Postby DanJetta » Mon Feb 12, 2018 3:39 pm
Couple of things I can add:
1. I'd go for the KYB or factory strut up front. The Bilsteins have a slower expansion/recovery rate that gives the front an odd dynamic. Makes it feel a bit like a dump truck. I've been through a few sets and the factory strut, hands down, feels the best up front. Very solid and stable. The first time I removed them (around 100K miles) they were actually in decent shape still.
I know a lot of people say the Bilsteins help in the rear but I didn't notice a big difference. I think it's more that the rear struts wear out faster and a pair of new struts (any brand) are an improvement. The airbags make the most noticeable difference on my truck.
2. If you want to save money, replacing the front struts isn't as terrible as it sounds. Getting the assembly out is a breeze. Then you compress the spring with a spring compressor and take it apart. The hardest part is getting the top nut off without spinning the shaft (huh huh, I said 'shaft'). If you don't have a spring compressor, put the front of your truck on jack stands and take the strut assemblies with the new strut to a tire shop and have them swap it out for you. I had a local shop disassemble mine for $50 total.
Unless your springs are cracked, you want a lift, or you want the convenience of a preassembled unit, there's no reason to spend the money to replace the springs. They should easily last the lifetime of your truck.