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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 01:22 PM
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shock recommendations?

I am looking for recommendations for shocks. I don't know if the current shocks are stock or not. Truck has 117K miles. Truck is used as casual driver with frequent 5th wheel towing. Truck does NOT have a lift/leveling kit.

My understanding is that the rancho's are terrible, that's what I currently have.

front

back

I see lots of references to the Bilstein's. Is there a difference between the two 4600 vs 5100?
Bilstein 4600 Front
Bilstein 4600 Rear
Bilstein 5100 Front 2" lift
Bilstein 5100 Rear


 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 02:55 PM
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Those looks like the stock FX4 package "Rancho" shocks. They aren't even real Rancho's, they are Ford parts that are painted to look like Rancho's.

I recommend the Bilstein 5100's. Very reasonably priced. I ended up getting the whole kit from Amazon for <$350 if I recall. MUCH better ride than the stock ones (mine had 110k on them and a few were blown out).

From what I could tell the 5100 and 4600s are the same, except for the coloring. I preferred the silver/black of the 5100 to the blue/yellow of the 4600.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 03:47 PM
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From: Chaz
I think the 5100 is more common with a level kit. Its the entry level shock that fits that application. So I would check that. If you have snow plow springs and they advertise the 5100 from 0-2” lift then I would consider them.


4600s have always served me well on stock trucks. They are a HD shock.


Rancho RS5000x are on a truck I have as well, it came with them so dont know the miles. I think they ride a little better than the 4600 Bilsteins.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 03:48 PM
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Looks to my uneducated eye that the 5100 front comes in a 2" lift as opposed to a 0" lift like the 4600 fronts?
Does that even matter?
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 03:52 PM
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From: Chaz
Originally Posted by flysniper
Looks to my uneducated eye that the 5100 front comes in a 2" lift as opposed to a 0" lift like the 4600 fronts?
Does that even matter?

I edited my post as you typed yours.

I would run them if you have snow plow springs. From what I remember the couple times I ran 5100 is they are pretty firm. 4600s are firm too. Both not in a bad way though.

4600s are different from 5100s. You can google it.
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 04:02 PM
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Bilsteins are good; Rancho 9000s are excellent and adjustability ices the cake!
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Joe T
I think the 5100 is more common with a level kit. Its the entry level shock that fits that application. So I would check that.
It does appear that the differences between 4600 and 5100 are application specific with 4600 targeted at trucks with stock suspension.

Thank you both for your input @JoeT & @FiveOJester
 
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Old Apr 29, 2021 | 06:26 PM
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From: Chaz
If towing is frequent then the 4600 is the way to go.

Have been impressed with the Rancho 5000x on a truck I recently bought. Mainly driving around, not much for towing heavy.

Also now is the time to do any leveling or f350 rear blocks if you want to. Check your steering stabilizer, trackbar bushings, steering misc, body mounts, etc.


Good luck
 
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Old May 4, 2021 | 07:01 AM
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I replaced my Ranchos at 60K with the Bilstein 5100 (stock suspension) They are a definate improvement over the worn out, defective stock Ranchos
 
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