Do the Bilsteins make that much difference?
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 463
Likes: 86
I ordered my set of Bilstein 4600 shocks a while ago and they sat on a shelf until I physically recovered enough to install them. I concur with the above assessment. There is a stretch of concrete freeway where each pour section seems to have dipped on one end give ya that thump thump thump at 65 mph. The Bilstein's definitely smoothed out the feel and associated "porpoising". What really surprised me was the almost total lack of any sort of rebound on the front OEM FX4 shocks. The rear set, I collapsed and used the strap from Bilstein shocks to hold the OEM shocks collapsed for storage in the Bilstein boxes. The front shocks were completely different. I needed to manually pull the shock out to get the strap to hold it. I do not know if this is normal for the front OEM shocks , but I sure felt that it was odd. By contrast, I needed to use a bottle jack to collapse the front Bilstein shocks to align the bottom bolt hole. My back just could not put up with the twisting contortion of my manually pushing up on the shock. Had 35k on the OEM shocks and no apparent oil leaking.
Someone shared that the stock stocks are not gas pressurized and even when new, they would not automatically extend from a compressed state.
That written, the stock shocks were pretty low quality in my experience - they did work per se but only in the most basic, lowest cost definition of "worked."
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 322
Likes: 100
Notwithstanding the poor dampening characteristics of the stock shock, I believe the lack of compression rebound is by design.
Someone shared that the stock stocks are not gas pressurized and even when new, they would not automatically extend from a compressed state.
That written, the stock shocks were pretty low quality in my experience - they did work per se but only in the most basic, lowest cost definition of "worked."
Someone shared that the stock stocks are not gas pressurized and even when new, they would not automatically extend from a compressed state.
That written, the stock shocks were pretty low quality in my experience - they did work per se but only in the most basic, lowest cost definition of "worked."
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,806
Likes: 3,451
From: Uh oh, CA
Yes, OEM definitely lower quality and to be honest I expected a little better part that comes with the FX4 package. At least one aspect the OEM front shocks got correct was the use of what amounts to a fix or welded on nut at the base of the shock stem. The Bilsteins were a real PITA having to screw around with using a hex wrench to hold the stem while tightening the top mount bolt. With the OEM's I just used a set of locking pliers to hold the nut then came in from above with a deep well socket. Due to Bilstein not having a nut at the base, I had to go through all the extra steps of removing the wheel well liners. For a fleeting moment I did entertain the thought to weld/tack on a nut to the Bilsteins....... Other than that, it was pretty straight forward install and I am happy I finally got around to it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 232
Likes: 148
Did the upgrade to 5100s on my 22 FX4 this morning. Easy. I had all the necessary tools. Wouldn’t say it’s a drastic change but it is a little stiffer and more compliant over bumps and bridges. The stock shocks are super easy to articulate by hand. The bilsteins not so much.
Took an hour.
Took an hour.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 651
Likes: 179
From: Weirton WV
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.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 348
Likes: 137
Before I ordered my truck I just knew I wanted the FX4 package, but then after actually looking at what it included, I realized it was a huge waste! And it seems pretty much everyone else agrees... the only real "upgrade" the FX4 package includes is the shocks, but they don't seem to be an upgrade when you start reading others thoughts on them. In fact, many believe that they are no different from non FX4 shocks... Either way, I upgraded my (non FX4) shocks to Bilstein 5100's, and I totally agree about how much of a PITA it was tightening them down... and especially with a non ratcheting wrench! But, now that it's done, I am super happy with the decision to upgrade them!
When I was ordering, I had read the negative reviews on the FX4 shocks. Instead of getting the $495 FX4 package, I simply added the skid plates onto the order for $100 and will put the Bilsteins on when I can't stand the stock shocks anymore. I think I saved myself almost $400 (at least a couple of tanks of gas).
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,806
Likes: 3,451
From: Uh oh, CA
I don't have my 2022 truck yet, but I do still have my 2002 F250 with FX4. The Bilsteins made a big difference on it years ago. After about 10 years, I switched those out to Rancho adjustables. (RS9000 I think?) They were pretty good, and still do an overall very nice job, but the ***** have become increasingly difficult to turn and for fear of breaking the plastic know, I gave up on adjusting them. It was nice to soften up the response for regular driving and to firm it up for loaded/towing use. That said, I would go back to Bilsteins if I was going to keep the truck long enough to replace the shocks again.
When I was ordering, I had read the negative reviews on the FX4 shocks. Instead of getting the $495 FX4 package, I simply added the skid plates onto the order for $100 and will put the Bilsteins on when I can't stand the stock shocks anymore. I think I saved myself almost $400 (at least a couple of tanks of gas).
When I was ordering, I had read the negative reviews on the FX4 shocks. Instead of getting the $495 FX4 package, I simply added the skid plates onto the order for $100 and will put the Bilsteins on when I can't stand the stock shocks anymore. I think I saved myself almost $400 (at least a couple of tanks of gas).
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,806
Likes: 3,451
From: Uh oh, CA
That was part of my reason for going with the 5100's over the 4600's on my F250 with snow plow front end. The other part is that I will be towing my camper often and wanted the "slightly firmer" shocks. Then the last (and maybe biggest reason) was because I didn't want the yellow and blue shocks! LOL
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 348
Likes: 137
Haha! It must be really good glue! Yep, it's $495... a 25% increase is insane, especially since like you said, it wasn't worth it to begin with. Now, if Ford put decent shocks, particularly Bilsteins, on the truck with the FX4 package, then it might be worth it. For almost $500 though, I'd expect more than just skid plates, shocks, and stickers.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,806
Likes: 3,451
From: Uh oh, CA
Haha! It must be really good glue! Yep, it's $495... a 25% increase is insane, especially since like you said, it wasn't worth it to begin with. Now, if Ford put decent shocks, particularly Bilsteins, on the truck with the FX4 package, then it might be worth it. For almost $500 though, I'd expect more than just skid plates, shocks, and stickers.
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