Nissan Frontier Bilstein 5100s Ride Review
When you’re looking to lift a 2022+ Nissan Frontier, the options can get overwhelming fast. You’ve got everything from basic spacer kits to full-blown race suspension setups that cost more than a used sedan. But for most of us, those who daily drive their trucks but still want to hit the trails with confidence, there is a sweet spot in the market.
In our opinion, that sweet spot is the Bilstein B8 5100 Lift Kit.
We’ve put this setup through its paces, and we want to share exactly how it feels, why we recommend it, and who it’s really for.
The Ride Quality: Firm but Confident
Let’s talk about the ride first, because that’s what everyone asks about. If you’re coming from the stock suspension, you’re going to notice a difference immediately and it’s a good one.
We describe the ride quality of the Bilstein 5100s as firm but confident.
There is a pronounced firmness that is characteristic of Bilstein shocks. They communicate the road surface to you, so you know what’s going on under your tires, but they don't punish you for it. Unlike some stiff off-road shocks that rattle your teeth fillings on the highway, the 5100s maintain that firmness without being excessive (in our opinion).
It’s a controlled feeling compared to the S and SV shocks. That question of "I'm not sure if there's shocks on my truck or bricks for suspension" when your 10 minutes into a trail is gone. Instead, you get a truck that feels planted in corners and composed over washboards. It’s the kind of ride that makes you want to take the long way home, whether that’s on pavement or dirt.
Why We Built This Kit
We didn’t just want to slap some shocks in a box and call it a day. Our kit is designed to be a complete solution for the 3rd Gen Frontier.
We paired the legendary reliability of the Bilstein 5100 shocks with ARB 2-inch lift springs up front. By using a true lift spring rather than just cranking up the preload on stock springs, we’re able to gain that 2 inches of lift while maximizing ride quality. For the rear, we include our own Bushmaster 4x4 aluminum lift blocks to give you a commanding stance (2" Front / 1.5" Rear).
Who is this for?
This kit is arguably one of the best options if you are shopping for a suspension lift kit for a Frontier that you plan to actually off-road, but you also need to keep the price reasonable.
It’s perfect for the owner who:
Wants to fit larger tires and get a more aggressive stance.
Needs better-than-stock off-road performance for trails and camping.
Does not want to sacrifice daily driving comfort.
Wants a "Trail Tested" solution that doesn't require a second mortgage.
The Verdict
If you want a suspension upgrade that balances price, performance, and ride quality, the Bilstein 5100s are the way to go. They offer that "firm but confident" feedback that gives you total control without the harshness.
Ready to upgrade your Frontier? Check out the full details and grab your kit here: https://bushmaster4x4.com/product/bilstein-b8-5100-lift-kit--2022-nissan-frontier