My thoughts on Bilstein shocks
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 27,359
Likes: 5,959
From: Lake Hartwell, GA
My thoughts on Bilstein shocks
Well, I finally finished installing the Air Lift Ultimate 5000 (or whatever it is) and had the chance to really take the truck on an extended test drive.
So, I was headed down the road just enjoying the 75 degree weather we are having here in north GA and thought to myself, the truck feels really smooth. It then occurred to me that I hadn't really had the chance to really take the truck out for a test drive since installing the shocks.
The Bilstein 4600 HD shocks on my truck make a huge difference. The rear shocks appeared to be the original and 17 years old, the fronts were replaced at some point, but were no good either.
Don't get me wrong, it is still a truck, but it handles bumps and unevenness in the road surface so much better now.
I have a lot of pictures and video that I will do up as a how-to shortly, but for now I am going to enjoy my 32 degree SweetWater 420 ale and the sunshine...
So, I was headed down the road just enjoying the 75 degree weather we are having here in north GA and thought to myself, the truck feels really smooth. It then occurred to me that I hadn't really had the chance to really take the truck out for a test drive since installing the shocks.
The Bilstein 4600 HD shocks on my truck make a huge difference. The rear shocks appeared to be the original and 17 years old, the fronts were replaced at some point, but were no good either.
Don't get me wrong, it is still a truck, but it handles bumps and unevenness in the road surface so much better now.
I have a lot of pictures and video that I will do up as a how-to shortly, but for now I am going to enjoy my 32 degree SweetWater 420 ale and the sunshine...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 9
From: Washington State
Yeah, I've got them on mine too.....I'm not sure if it's just the rosy glow of having anything better than some ancient, leaky pieces of crap....But I love mine. The Airbags top it off nicely.
The old ones were kinda like standing on a destroyer in a hurricane, lotsa rolling, not much standing......
The old ones were kinda like standing on a destroyer in a hurricane, lotsa rolling, not much standing......
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 596
Likes: 11
I put 5100's on my truck last year, replacing the stockers. Big difference, especially when I've got something hooked to it(bumper pull or gooseneck).
One thing I've noticed is that concrete roads seems to be more apt to create a rough ride. Blacktop/asphalt though is considerably smoother.
One thing I've noticed is that concrete roads seems to be more apt to create a rough ride. Blacktop/asphalt though is considerably smoother.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 9
From: Washington State
The 5100's are designed for The offroading crowd, So they are going to be a lot stiffer. My back can't stand much more buckboard rides, 30 years of driving Bucket trucks and no suspension took care of that..
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 596
Likes: 11
Sounds like you worked for a utility....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,609
Likes: 324
From: Arizona
I got Bilstein 4600's on the front a few years ago and noticed an improved ride and the truck just felt more solid and new on rough roads. Last week I put 4600's on the rear to replace what I think were the OEM's, can't say I noticed any difference there.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 9
From: Washington State
Probably won't until you get a load back there and notice the lack of Pogo stickin the a$$ end is doing.....
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Kent Station, WA
Sous- keep an eye on the front upper bushings, mine on the 5100's went out with in 25k, replaced with some ES bushings and all good now.
Timmy- I would think the Rancho 5000's would be light for a Super Duty application, either the 7000's or even adjustable 9000's would be a better fit.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 33
From: Utah
I agree the Bilstein 5100's are great. I use them on the front and noticed a significant improvement as well. For the rear, I am also using the Air Lift bags but with Rancho 9000's which I will adjust from softest for empty driving to firmest when towing and that combo works great FWIW.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,793
Likes: 50
Crap! I knew about the 9000's, didn't know about 7000's. I plugged shocks into eBay and rancho 5000 came back at all 4 being 210.00std.
. I got airbags out bag, but 1 leaks. Will fix soon. Maybe that will help prolong them.
. I got airbags out bag, but 1 leaks. Will fix soon. Maybe that will help prolong them.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 930
Likes: 6
If you are on a budget look to the 5000X. For the price point they are hard to beat, and are slightly gas charged and valved for this platform.
I have Procomp ES9000's in the rear of mine and Bilstein 5100's up front including stabilizer. Truck was much improved over the blown shocks it had. I think the Procomp's are a bit soft and may get changed out later.
Sous- keep an eye on the front upper bushings, mine on the 5100's went out with in 25k, replaced with some ES bushings and all good now.
Timmy- I would think the Rancho 5000's would be light for a Super Duty application, either the 7000's or even adjustable 9000's would be a better fit.
Sous- keep an eye on the front upper bushings, mine on the 5100's went out with in 25k, replaced with some ES bushings and all good now.
Timmy- I would think the Rancho 5000's would be light for a Super Duty application, either the 7000's or even adjustable 9000's would be a better fit.
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