4600 is a lightly valved shock for stock weight (size) tires.

the 5100 is valved for a heavier tire.

the 5100 is available from 5” to 14” stroke in the 5125
http://www.bilstein.com/us/wp-conten...og-2019WEB.pdf[/QUOTE]

Your link doesn't say any thing about the valving of 4600 or 5100. My link compares them both. I looked at all 5100 and none works for the excursion that doesn't have at least 6" lift.

 

Your link doesn't say any thing about the valving of 4600 or 5100. My link compares them both. I looked at all 5100 and none works for the excursion that doesn't have at least 6" lift.[/QUOTE]

ok, do it your way.

 

I've been looking for the valving for Bilstein 5100 33-236964 to try and match a set of 5125's. Can't seem to find it. Does anyone know where I can find it?

 

33-236964

Not sure how reliable this source is but it says 2700@0.52m/s rebound and 560@0.52m/s compression. This coverts to 270/56 according to this link.

 

Those are the numbers of Amazon too. I just didn't know how to convert like you did. Thanks tuna!

 

Bilstein doesnt list it for their vehicle specific shocks, you have to cut them apart and measure the shims.

 

Are the correct ubolts for the rear axle 3 1/2 or 3 5/8? The PMF are all 3 5/8 but I see a lot of people that use TC or others that are 3 1/2.

 

I think this is the same thing I experienced with the front ubolt. They claimed to be 3-1/8 but the manufacture that actual bend these only have 3" or 3-1/4" listed. The 3" is the proper size, I believe the 1/8 is a way to make money off a product that doesn't exist.

Saying this the 3-1/2 will be the same size as the 3-5/8. So get whatever is cheaper.

 

FWIW

2001 Ford Excursion 376k

Not a suspension expert like the Pirate, but I do have a stock suspension and have added Bilstein 4600 on the back and Bilstein 5100 on the front end. Just bolted on with no mods. At the time the general consensus was the same as now. 5100 for lifted trucks only.

I run Michelin LTX MS 285/75/16 on stock rims. The setup is excellent for me for my use in Florida. (the road conditions are very good for the most part without the broken roads and potholes that wear out parts) Averaging about 80k per set of Michelin tires. And they stay round and smooth with minimal balancing as they wear.

Before I made the above changes, could not keep the tires in balance and averaged 30k-40k per set of tires. Not sure which change is responsible for improved ride as I added the Michelin tires, Hellwig and shocks at the same time.

I am the original owner, so I know my suspension is stock with only a Hellwig bar on the rear and the shocks.

I bought from Shock Warehouse in Ft Lauderdale. Installed years ago, so don't have the paperwork or parts #'s .

The Bilstein shocks, Hellwig bar and Michelin tires made the truck drive and handle so much better than stock. Not even close.

I do not tow hardly at all if this makes a difference. I have towed about 7k without issue a few times.

I do not offroad except for an occasional dirt road. This setup is great for a pavement queen. Offroad I am at 5mph!

Do not want to disagree the Pirate as I am a fan of his knowledge!

 

Disagreeing with me is fine, ride quality is subjective.

I suggest the the Bilstein 4600 or KYB monomax for stock size tires and the 5100 for 35+ tires as starting point because they are a cheap option and reasonably close to being valved to most peoples liking.

no matter how good your vehicle rides or handles it can always be made better, most people just are not interested in doing the fiddling around to figure out how.

Since the day the first Excursion was delivered from Ford I have been taking them apart, changing and rebuilding them and i am still not entirely satisfied. So don’t think your setup isn’t worth trying.
( I would ditch the rear sway bar as your next experiment, back seat passengers will appreciate the around town ride quality improvement)