Bilstein 5100 shocks
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,640
Likes: 2,435
My reasoning is subjective, first reason would be the finish, I prefer the silver zinc coating of the 5100's over the yellow/blue of the 4600's. Also, the 5100's provide a small amount of additional travel over stock that I don't think the 4600's do. Last reason would be the possibility of the 5100's having a slightly more aggressive valving since they are marketed more towards off-roading, trucks with lifts and larger tires.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 119
Likes: 29
Which is this BUNDLE. If you look at Part numbers its what you listed: BILSTEIN 5100's For Super Duties
I've had both. What I experienced was the 5100's were a little firmer in the initial compression while still retaining some small bump compliance and exhibited more controlled rebound.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 119
Likes: 29
Likely, never compared them side by side. Fox, Kings, Icon and Radflo have an "Entry" level line like the 2.0's. But these companies are next level, so the 2.0's would be at the bottom of their product line, rebuild-able and serviceable, which means they will require nitrogen, fluid changes, seal replacements and the ability to fine tune to your needs but at an expense. If you are looking to just upgrade to "over the counter" type shocks at reasonable prices then the next level shocks may not be for you. MOST over the counter shocks will be an improvement compared to the factory ones we get on the SD's.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,172
Likes: 1,376
From: Chaz
I run 4600 on my F150 and fox 2.0 on my recent f250.
They are a bit different. The 4600 really keeps it under control with a load and unloaded are a little bit stiff. The 2.0 let the suspension work a little more and i would say that probably gave a better ride if it was what your concern was. The 2.0 wasn’t a gimmick they are pretty good quality for an entry level performance type of shock. The 2.0 works fine for work as well but if I had a dedicated work truck I would use the 4600.
The 4600 is a good HD shock, I don’t know if anyone makes a better HD shock.
The 5100 isnt as good as the fox 2.0 but works fine. I have used it as a basic entry level shock for lifted applications on a few trucks. I think thats what they were designed for.
I run some Rancho on an older F250 and they ride real smooth. Havent had much time with it to review them but they are pretty cheap so will need to see how they hold up.
They are a bit different. The 4600 really keeps it under control with a load and unloaded are a little bit stiff. The 2.0 let the suspension work a little more and i would say that probably gave a better ride if it was what your concern was. The 2.0 wasn’t a gimmick they are pretty good quality for an entry level performance type of shock. The 2.0 works fine for work as well but if I had a dedicated work truck I would use the 4600.
The 4600 is a good HD shock, I don’t know if anyone makes a better HD shock.
The 5100 isnt as good as the fox 2.0 but works fine. I have used it as a basic entry level shock for lifted applications on a few trucks. I think thats what they were designed for.
I run some Rancho on an older F250 and they ride real smooth. Havent had much time with it to review them but they are pretty cheap so will need to see how they hold up.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 314
Likes: 90
The 5100's were an upgrade. But if you don't have extra money to burn, I would wait.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 650
Likes: 245
No. I installed the 5100 on my stock fx4 with snowplow package recently There was a very slight difference, but not huge. My stock shocks has 20k on them, and are all still in good shape with only one that had no dampening in the top 3 inches of travel, but that is not a range the suspension would travel in. Truck is a little more controlled over right patches, but not "night and day". People talk about the stock shocks as if the truck can barely drive unless your replace them.
The 5100's were an upgrade. But if you don't have extra money to burn, I would wait.
The 5100's were an upgrade. But if you don't have extra money to burn, I would wait.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 275
From: South Central Indiana
I replaced my factory shocks at 14K with Rancho 5000X. Was the ride better? Not really sure but since I just put brand new shocks on, my mind said they should ride better so yeah, I guess they do, lol.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 200
Likes: 30
From: Spokane, WA
Which is this BUNDLE. If you look at Part numbers its what you listed: BILSTEIN 5100's For Super Duties
https://www.shocksurplus.com/product...d-w-2-2-5-lift
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 1,669
From: NW Wyoming USA
What shocks does the F-250/350 FX4 come with? Who makes them, what are their specs and features? I’ve read good reviews about the Tremor shocks but the Tremor is lifted from the factory, so I don’t think they will work on a non Tremor truck.
To except a improvement you have to know what you have and what the difference is on what you’re replacing it with. You could be buying a equal or worse shock if you don’t know.
To except a improvement you have to know what you have and what the difference is on what you’re replacing it with. You could be buying a equal or worse shock if you don’t know.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 206
Likes: 42
Just ordered a set from here. Created my account, waited about 15-20 minutes and had an email for another $10 off. $326 and change shipped. Ordered around lunch and had the UPS ship tags before I left work.
https://www.shocksurplus.com/product...d-w-2-2-5-lift
https://www.shocksurplus.com/product...d-w-2-2-5-lift
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 200
Likes: 30
From: Spokane, WA
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 133
Likes: 29
Just ordered a set from here. Created my account, waited about 15-20 minutes and had an email for another $10 off. $326 and change shipped. Ordered around lunch and had the UPS ship tags before I left work.
https://www.shocksurplus.com/product...d-w-2-2-5-lift
https://www.shocksurplus.com/product...d-w-2-2-5-lift
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 701
From: Minnesota
How can a shock, that is firmer on initial compression, improve the ride? My 2021 F350 rides great; real nice on small impacts. I would think a firmer shock would degrade the ride. Educate me.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 650
Likes: 245
Because the shocks purpose is to stabilize the vehicle after hitting or going over bumps. A less firm shock will bounce lot. A firmer shock will prevent the 2nd, 3rd or 4h bounce after hitting bumps.