3" factory rake?

[H2OMAN]

I agree. It's a negligible amount of compression. In terms of ride, the 5100's are harder than it was stock, new. However, they are way better than the worn out stock Bilsteins that were on there for the last 66k in miles.

They are stiff at lower speeds because of the digressive valving. If you feel like you're getting beat up just go a little faster until you get them working. Then they smooth out. But they are valved to handle the lift and larger wheels unlike the stock 4600's. Of course they are going to fade faster than reservoirs but that is to be expected. If the stiffness is too much for you the Fox 2.0's are Linear valved and don't suffer that issue. If you tow then the Bilsteins are probably the better option.

 

[RVTRKN]

The reality is that even the front Bilsteins are not the 100% ideal way to level/lift. It's much better than puck lifts for sure.

The problem is that it's pre loading the spring in the front when you raise the perch up. You get a little rougher ride and less spring travel. The ideal way to do it is with new shocks/struts and new, taller, springs.

But, that's also probably excessive for just a 2" level. I don't lose any sleep over it but I acknowledge that the absolute perfect way to get it done is new springs as well.

This is a correct statement, however to do it like the ORP option, you need to change a lot of suspension parts and spend way more than its worth, even if you do it yourself. So pucks are the worst alternative, and with Bilstein type shocks you can have an adjustment to lift the front. Bilstein actually has a spring if you want to pay for it, it is even installed on the shock as an assembly when you get it. However the OE spring will give you a less smother ride, but for the cost, will I feel the difference with the way I drive it, I doubt it.