Do the Bilsteins make that much difference?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
Unless you are planning a lot of off road travel, I would suggest the 4600 series. A little softer ride, but plenty of piston for heavy towing. Both 5100 and 4600 work for standard suspensions. However if you are thinking about a lift up to 2” at some later date - go the 5100 because they work for both oem and up to 2” lift.
5100 are shiny metal, but I go for function that fits my needs.
5100 are shiny metal, but I go for function that fits my needs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
Not when I am driving. Besides, I don't show my truck so I really don't care if others can see it unless they want to pay the bill.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 520
Likes: 317
I have changed stock shocks for Bilsteins before in an older truck. Other than the cool colors of the Bilsteins when looking under the truck i objectively noticed no difference in ride quality. In fact I've heard more passing complaints in my life about how aftermarket shocks reduced ride quality than improved it...
I will not be changing the stock shocks in my SD unless they get noisy or start leaking.
I will not be changing the stock shocks in my SD unless they get noisy or start leaking.
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 708
Likes: 188
Is your truck an FX4?
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,832
Likes: 668
From: Maine
The most notable difference between my stock FX4 shocks and the 5100 Bilsteins was it tamed rear end jounce. It just isn't as bad going over bumps. I'm curious how much difference there is loaded, as I haven't tried that yet. I'm sure come frost heave season they'll be more than worth it.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,150
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
If you have the base stock springs go for the 4600s. The 5100 is an entry level lift shock.
I have ran both. Better than stock but my advice is to run it 5,000 miles or so on the stockers just to make sure it isnt a wobbler or something that requires warranty work. They arent a huge modification over stock and stockers just wear out real fast they are budget stamped pieces. No rush.
If the truck is a daily unloaded a lot, I think its the Rancho 7500 that is similar specs but less gas charge. The Rancho 9000 is really good too and comes in silver with red boot.
If its just a towing vehicle you plan to leave stock i wouldn’t go more $$ shocks than these types.
I have ran both. Better than stock but my advice is to run it 5,000 miles or so on the stockers just to make sure it isnt a wobbler or something that requires warranty work. They arent a huge modification over stock and stockers just wear out real fast they are budget stamped pieces. No rush.
If the truck is a daily unloaded a lot, I think its the Rancho 7500 that is similar specs but less gas charge. The Rancho 9000 is really good too and comes in silver with red boot.
If its just a towing vehicle you plan to leave stock i wouldn’t go more $$ shocks than these types.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
The most notable difference between my stock FX4 shocks and the 5100 Bilsteins was it tamed rear end jounce. It just isn't as bad going over bumps. I'm curious how much difference there is loaded, as I haven't tried that yet. I'm sure come frost heave season they'll be more than worth it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,832
Likes: 668
From: Maine
That's pretty much what I expected... and between plowing and crappy roads I'm sure to get a good test on both ends, lol, I was just glad it tamed the rear end jounce going over bumps. (Unloaded)
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 708
Likes: 188
From most of my reading, the FX4 shocks are the ones you will find the most difference when switching to new shocks. I have an FX4 also and am switching. Maybe they are good for something but bad roads is not it.
Just my two cents.
Just my two cents.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,636
Likes: 2,432