No, you can't stack Bilstein 5100's and spacers. The control arm and CV shaft angles become far too steep. If you want more front end lift you'd need to go with a full 4" lift kit to address the front end geometry issues that arise when lifting that much.

 

Here's my thought. If I set the bilsteins at the stock heigth(bottom) and then put my hell Bent on top of that to get front a bit higher?

 

That would set me at 2.5 instead of the 2" with bilsteins. Truck has a very obvious rake and i cannot look past it. Haha

 

That will be a worse setup than setting the Bilsteins at the highest setting as spacers allow the front suspension to overextend where Bilsteins keep it within OEM range.

 

Well alright then, I'm convinced. Thanks for the help. going to have to turn a blind eye I guess.

 

How did you even get 5100's on a Gen 3?

 

Not sure what you mean. I went to Bilstein website and checked proper fitment. Part numbers were 24-186988 for front struts. 0-2 inch lift. Rear shocks were 24-185783. No issues in install

 

Ok. I think I understand now. You got the 5100' but they provide no lift since it's an 08. You are asking if it is ok to use spacers with those shocks. The answer is yes. I think both Brandon and I were thinking the were the leveling 5100's. My bad. If you want to level it is your only coice to use spacers since the Bilsteins won't level for you. Put a little more info on your truck in your sig and it will help others know what you need.

 

Bilstein has adjustable front struts for 3rd gens as well. 06+ 1500 4wd's use a strut suspension. The Bilsteins just offer one notch less lift height than the 4th gens. As the OP stated, he's has them set at max which is 2" on a 3rd gen.

 

I bought the ride adjustable 5100 for my 08 1500. Installed at the max which is 2" lift from strut. That still leaves me like over inch in a half rake. So I've been contemplating seeing them at the sock height and putting 2.5 spacers on. Then I got to thinking if I got up to the second setting it would give me a little over 3" lift with the adjustment on the strut and the spacers being used at same time. But I've read that you don't want to go over 2.5 in front or you put added stress on front end parts? Ideas? Also I'm going to add to the sig like you mentioned. Fairly new to posting on forum, Didn't know about it. Thanks for all your help guys.

 

Rough Country makes a 1" rear shackle drop, otherwise grind or pull a shim from under the leaf spring.

Shimming and a shock lift in front is frowned upon in modern day.

 

That is correct Brandon. I used to run 2.5" spacers on top of stock strut which had my 2008 1500 sitting closer to level than what it is with the adjustable Bilsteins at Max. Which is a half inch shorter. How a half inch makes that much s difference I don't understand. Just trying to get closer to level I once had with just the spacers. I also run 35x12.50r17's. this the reason I'm trying to get the most out of it without going to far or sitting on a Bro-lift(higher front) haha. Thanks again guys

 

Considering trying the rear drop shackles. Anyone have experience with these?