Shock Absorbers
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4wd Low
Joined: Feb 2017
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Shock Absorbers
I just bought a 2005 Excursion with a 2 inch lift. I plan to use it for towing a travel trailer. The shocks need replacing and I would like advice on what to replace them with. Also, any other advice for towing a travel trailer weighing out at 7600 Max. The Ex is in excellent shape, with only 94,000 miles. Thanks in advance.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 306
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From: Winchester, VA
Bilstein
I'd go with the Bilstein 5100 series, since you have a lift. I've had them on two different vehicles and am very happy with them. Firm, controlled ride and handling without being harsh. I think many others here use them, also. Another alternative less costly alternative is the KYB Monomax.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
You will be right on the limits for using the 5100s. I suspect you will need the 4600s due to only being up 2 inches over stock. The 5100s are supposed to be for +4 inches of lift on an Excursion if I remember it right. The rear shocks are the main concern, as you will bottom them out if there is not enough lift (ram the piston through the upper mount).
I have the 4600s, and I am very happy with them. My truck is stock height in the rear.
I have the 4600s, and I am very happy with them. My truck is stock height in the rear.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 306
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From: Winchester, VA
5100s
Mike, according to what I've found online, the 5100 has two different series for the front: one is for 0-2.5" lift and the other is for 4-6" lift. The rears are listed as being for a 3-5" lift, so I think he should be OK with a 2" lift, but it would be close. The previous owner of my Ex put 5100s all around on it with no lift. I've been OK, so far, but am considering replacing the rears with either the 4600 or the MonoMax. The 4600s are a good choice, too, if they'll work on a lifted truck.
You will be right on the limits for using the 5100s. I suspect you will need the 4600s due to only being up 2 inches over stock. The 5100s are supposed to be for +4 inches of lift on an Excursion if I remember it right. The rear shocks are the main concern, as you will bottom them out if there is not enough lift (ram the piston through the upper mount).
I have the 4600s, and I am very happy with them. My truck is stock height in the rear.
I have the 4600s, and I am very happy with them. My truck is stock height in the rear.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
Jeff, you are correct. It is risky to run the 5100 shocks on the rear without that 4+ inches of lift needed for internal shaft clearance. If you truly bottom out the suspension back there, it could be a bad day since they are going to be a little too long. 4600 is the safe bet if under 4+ inches of lift, and they ride the same as the 5100 shocks from what I was told at 4wheelparts. They are just yellow...which ain't so great. No other color choice on the 4600s.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 306
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From: Winchester, VA
Spray paint
Yeah, like I said, I've been lucky so far. I haven't bottomed out anywhere. What's odd is that the previous owner was a mechanic. You'd think he would have checked that first. The fortunate thing is that I have low mileage and the springs are still in great shape. I have 24.5 inches on both sides from hub center to the edge of the fender.
I put the 4600 series on my 75 Trans Am a few years ago but painted them first. I couldn't live with the yellow. If I get the 4600 for the back, I'll probably spray them silver to match the front ones.
So, back to the topic, you're probably better off with the 4600, like Mike said, or the MonoMax. For some reason, I was thinking you had a 4" lift, instead of the 2" in your original post. I'll blame it on age.
I put the 4600 series on my 75 Trans Am a few years ago but painted them first. I couldn't live with the yellow. If I get the 4600 for the back, I'll probably spray them silver to match the front ones.
So, back to the topic, you're probably better off with the 4600, like Mike said, or the MonoMax. For some reason, I was thinking you had a 4" lift, instead of the 2" in your original post. I'll blame it on age.
Jeff, you are correct. It is risky to run the 5100 shocks on the rear without that 4+ inches of lift needed for internal shaft clearance. If you truly bottom out the suspension back there, it could be a bad day since they are going to be a little too long. 4600 is the safe bet if under 4+ inches of lift, and they ride the same as the 5100 shocks from what I was told at 4wheelparts. They are just yellow...which ain't so great. No other color choice on the 4600s.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 57
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How are the Bilsteins compared to the Fox shocks? I am just about to put a lift on mine and still debating which one to go with.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2017
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I just installed an ATS V/C spring kit. Had 4600 Bilsteins on the back that are several years old so I decided to replace them with the 5100. I went up about 3" with the springs. When I test fit one of the rear shocks I think I only have about 3" of travel left. I'm a little hesitant to install them. Bilstein says 3-5" lift but I don't know....I'm a little scarred of bottoming out. I have not installed the fronts yet. But they say 0-2.5" lift. I held them next to my 4600's and they look like I will have sufficient travel so I'm not concerned about those. What do you guys think?
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Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
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From: Western AR
5100s are for 4-6" in back. Not sure where you got 3-5". They will work fine in the front, but you do need 4600s in the rear with 3" lift. There is a risk of bottoming the 5100 shock out without the 4" minimum lift recommended by Bilstein.
Junior User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 52
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Got my info from the Bilstein website:
Part Number: 33-236964
Old Part Number: 33-151656
Series: B8 5100
Drive Type: 4WD
Position: Rear
Descriptor: For Rear Lifted Height: 3-5"
Quantity Per Vehicle: 2
Collapsed Length (IN): 20.28
Extended Length (IN): 32.01
Collapsed Length (MM): 515
Extended Length (MM): 813
Finish: Zinc Plated
Reservoir: No
Body Design: 46mm ID Smooth Body (Non-Coilover)
Thinking about trying the KYB mono max and sending back the 5100's.
Part Number: 33-236964
Old Part Number: 33-151656
Series: B8 5100
Drive Type: 4WD
Position: Rear
Descriptor: For Rear Lifted Height: 3-5"
Quantity Per Vehicle: 2
Collapsed Length (IN): 20.28
Extended Length (IN): 32.01
Collapsed Length (MM): 515
Extended Length (MM): 813
Finish: Zinc Plated
Reservoir: No
Body Design: 46mm ID Smooth Body (Non-Coilover)
Thinking about trying the KYB mono max and sending back the 5100's.
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