As of now I want bilsteins but which ones? I'm replacing my stock shocks. Can you guys help me out please.
David

 

I think the 5100 series is the ones built for your truck.check there website out.

 

I did check the site and honestly it was confusing for me . I saw 5100, 4600, HD, etc, so I really appreciate the help and suggestion CH.
David

 

I bought the 5100's for my crew cab long bed and love them. Obviously with a truck as big as ours it no Cadillac but it's a much smoother ride than stock shocks. Found them on AJ USA for the best price a year ago.

 

Even though I went with the RS9000 Rancho,I heard a lot of people chose the 5100's,these trucks are heavy so if your wanting control get the top model of brand of your choice,unless your willing to give up control for a cushy ride then the cheaper softer models would be in order.

 

I've been very happy with the Yellow Bilstein shocks I have had on for the past 4.5 years.

 

I have the bilstein 5100's up front and they are awesome compared to the blown yellow/rust looking ones that came with the truck. The other option would be Rancho RS9000's which are adjustable. The beauty to this would be daily drive settings and tow settings.

 

I contacted Bilstein and talked to technical support. They recommended the 4600 series considering my needs so I went with their recommendation. Hope I'll be happy with them. Thanks guys.
David

 

It's been a year since your last post. How do you like the Bilstein 4600s? I'm thinking about some for my 1999. May have to put on new springs all the way around too as they are trashed.

 

5100's are zinc coated, and the Rancho 7000's I believe are similar. Those are what I would choose from if not looking at the Rancho 9000's

 

Are the Rancho 9000's pretty harsh riding?

 

I had wanted Bilsteins for years (the 5100s). When I got close to pulling the trigger I started to read some reviews/posts that were not very positive. At that point I decided to go a different route and purchased a set of Rancho RS9000XL shocks and I couldn't be happier.

Yes and no. It depends on the setting you have them on. They are adjustable from 1-9 for firmness. #1 is soft, #5 is about what a stock shock should do, #9 is firm, and you can guess the settings inbetween. I run them on #5 on the street and they are very comfortable. I use #1 for off-roading. If I don't turn them back "up" when I get on the road I can definitely feel it (I turn into a freeway porpoise) and the truck has a lot of body lean in the corners. I usually don't go any higher than #5 unless I load the truck down or tow then I'll dial the rears up to around #7.

With as much valving adjustment as these shocks have there's a setting for just about every taste. From #1 (feels like the dead shocks my mom had in her 4500lb 1976 Oldsmobile station wagon) to #9 (harsh enough to put me into renal failure if I'm not wearing a kidney belt) covers just about anything you could want.

Okay, maybe I exaggerated a little. I do love these shocks, though, and would recommend them to anyone. I will definitely get another set when the time comes.

It also doesn't hurt that they match my truck (red/silver)...

 

Thanks for the info. I've been advised to change all the bushings and get new springs to try to take a couple hundred thousand miles off the wear in the suspension. Would need new shocks too.

 

I was just reading the thread you started on that. I'm going to put the bushings on my to-do list now (my front springs are only a few years old and I can adjust the ride in the rear with the shocks).

 

Great review!