Bilstein 5100 Level Kit - mistake

I had one installed a few months ago on my '17 F150 at the same off road shop I used years ago to install a level kit on my '02 Z71. The 5100's on mine has 5 settings and the highest one provide over 2" of lift. I immediately regretted it, it feels wonky, like the front end is on stilts. I kept driving it thinking it might grow on me but it didn't. When I had a not so heavy load in the bed the front was higher than the back. Not the look I was going for. Fast forward to this week, I got new tires and wanted to have the level kit lowered and the shop is booked deep into Feb and I gotta go to KY next week. So I go and rent the compression tool from Advance and did it myself. A definite pain in the arse but it rides/steers so much better and I really can't see much of a difference between the top setting and the middle setting which still gave me about 1.25" lift. Getting an alignment tomorrow. Just be sure what you're asking for when you install one of these things.

I can't say mine drove rougher but def felt wonky like I was steering a boat on wheels.

I put new LT tires on but kept them OEM size to reuse the wheels. I drive this truck alot for work and personal so didn't want to go big. If it were mainly a hunting truck I would.

I have some in the garage waiting for a chance to install. I’d made up my mind to go with the 1.25” setting.

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Of the 5 settings what would be considered stock? I am putting some on my Z71 in a few months. I want to go a little higher than stock but not all the way out.

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I’d guess “zero” which would be the bottom groove. Research on some vehicle specific forums though, that’s what I did- I set mine a zero and used heavier springs on my Tacoma. Been on a little past 8 years now.

Here's a after picture with the middle setting giving it a 1.25" lift. I didn't go with bigger tires/wheels but did put on LT Goodyear AT tires.

I got the alignment today and it's smooth as silk now.

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Did they do an alignment after install?

If you want some of the rake back, you can get bags or blocks for the rear and/or rear take your 5100s back down to 1.5”.