Bilstien

[ribeye19]

I am looking at purchasing a leveling kit for my 2022 Ram 2500 from CJC Offroad and I am currently between two kits.

There is a lot of love for the Carli Suspension 2.5" and it comes with:
- front springs
- front and rear Carli shocks

The price for this is $1260.



My other option is the Bilsiten 5100 2.5" kit which comes with:
- front spring
- front and rear Bilstein shocks
- Carli track bar

The price for this is $1325.



So my question is, for around the same price, the Bilstein kit gives you an added track bar. You can add the track bar on the Carli kit but you would be closer to $2000. For the price, do you think there would be a noticeable ride difference between these two specs?

Thanks!

 

[firemansdiesel]

I never rode in the new Carli spec’d entry system, but I imagine the custome valving may be noticed over the generic Bilstein 5100’s. I would also look at Thuren Trac Bar if adding one.

I would take a peek at Thuren leveling with coils, shocks, trac bar as an alternative above.

 

[ribeye19]

I never rode in the new Carli spec’d entry system, but I imagine the custome valving may be noticed over the generic Bilstein 5100’s. I would also look at Thuren Trac Bar if adding one.

I would take a peek at Thuren leveling with coils, shocks, trac bar as an alternative above.

Oh wow, thats a good valid 3rd option. Thanks for the input!

 

[elephantrider]

the bilstein kit is really nice.

 

[Cseybert]

Bilstein. JMO

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Bilstein is great they always have been

 

[joshuaeb09]

I don't know of anyone running the in-house made Carli shocks to give them a comparison to Bilstein or Fox 2.0's, but they look like they could be promising. I'd prolly wait until there's more data around longevity between needing replacement/rebuild, etc before saying anything positive or negative about their new shocks. That said comparing basic Fox 2.0s against 5100's - 5100's usually get my vote from a cost perspective. 5100's just run until they blow and replace like any other shock. 2.0s you can rebuild, but it can be a bit pricey if you don't do it yourself and in some cases its cheaper to replace.

There are several good resources comparing 5100s to Fox 2.0 IFP's but the basic comparison is that 5100s will be firmer on the initial hit where as Fox 2.0s will be a tad softer until you push more shaft speed. This comes down to most Fox 2.0s being progressive or close to linear valving while 5100's are digressively valved.

If you do look at Bilstein there are a couple kits to consider
- The CJC Spec'd Carli Kit - I don't know which 5100's they're shipping with this kit.
- Thuren Springs w/Thuren Spec'd 5100's - While these are still off the shelf 5100's they do spec a different shock for their lighter springs and enhanced travel. You also get more options on spring height
- Bilstein 2.3" Leveling Kit w/5100's - This uses the standard 5100 for leveled Ram's with Bilsteins own spring/isolator. I believe the springs are made by Eibach, but I cannot confirm that.

 

[phatboy64]

I ran the Bilstein setup in my 2014 and added the track bar. I was very happy with it. My only complaint is the shocks will start to look like crap if you live in an area that salts or treats the roads in the winter. If you get them I would wrap them in some PPF.

I have the Carli 3.25 backcountry kit with the Fox shocks on my 2023 and it does ride smoother then the 14’ did. but a lot more money.

If I were looking to save money I would do the Bilstein kit. The pic is my 2014 with 35’

 

[gimmie11s]

Do both! I just added Carli 2.5" springs along with Bilstien 5160 reservoirs up front and 5100's out back. I went with the thuren track bar that is about $100 cheaper than the Carli. The Thuren bar also comes preset in length for 1-3" lifts. Pretty cool.

Rockauto has the 5160 shocks for $192 each... pretty good deal!

Truck rides VERY nice! No complaints.

 

[jetrinka]

When lifting something equipped with a solid front or rear end on coil springs always go with the kit that has the proper length track bar IMO

 

[jetrinka]

Do both! I just added Carli 2.5" springs along with Bilstien 5160 reservoirs up front and 5100's out back. I went with the thuren track bar that is about $100 cheaper than the Carli. The Thuren bar also comes preset in length for 1-3" lifts. Pretty cool.

Rockauto has the 5160 shocks for $192 each... pretty good deal!

Truck rides VERY nice! No complaints.


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Beastly!!!

 

[gimmie11s]

Beastly!!!

Dude im loving it. Should have done it sooner.

 

[Riddick]

Do both! I just added Carli 2.5" springs along with Bilstien 5160 reservoirs up front and 5100's out back. I went with the thuren track bar that is about $100 cheaper than the Carli. The Thuren bar also comes preset in length for 1-3" lifts. Pretty cool.

Rockauto has the 5160 shocks for $192 each... pretty good deal!

Truck rides VERY nice! No complaints.


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This is one fine looking truck, nicely done.

 

[scrmblr2]

Do both! I just added Carli 2.5" springs along with Bilstien 5160 reservoirs up front and 5100's out back. I went with the thuren track bar that is about $100 cheaper than the Carli. The Thuren bar also comes preset in length for 1-3" lifts. Pretty cool.

Rockauto has the 5160 shocks for $192 each... pretty good deal!

Truck rides VERY nice! No complaints.


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Uh…..that looks REALLY GOOD! So u lifted just the front 2.5? So does that mean the rear is still stock height or am I miss understanding?

 

[Fast6.3]

Thats one sweet ride. I wanted a dually but when I did the test deiveI found it too jarring so I went with a 2500

 

[gimmie11s]

Uh…..that looks REALLY GOOD! So u lifted just the front 2.5? So does that mean the rear is still stock height or am I miss understanding?

2.5 in the front and 2" blocks and 2" airbag spacers in the rear. Truck has OEM air-assist.

Thats one sweet ride. I wanted a dually but when I did the test deiveI found it too jarring so I went with a 2500

Thanks! I had a 2016 2500 with coil suspension and it definitely rode better than this truck. We tow a 14k lb fifth wheel and plan to go bigger, so a DRW was in order.