We leveled a Ford F-150 with Bilstein 5100 shocks — raising the front to a square, planted stance and swapping in a proven, ride-quality shock at the same time. It is one of the best-value upgrades for an F-150: better looks, better ride, and room for a bigger tire.
This F-150 came through Juggernaut USA in Wheat Ridge (Denver), CO for a level. The Bilstein 5100 is the go-to leveling shock for a reason — it is a monotube shock with a built-in ride-height adjustment, so you gain the level stance and a genuine ride upgrade in one part, instead of just spacing the factory strut. It is the enthusiast's way to level a truck.
| Detail | Spec |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Ford F-150 |
| Leveling | Bilstein 5100 leveling shocks |
| Result | Level stance, upgraded ride, room for a bigger tire |
Why Bilstein 5100s to level a truck
Most leveling kits are just a spacer on top of the factory strut — they raise the front but do nothing for the ride. The Bilstein 5100 is a full monotube shock with an adjustable spring perch, so you set the front height AND get Bilstein's damping. The result is a truck that sits level and rides better than stock, especially on rough roads. For a little more than a spacer kit, it is the smarter buy.
Stance, ride, and tire room
The level squares the F-150's stance and clears the wheel gap, and it opens room for a larger all-terrain. Paired with the 5100's improved damping, you get the look, the tire clearance, and a better ride all at once — the trifecta most F-150 owners are actually after.
Protect the underside
Once it is leveled and running a bigger tire, the F-150's underside is exposed to everything the trail throws up. We make 1/4-inch aluminum skid plates for it in-house: our F-150 full skid plate package covers the engine, transmission, and transfer case with a lifetime warranty.
Common questions on this build
Are Bilstein 5100s better than a spacer leveling kit?
For ride quality, yes. A spacer just raises the front on the factory strut; the 5100 is a full upgraded shock with adjustable height, so you level the truck and improve the ride in one part.
How much lift do Bilstein 5100s give?
They are adjustable across a range of front heights, so you can set the level where you want it — typically to match the rear and clear a bigger tire.
Can you level and armor my F-150?
Yes — leveling, lifts, wheels and tires, and our own aluminum skid plates. We do it in-house.
Book the same work
We level and build trucks in-house at our Wheat Ridge shop north of Denver — and we make the skid plates too. We serve Denver, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Arvada, Lakewood, and the Front Range. Call (970) 341-4221 to talk through your build, or see our install services and suspension and lift installation. More from the bay: our F-150 Fox leveling + 35s build and 2013 F-150 FX4 4-inch lift.
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