Front end work/Shocks
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,975
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From: Archdale,N.C.
Front end work/Shocks
Hey gang. I'm doing some front end work on my late 99. I just received my Xrf ball joints and tie rods. I'm also replacing the track bar, sway bar bushings and links. I know that two of my tie rods are bad and there's some ball joint movement. All of the bushings up front are original and loose. And of course the truck drives terrible I'm looking for shock recommendations also. I put on a set of Rancho 5000s 7 or 8 years back and wasn't really happy with them as they seemed a little sloppy to me. I don't want a shock that gives a harsh ride but a want a good firm ride. As it is now whether I'm towing or not (11,000 lb 38'travel trailer) the truck is sloppy and rides like a boat. I haven't noticed the current Ranchos leaking but in my experience they don't seem to be a very firm shock. Thanks for any and all opinions.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,953
Likes: 120
From: Mcdonough, GA
I think Sous just researched this and the 4600s are for stock height and 5100s are for lifted. other than that same shock?
Edit; I'm running the 4600s and very happy
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,795
Likes: 1,330
From: Elk Grove, CA
I like the Rancho adjustable shocks. Took a few tries to dial in the front the way I like it. The rear was easy; crank to max when loaded. But it's great to tailor the ride loaded vs empty since it is also my daily driver. Pro tip; spray clear coat on them to prevent surface rust. They go on sale every year, not sure when.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 996
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From: TALLAHASSEE FL
Incase you don't look back at my thread. I posted this link there and figured i post it here so you will see it for sure. Heres the updated stuff for the early 99s with the sway bar links. Im assuming that all 99.5s are equipped with this setup….. Pillow brackets, so no need to order them but it dose give the correct part #s for the link ends
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-question.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-question.html
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
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From: San Diego, CA
I like the Rancho adjustable shocks. Took a few tries to dial in the front the way I like it. The rear was easy; crank to max when loaded. But it's great to tailor the ride loaded vs empty since it is also my daily driver. Pro tip; spray clear coat on them to prevent surface rust. They go on sale every year, not sure when.
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From: Lake Hartwell, GA
It depends... As far as I know from my limited research I saw kits for up to 6" lifts, but I am sure you can get higher than that if you like being in the stratosphere.
Originally Posted by Shock Warehouse
Although they are different brands and may appear to be very different from each other the Bilstein 5100 and Heavy Duty actually share many of the same components and ride characteristics.
The main difference between the Bilstein Heavy Duty vs Bilstein 5100s is that the Heavy Duty or 4600 series is designed for stock height trucks and the 5100 Series is built for lifted trucks. The other major difference between the Heavy Duty and 5100 is that the Bilstein 5100 Series shocks have a zinc coating with a brushed metal shock body and a black boot while the Heavy Duty uses a painted yellow body with a blue dust boot.
The Similarities: The 5100 series and the Heavy Duty shocks use the same technology internally. Both use the same internal valving and at stock height will ride the same (shocks for lifted trucks may use different valving settings in order to accommodate the extra weight of larger tires). Both shocks are pressurized with 360 psi of nitrogen to prevent shock fade and foaming of the shock oil. The outer construction of both shocks is identical as well with an extruded metal body rather for maximum strength and top of the line seals. The 5100 series and Heavy Duty 4600 series are both covered under Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty that protects against any manufacturer defects for the life of the shock.
For stock height trucks, the Bilstein Heavy Duty yellow and blue shocks are the most popular choice, because they typically cost a few dollars less than the 5100 shocks and provide excellent performance for towing, light offroading or normal driving. Many customers do prefer the 5100 Series even on stock trucks because the shortest 5100s are typically built for 0 to 2 inches of suspension lift, meaning they can run the 5100 on their stock height truck but leave the option open for a lift later on down the road.
For leveled trucks, where the owner has either purchased an aftermarket leveling kit or turned their truck's torsion keys up, Bilstein has shocks designed specifically for a 1-3 inch leveling kit. On some trucks with coilover type front shocks, a Bilstein 5100 Leveling Shock is available that is capable of lifting the front of the vehicle up. We recommend using the 5100 rear shocks along with your front 5100s on leveled trucks because the rear 5100 shocks are usally an inch longer than stock to accommodate a small lift. In our experience, once someone gets a taste of lifting their truck, they always go back for more. If you already have the 5100 shocks on the rear, you always have that option without needing to buy new shocks when you decide to add the lift.
For lifted trucks, the Bilstein 5100 series is the only choice. With a few exceptions, all Heavy Duty shocks are designed only for use on stock height trucks. Bilstein 5100 shocks are designed for every size of lift for popular trucks, so whether your truck is a modified daily driver or an all-out offroad monster, there is a Bilstein 5100 shock to fit it.
The main difference between the Bilstein Heavy Duty vs Bilstein 5100s is that the Heavy Duty or 4600 series is designed for stock height trucks and the 5100 Series is built for lifted trucks. The other major difference between the Heavy Duty and 5100 is that the Bilstein 5100 Series shocks have a zinc coating with a brushed metal shock body and a black boot while the Heavy Duty uses a painted yellow body with a blue dust boot.
The Similarities: The 5100 series and the Heavy Duty shocks use the same technology internally. Both use the same internal valving and at stock height will ride the same (shocks for lifted trucks may use different valving settings in order to accommodate the extra weight of larger tires). Both shocks are pressurized with 360 psi of nitrogen to prevent shock fade and foaming of the shock oil. The outer construction of both shocks is identical as well with an extruded metal body rather for maximum strength and top of the line seals. The 5100 series and Heavy Duty 4600 series are both covered under Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty that protects against any manufacturer defects for the life of the shock.
For stock height trucks, the Bilstein Heavy Duty yellow and blue shocks are the most popular choice, because they typically cost a few dollars less than the 5100 shocks and provide excellent performance for towing, light offroading or normal driving. Many customers do prefer the 5100 Series even on stock trucks because the shortest 5100s are typically built for 0 to 2 inches of suspension lift, meaning they can run the 5100 on their stock height truck but leave the option open for a lift later on down the road.
For leveled trucks, where the owner has either purchased an aftermarket leveling kit or turned their truck's torsion keys up, Bilstein has shocks designed specifically for a 1-3 inch leveling kit. On some trucks with coilover type front shocks, a Bilstein 5100 Leveling Shock is available that is capable of lifting the front of the vehicle up. We recommend using the 5100 rear shocks along with your front 5100s on leveled trucks because the rear 5100 shocks are usally an inch longer than stock to accommodate a small lift. In our experience, once someone gets a taste of lifting their truck, they always go back for more. If you already have the 5100 shocks on the rear, you always have that option without needing to buy new shocks when you decide to add the lift.
For lifted trucks, the Bilstein 5100 series is the only choice. With a few exceptions, all Heavy Duty shocks are designed only for use on stock height trucks. Bilstein 5100 shocks are designed for every size of lift for popular trucks, so whether your truck is a modified daily driver or an all-out offroad monster, there is a Bilstein 5100 shock to fit it.
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I like the Rancho adjustable shocks. Took a few tries to dial in the front the way I like it. The rear was easy; crank to max when loaded. But it's great to tailor the ride loaded vs empty since it is also my daily driver. Pro tip; spray clear coat on them to prevent surface rust. They go on sale every year, not sure when.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 596
Likes: 11
Paul is right. 4600's for stock, 5100's for lifted, same shock design.
Short video about my experience with the 4600's install.
https://youtu.be/BgGp8NzdC1k
Short video about my experience with the 4600's install.
https://youtu.be/BgGp8NzdC1k
I like mine, although empty bed on a washboard dirt road isn't a pleasant ride.
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