Bilstien 5100 vs ORD 5100/5125

[89 jimmy]

89 GMC Jimmy, 2.5” lift, all stock other than that. What is the difference between the off the shelf 5100 spec’d for my truck and lift, or the ones that ORD sells? From my understanding, the ORD Bilstein shocks are meant be matched to using their ORD leaf springs. So which ones do I get for my pretty much stock truck with 2.5” Superlift springs in front, and stock leafs in back with 2.5” lift blocks?

 

[obijuank5]

It’s the valving inside. I have the 5125 on my suburban with 2.5 super lift fronts and it’s still a little bouncy. A firmer shock like the 5100 would slow down the springs better.
With the ORD springs in the crew cab though the 5125s are perfect.

 

[89 jimmy]

I’m currently running Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks, (9 position). I feel like how ever I dial them in, the are either too hard, or too soft. About midway is OK, but I feel like they could be better. Not sure if Bilstein 5100’s would be better than the Ranchos???

 

[Blue85]

My understanding is that the ORD valving is stiffer than the off-the-shelf "soft" version. If anybody has ever used both versions with ORD springs on a square, I would love to hear the feedback. I have tons of body roll and sometime the on-road sway feels like it will amplify instead of dampen, which is why my wife will only drive it on trails. I often think stiffer shocks would help.

I think the problem with the adjustable Ranchos is the inherent small piston and valve area that twin-tube shocks have. Entry-level Bilstein will adapt better to the conditions.

 

[obijuank5]

The valving is listed in the notes on bilstien catalogs I just don’t really know what they mean.

 

[Wes Harden]

I think @Stephen would have some insight, I mean there is a reason they have ORD 5125.

 

[TJ1978]

I have ORD bilstein and the ORD custom rear leafs and I like the ride. It isn't too stiff but a little stiffer might be a tad bit better but overall I like the set up I have

 

[90GMCJim]

I have ORD 5100 on my jimmy. I replaced everything at once so could really tell a difference from the worn out stock setup.

I have stock springs with new bushings from ORD. It feels good and not bad over bumps.

I went with shocks for a 2 inch lift but only lifted 1 inch.

If I had to do it again I would go with fox 2.5 shocks.

I’m mostly highway and around town. A lot of bad roads here in Northern California.

 

[Blue85]

I have stock springs with new bushings from ORD ...only lifted 1 inch.

ORD sells "off-the-shelf" springs from a few manufacturers, but the lowest is 2". Are the "stock equivalent" ones their custom ones with tiny leaves or did they get them somewhere else? I'm assuming then the "1 inch" of lift was from the springs being new, not 35 years old.

 

[imiceman44]

ORD sells "off-the-shelf" springs from a few manufacturers, but the lowest is 2". Are the "stock equivalent" ones their custom ones with tiny leaves or did they get them somewhere else? I'm assuming then the "1 inch" of lift was from the springs being new, not 35 years old.

I was thinking ez inch

 

[Blue85]

True, it makes more sense read that the bushings are from ORD, but springs are original. It would be unusual or impossible to put in new springs with the old bushings, so why mention it?

 

[imiceman44]

True, it makes more sense read that the bushings are from ORD, but springs are original. It would be unusual or impossible to put in new springs with the old bushings, so why mention it?

I think he is saying he used the ORD bushings instead of stock bushings.
Possibly Kevlar

 

[90GMCJim]

ORD sells "off-the-shelf" springs from a few manufacturers, but the lowest is 2". Are the "stock equivalent" ones their custom ones with tiny leaves or did they get them somewhere else? I'm assuming then the "1 inch" of lift was from the springs being new, not 35 years old.

1" Ez lift block in front in the stock location no offset.

 

[90GMCJim]

I did a lot of driving this weekend. My buddy jumped in with me and he kept talking about how smooth the ride was.

I was going to lift 2"s with new springs but decided to go 1" ez block from ORD in front and 1/4" ez block from ORD in the rear to clear the 35's.
Original springs with all new ORD bushings and new shackle.

The interesting this was the springs measure like 2 7/8 width and their notes from ORD say stock springs measure 3 3/8 wide?

Because of potentially lifting the truck 2 "s i went with the longer shocks in the rear since i finished that first. How much of a difference would the shocks make if i get shorter ones to match the lift height which is 0 basically.