Its getting to be that time for me to start looking into replacing the factory shocks on my 2019 6.7. Rubbers are trashed, no fluid leak, but definitely not operating as I would expect. That being said I know there is a million threads on the Fox vs Bilstein vs Rancho. Doing some research this morning, and was curious if anyone went to the Bilstein 4600? Where I'm stationed right now I'll be doing almost no towing, and no real off roading for the next few years. We do plan to get back to forest service road camping in the future, but that will be at least three years. Are the 5100's worth it in your opinions? Is the ride much stiffer than factory? Besides the awful color are the 4600's a good compromise?

 

5100's are 4600's that are longer and have a zinc coated body...

For your use, probably dont waste your money on the 5100's.

 

I have a 2019 6.7. I wanted to replace the OEM shocks and did a LOT of research on the Bilstein 4600 vs 5100 on this forum, the internet, and RV forums since I tow a fifth wheel. Lots of opinions and either will work. The consensus was the 5100 will work too even if your truck is not lifted. No real consensus whether one or the other was better for towing that I saw. All seemed to like what they had purchased as expected. If you don't like the yellow of the 4600 you can easily paint them with a rattle can. The boot would still be blue but only a little noticeable on the front. The drivers rear can been seen if your a bit of a distance behind the truck because it is behind the axle. Doesn't bother me and they will not be as noticeable once covered in road grime. In the end I decided on the 4600 because it was what was recommended by Bilstein for a non lifted truck and I wanted the best ride. I really do like the 4600's over OEM. My truck seems to ride a little smoother but definitely more planted and controlled. Haven't towed with them yet. I can't help with the other brands. This is from Bilstein's site:

Our B6 4600 shocks are our best riding and driving truck shocks, we always recommend the B6 4600 if it is a stock height vehicle. The B8 5100 is longer and tuned for a lifted application. Neither shock is more durable or better than the other.

 

I agree!! I put the 4600's on my 18 CCLB Dually and it was a definite improvement in ride and handling. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

 

Thank you for the info, this is exactly what I was looking for. Think I'm going to go with the 4600's and just rattle can them black. I have no plans as of now to lift or level the truck.

 

Your most welcome and thank you for your service.

 

That's what I did with the 4600s on my 2002 7.3. My 2019 has Fox 2.0s but they will be replaced with Bilstein 5100s. I like the zinc finish and black boot. Bilstein makes 5100s for non-lifted trucks.

 

I have a 2020 F250 CCwith the BAP and 20” wheels. I had several SD’s in the early to mid 2000’ and then switched to 150’s for the last dozen years. Went back to a SD as my daily driver because I pull a 20’ fiberglass boat during the summer. It was not easy giving up my smooth driving f150. I read all the posts and ended up putting on the Fox 2.0 and I have zero regrets. It is not going to make it drive like a car, but it makes a noticeable difference both in pulling a trailer and empty. I don’t have experience with the Bilstein shocks but debated between the 5100’s and the Fox2.0. While the cost is certainly a factor, don’t discount one over the other for price. It’s a small amount of money to get the ride and stability your looking for. To be honest I chose The Fox 2.0 because because they matched my iconic silver black appearance package😉

 

The Bilstein 5100s would have too.

 

Your not wrong about that… I liked the black fox logo better.I know…sort of a lame reason to chose them. To be clear I’m not saying one is better than the other since I have no experience with the 5100’s on a SD. I did put some 5100’s on my sons F150 as they have a leveling option. We are very happy with those as well.

 

Going to chime in and say I have the fox 2.0 on my 16 sclb f150 and they made a world of difference. I had a turn I take with a pothole and hitting it would make my trucks back end jump sideways 6in to a foot (or at least it felt like it) with OEM. Fox made it unnoticeable. When I get my 350 I'll see how I feel with the OEM and then look at good shocks for regular towing of 8k if I don't like how it feels.

 

I put Fox 2.0s on my stock 2015 F350 when it had about a thousand miles on it because I was disgusted with the stiff ride compared to my 2006 Duramax. There was zero difference from stock. I ran them for a week in different conditions, then took them off and sold them because they were a waste of money. I think they would be a great OEM replacement, but not an upgrade. Maybe things have changed since 2015, but that was my experience back then. Those OEM shocks were on the truck when I sold it after 7 years / 120K miles and it still rode the same.

I'm just pointing out that people's experience with different brands of shocks is very subjective. Some people's stock shocks are "shot" at 4K miles, while others go 100K+. Some people love Fox, some people hate them. Same with Bilstein and Rancho and whatever else. Your best bet is to find somebody local with the shocks you're thinking about buying and go for a ride in their truck.

 

you didnt say what truck you have.

my experience is that shocks that are wonderful for an SRW are a disappointment for a DRW.

you would think these shocks would be valve differently depending on the intended truck but they are not.

a lot of shocks can be re-valved.

I tried to get my new fox shocks revalved before they were sent to me (as promised during the pre-sales discussion) , but when I received they were standard valving.

 

I put 4600's on my 07 F-150 and really liked them. Bilstein's own web site says the 4600 is their best comfy riding shock for unmodified trucks. When the time comes the OEMs will be replaced with 4600's on my new truck. And they are affordable, I have seen them for as low as $84 each on line.

Bilstein also states the 5100 will yield a little stiffer ride and is meant for some off road use like for farm and ranch work. More difference than length and paint.

 

I put Bilstein 4600 on the rear and 5100 on the front. Stock height truck.

Bilstein states in all their literature that 5100 are for lifted trucks. But not true in the real world according to the Inet. LOL

The general consensus is that they are the same shock with a different shock tube finish. Bilstein states that both will perform the same.

They are an excellent product and seem to last forever.

But I did have 1 fail and leak when fairly new. Shock Warehouse.com warrantied the blown shock and gave me a new one. I live near their business and just drove over there. They looked at the leaking shock and gave me a new 1 in a few minutes.

That was many years ago and lots of miles. Just checked my service records. The shocks were installed in 2015. That was about 165k miles ago. Still working as good as new!

I had also installed the Bilstein steering dampener at the time. Still in working order. Great product as well.

I just logged on to Shockwharehouse.com and they are selling 4 Bilstein 4600 for $89. each and the 5100 for $103. for new Superduties. Free shipping.

If I needed new shocks I would choose the 5100 because I like the color better. Since I am in South Florida the finish has held up extremely for both the 4600 and the 5100. No rust.

I did use Rancho adjustable before I changed to Bilstein. Junk by comparison as far as service life and finish. The Rancho shocks adjuster froze up fairly soon and the shocks looked very old with a bit of corrosion as well. (don't remember the exact model but adjustable.)

Not affiliated with Shock Warehouse, just a satisfied customer!

FYI 2001 Ford Excursion not a pickup