Thanks for the update. Since I already had the springs, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the install. It's at the shop right now. I was going to order the bilsteins and sell ththe eibachs, but the shop said they were slow and would do the install for $300 if it was today. I couldn't pass it up. Previously, I'd been quoted $495 - $550 by several shops. I'll post pics soon.
After the weeks of waiting for my 4th strut, I'm not going to install them today as planned. See this thread https://www.toasterjeep.com/index.php?threads/suspension-connection.2983/ I'm going to ship them back and say the hell with it on the Bilsteins. I've been trying to get a complete set of the struts since the 2nd week of June. I'm tired of screwing with it, so I'm installing the Eibach springs today and that will be it. I also ended up having to return a Valkyrie diff skid plate that was bent enough in production that it wouldn't even come close to bolting on the car, and they were un-sympathetic. As a result I'll be using an ATP diff skid. Guys, Renegade Ready has been great to work with. They stand behind what they sell, and have great customer service. Valkyrie, totally opposite experience. They blew me off. Renegade Ready took care of it. I'll be buying from them again. Suspension Connection, I'm done with them once they credit me back. Never again.
So, I bent my second strut. Once I pull it out I'll post photos of the koni strut next to the 5100. I think the bottom end of the strut body isnt as thick and this is why It keeps bending
That’s got to suck. You are having the worse luck with your struts. I am running the B6 without any issues (yet); the colors may clash a bit, but they might be more off road worthy. ... just a thought.
It's mainly those welds and brackets they used arent strong enough. They need to do what koni did with the wrap around the strut body. As of right now I wouldn't recommend doing the 5100s. Not only the struts but other components I've had to fix from the struts bending is just upsetting. I didn't go the spacer route because all the information was to do suspension because spacers break components.
They do provide 1" lift by way of a raised lower spring perch. https://www.truckspring.com/shock-absorbers/bilstein.aspx?make=Jeep&year=2016&model=Renegade
I know this thread is a bit old, but just wanted to clarify: The B6 strut is a 1" increase in distance from spring perch to knuckle? Do the B8's do the same thing? The website you linked doesn't really show any difference between teh two but it *looks* like there might be more distance between teh spring perch and knuckle. Seeing the issues with the B8's, I'm hesitant to buy those. I'm not going to be taking my Reny down any offroad trails, but I will be taking it up mountain roads/back roads that aren't paved and may or may not have large potholes/rocks/other moderate obstacles. But I would like a little more clearance for the tires in the wheelwell. Increased travel would be nice, but again, this isn't a trail-going vehicle.
Just to clarify, there are specific B6 and B8 struts that provide the 1 inch lift. Check the link above to get the strut that you are looking for. I put the B6 on my Trailhawk that DID NOT give my the inch of lift. So be sure to double check when you order. I have not used the B8 struts. But have heard of some bending issues at the spindle mount on the B8 struts while playing off road.
Did you have to trim the pinch seam to fit your tyres? If you use the Bilstein B8 5100 struts (giving 1” lift) and the Eibach Pro Springs (also providing 1” lift on a TH) then I’m guessing that’s a better combination lift solution than installing 2” pucks? Anyone have any experience with this combo (no puck lift)?
True. The B6 do not raise the lower spring perch (oem height). The B8 5100 has the raised lower spring perch. Click on the 'Category' for each (B6 or 5100) then check out the installation notes. 5100 = Lift Height: 1" B6 = not so much