter wheelbase and I made the suspension change and tire change at the same time. It’s definitely more firm and not floaty at all. That’s all I’ll say lol. As for the UCA’s I haven’t messed with them. Just last week I got the 2WD ubolts and nuts to take out the rear blocks and lower the fronts to be able to save (hopefully) my CVs
 

Hotshot Offroad

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I ordered the Eibach from HotShot a couple months ago and finally got them installed last week. The fellas at HotShot really took the time to talk with me on the phone and find out what the intended use was for my truck and pointed me in the right direction. Thrilled with the end result. Being able to adjust the height of the fronts while on the truck was a big selling point for me. As were the remote reservoirs on the rear. Add in the price and customer service from HotShot and I couldn’t be happier, overall.

I started with the setting they came with but for the sake of my CVs I’ll be lowering it pretty soon. I love the 1/2” rake I ended up with but it def needs to drop a bit in the front. My original rake was 4” haha

IMG_5774.jpeg


IMG_5773.webp


IMG_5770.webp


IMG_5769.jpeg


IMG_5772.jpeg


IMG_5825.webp
We are still loving this set up on your 2DR! We’re glad you’re still enjoying the ride quality from this kit.
 

jflem

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My feedback will be different than yours because I’m on a shorter wheelbase and I made the suspension change and tire change at the same time. It’s definitely more firm and not floaty at all. That’s all I’ll say lol. As for the UCA’s I haven’t messed with them. Just last week I got the 2WD ubolts and nuts to take out the rear blocks and lower the fronts to be able to save (hopefully) my CVs
Could you speak to its absorbing impact? I’m in construction and I hop A TON of curbs ? it’s the final question, promise
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