2022 F250 7.3 Will the Bilstein 5100's make a noticeable difference on the rear end ride quality? I know a 3/4 ton will be a bit bouncey regardless so will the Bilsteins help tame that? I do plan on pulling a TT in the future

 

You will get conflicting reports. We have one member who insists changing the stock shocks is a complete waste. Most others who have made the change really notice a difference, I am in the latter camp, very happy with the change and my truck does a lot of time on rough roads. Most notice an immediate and noticeable improvement. I also run a lot less tire pressure in the rear tires when not towing heavy, around 52 psi in my rear tires for daily use.

 

I put them on mine and I love them.

 

Bilstein 5100s in my experience have been horrible shocks.

I remember being told it’s because they are digressive as to why they handle so harshly on things even as minute as an expansion joint for a bridge on the highway.

Id never go with them again personally…especially knowing there’s a lot better options. I currently have just some of the cheaper Fox shocks that come with BDS kits and they’re night and day better with on road use. Haven’t done anything off-road except very slow speed so can’t really comment there.

 

I just replaced all 4 shocks and the steering stabilizer for Bilstein 5100’s on my 22 F250 with the 6.7 PSD and the HCTT package (which is the heavier axle and the same 5 leaf spring set up as a 350) and the snow plow/camper package (taller, heavier front springs). I changed them out at about 9700 miles. I wasn’t expecting to notice a big difference, but I do. Well, I’ll say it this way… I wasn’t expecting to notice any difference between the stock setup and the Bilsteins, but I absolutely do. Small bumps are smooth and bigger bumps are one and done… the truck feels more planted, and until you feel it you probably don’t understand… at least I didn’t.

Saying that, I didn’t think my truck rode bad anyway… even with the stiffer suspension, it was pleasant for me. Maybe the weight of the diesel engine helps with that though. And don’t get me wrong, it still rides like a truck. But in my personal experience, I am very glad I made the swap.

 

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.

 

The 5100s are firm, they will not give you a soft or cushioned ride if that is what you are after, the 4600s are better for that as mentioned. I really like the 5100s because I do prefer a firmer ride in my trucks, I appreciate the road feedback I get and for towing/hauling. Just keep in mind they are on the firm side when compared to other shocks.

 

Drive across a set of railroad tracks a couple of times, then go home and replace your stock shocks with Bilsteins (30 minutes). Now go back across those same tracks with the new setup and you will notice a difference.

 

I believe most choose the 5100 over the 4600 based on appearance alone.

 

I won’t lie, that was a big reason I went with the 5100’s. But also because I do have the slightly taller front end from the snow plow springs and because I will be towing my camper often. I also didn’t want a “plusher” ride. As it turned out though, the 5100’s are more comfortable than the stock shocks! (My opinion now that I have them installed…)

 

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.

 

Does anyone know of any coupon codes for shock Surplus?

 

the fronts are pretty visible on these trucks though.

 

The boots are black and on the top half so you do not notice them fronts. Granted bright blue boots and yellow bodies would stand out more. On mine I really only see one of the rears from behind.

The Bilstien colors used to be something people went for. Probably being most popular on the old Chevy Z71 trucks from the mid-late 90's I know people that bought them too be noticed. Times have changed and I do like that mine more or less match my truck. Could have gone with Fox too but having owned a Raptor, I do not want to deal with the hassle of rebuilds. If these fail, they get replaced under warranty for free.

 

@Garbageman 134 I don't know off any coupons right now, however, next weekend is the 4th and there is a possibility that there will be a sale then... Also, before I ordered mine I had added them to the cart and the next day I had a coupon for $20 off that was only good for 48 hours... I ended up missing out on that code by about 12 hours, but also, every time I go to the site there are pop ups for $10 off... it's what I ended up using. It was $495 for all 4 shocks and the steering stabilizer. Also, I ordered mine on a Sunday afternoon and they shipped that evening, and arrived to me via FedEx on Thursday (was supposed to be Wednesday... but FedEx...) I put them on the same evening.

And a word to the wise, if you don't have it already, I would pick up an 18 and a 21mm ratcheting wrench and a thin pair of needle nose vice grips. Being that you have the 7.3, you may have better access to the top of the fronts from under the hood, but on the 6.7 there is none without removing a bunch of other stuff... And I can't remember which size Allen wrench, but you will need one of those too... Also, it was suggested to me to add some orange thread locker to the lower bolts when you add them back. I forgot to add it to the rears but did add them to the fronts...