Do the Bilsteins make that much difference?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
I don't have pictures for you but there is no obvious body diameter difference. There may be one, I haven't put a caliper to them, but it's small if there is a difference. The 4600 and 5100 share the same diameter (46mm ID). The FX4 and non FX4 shocks are the same diameter. The OEM shocks seem to be some kind of low charge/gas shock, evident by their slow return on extension.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
Much different animal the 450... Much stiffer springs, much stiffer tires and way more unsprung weight than a SRW truck. I would think it would be exceedingly difficult to feel a difference on an 450.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,150
Likes: 1,369
From: Chaz
I think that shock is one notch below the fox’s.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
I just find the Bilstiiens to be a big upgrade over stock, for otherwise stock trucks, for pretty cheap. They check the boxes important to me like lifetime warranty, monotube design and decent valving with much better body control right out of the box.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,636
Likes: 2,432
The real difference is the basic design. Factory shocks including FX4 are a twin tube design. The Bilstiens, and every premium shock made, are monotube design. Generally the twin tube shocks are larger in diameter...... So while comparing monotube designs diameter as a measure of performance capability is valid ie; Fox 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 you can not do the same with a twin tube design.
Good point. When I was responding to the other guys question I didn't consider the OEM shocks being twin tube. I went to the garage, grabbed one of my rear FX4 shocks, shook it, and as you said, it is twin tube. Not just a twin tube, but a small diameter twin tube shock. Meaning less oil, smaller piston, on top of the inherent performance differences that come from twin tube vs monotube.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
Just know that there is no way to "make up" for the inherently bad design. No matter how much larger, they will cavitate when the oil and gas mix. Rancho tries to cover this poor performance by making them "adjustable". I still would never consider them, especially since they cost as much or more than the Bilstiens which are simply better by design. Some people like squishy shocks, twin tubes deliver. I like the shocks to control the wheel motions as tightly as possible without absolutely ruining the ride. That is why all true performance shocks are of the monotube design. King and Fox do not offer twin tube shocks for good reason.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 1,656
From: Bighorn Basin, NW Wyoming
For those of you that think there’s a ride difference between the Bilstein 4600’s and 5100’s, there isn’t.
I emailed Bilstein technical support this question this morning…
Me:
“I have a question regarding the B6 4600 and B8 5100 shocks for a 2022 Ford F-250 4X4 7.3 gas.
Is there any difference between those two shocks besides external finish and ride height?”
Bilstein Technical Support replied this:
“Thank you for contacting Bilstein. The only thing that is different is the extended length in front between 4600 & 5100, valving are identical front & rear. Thank you.”
I emailed Bilstein technical support this question this morning…
Me:
“I have a question regarding the B6 4600 and B8 5100 shocks for a 2022 Ford F-250 4X4 7.3 gas.
Is there any difference between those two shocks besides external finish and ride height?”
Bilstein Technical Support replied this:
“Thank you for contacting Bilstein. The only thing that is different is the extended length in front between 4600 & 5100, valving are identical front & rear. Thank you.”
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 179
For those of you that think there’s a ride difference between the Bilstein 4600’s and 5100’s, there isn’t.
I emailed Bilstein technical support this question this morning…
Me:
“I have a question regarding the B6 4600 and B8 5100 shocks for a 2022 Ford F-250 4X4 7.3 gas.
Is any there any difference between those two shocks besides external finish and ride height?”
Bilstein Technical Support replied this:
“Thank you for contacting Bilstein. The only thing that is different is the extended length in front between 4600 & 5100, valving are identical front & rear. Thank you.”
I emailed Bilstein technical support this question this morning…
Me:
“I have a question regarding the B6 4600 and B8 5100 shocks for a 2022 Ford F-250 4X4 7.3 gas.
Is any there any difference between those two shocks besides external finish and ride height?”
Bilstein Technical Support replied this:
“Thank you for contacting Bilstein. The only thing that is different is the extended length in front between 4600 & 5100, valving are identical front & rear. Thank you.”
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,798
Likes: 3,451
From: Uh oh, CA
I don’t know what to say… I immediately noticed a difference with mine. Maybe your stock shocks were better than mine? I don’t know what your set up is, but I have the Diesel engine, 5990/6000 lb front springs and 5 pack rear leaf springs. The smallest bumps are no more and the bumps that I do still feel are one and done. Of course I still feel them, but no bouncing around like before and the wheels seem to stay more planted. Much better in my experience.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
Even my wife could feel the difference immediately. I told her about this thread, we had a good laugh. The truck still rides firm, F350 snow plow prep, but MUCH more controlled. We have a lot of rough roads, I have to drive a lot of gravel that is washboard. Night and Day difference on my truck and the stock shocks only had 20k on them. 15k miles in on the 5100's and I am still impressed, loaded or unloaded. Best change I have made for sure.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,798
Likes: 3,451
From: Uh oh, CA
Even my wife could feel the difference immediately. I told her about this thread, we had a good laugh. The truck still rides firm, F350 snow plow prep, but MUCH more controlled. We have a lot of rough roads, I have to drive a lot of gravel that is washboard. Night and Day difference on my truck and the stock shocks only had 20k on them. 15k miles in on the 5100's and I am still impressed, loaded or unloaded. Best change I have made for sure.
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 8
From: Orange County
Which is funny because you do not really see much of them anyway unless you crawl under the truck. There are manufacturer suggestions out there stating the 5100s are better if used off highway, which I do a lot, so yes, they look better and are recommended for my type of use by the manufacturer as well.
NICE PHOTO !!