Shocks?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 21
Shocks?
I had Bilstein 5100's on my 2008 and they worked great. Just purchased a 2019 and made a long trip over the weekend and realized how horrible the stockers are. Are the 5100's still a good choice on these newer trucks or is there a better option around the same price? I'm not looking for top notch, i'm just looking for a good replacement set that performs well on the stock truck that will be seeing a good amount of medium weight towing.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1,221
From: Southern Crescent
Depends on the ride quality vs rough service you are after.
The Bilstein web page states the 4600 is their best comfy ride shock for an unmodified truck. The longer shafted 5100 rides a little stiffer. I have 4600 on my F150 and have become rather fond of them. When the new truck needs shocks I'll go back with 4600.
Note that I don't do any off road stuff worth mentioning. Just towing.
The Bilstein web page states the 4600 is their best comfy ride shock for an unmodified truck. The longer shafted 5100 rides a little stiffer. I have 4600 on my F150 and have become rather fond of them. When the new truck needs shocks I'll go back with 4600.
Note that I don't do any off road stuff worth mentioning. Just towing.
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 21
I don't mind a firm ride, but with the stockers it was jarring us on every bridge crossing and seemed to have a lot more bounce than my older truck that had 275k on the clock and 100k on the 5100's. It just felt like these stockers didn't have much control over the weight of the truck bouncing and keeping the wheels from bouncing on every bump so anything would be an improvement I think. I'm not planning to lift the truck, and actually have dropped the rear 1" and plan to drop the front about the same. It sits perfectly level unloaded now, but any trailer and it sags. I can add air to the bags to level it, but then it rides even harsher. I want to drop the front so it sits pretty much level when loaded.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,579
Likes: 636
I have 9000s on my current SD, I like them and the adjustability. I am going with Fox shocks for my 22 for the aluminum body. anything will be better than stock. my stock shocks wouldnt even rebound after 4000 miles. I was happy to get them off the truck.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,172
Likes: 1,376
From: Chaz
I have a 2013 with rancho 5000s. Gasser with heavy duty front springs. In all honesty it rides better than my f150.
They came with the truck and are in good shape. Its had 2 different sets of tires on it so I can vouch for the shocks. For the record I run tire pressure in the 50s on it so that helps too.
Different model but I never see them mentioned here. I believe they are a budget priced shock.
They came with the truck and are in good shape. Its had 2 different sets of tires on it so I can vouch for the shocks. For the record I run tire pressure in the 50s on it so that helps too.
Different model but I never see them mentioned here. I believe they are a budget priced shock.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,172
Likes: 1,376
From: Chaz
Pff… thats like saying the stock stamped control arms and trackbar are superior to nicely machined and reinforced aftermarket units.
All these manufacturers care about is good reviews in car magazines and they obviously aren't driving anything other than new demo units.
Shocks are a cheap investment. Use the rest its adequate enough.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 21
I ordered a set of 5100's. They are shorter at max compression, and longer at full extension than a standard Monroe Reflex for this truck, so I don't think their 2-2.5" lift is required, just that it will work with that. I do mostly street, with a good amount of towing, but do get out in the woods and offroad here and there. I was happy with them on the 08, so they should be similar on this. Thank you everyone.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 21
Some components I agree, however shocks do make a world of difference. Very much improved on my 08, and expect the same on this one. And yes, there are differences between brands and how well they work, but it also depends on the terrain you are travelling on. On my latest trip I was pulling a 14ft cargo trailer, and had a LOT of bucking and what seemed to be wheel bounce when I would hit a rough spot at 70mph. The roads through some of these cities are horrible! My 08 never had bounce, and never bucked like this with the same trailer. Basically the springs were doing their thing, but the OEM shocks are not keeping them under control and allowing a lot of movement. New/better shocks might make the initial bump a little harsher, but if it gets rid of the bounce and bucking, then it becomes a much better ride in the end.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 558
From: Central Wisconsin
I ordered a set of 5100's. They are shorter at max compression, and longer at full extension than a standard Monroe Reflex for this truck, so I don't think their 2-2.5" lift is required, just that it will work with that. I do mostly street, with a good amount of towing, but do get out in the woods and offroad here and there. I was happy with them on the 08, so they should be similar on this. Thank you everyone.