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I replaced OEM shocks on my 2019 F-250 with Bilstein 4600s all the way around after about two years. I tow a fifth wheel. I honestly cannot say I've noticed any difference whatsoever from the OEM to Bilsteins in ride quality, especially when towing. Then again, I had less than 15,000 miles on the stock shocks. If I were you, I'd wait a bit like others have said. You may find the ride just fine.
Why do people seem to choose the Bilstein 5100 series over the Bilstein 4600 series?
I found this information from another thread and took a screen capture months ago.
Basically saying (from Bilstein) that the 5100 are designed for lifted trucks (longer) but valved the same as the 4600.
I have seen similar responses posted here too... but I wonder what they consider "stock height"... with the wide range of springs that you can get on the Super Duties it seems like there isn't just one set height... and it seems like more folks here report that they run 5100's on their trucks than the 4600's but I haven't seen any posts about failures. I don't know... I have the tallest/heaviest 5990 springs on my 22 with snow plow package, and as I understand it, this can cause my truck to sit around 3/4" +/- higher than the same truck without it.
I've ran my stock shocks with no issues, pulling a 10k 5th wheel. I haven't had any issues and we pulled the 5th wheel from NM to FL last summer, hardly noticed it was there. 2020 F350 CCSB Tremor
I did put a 4" lift on my 2021 F350 CCLB with Fox shocks and that pulls great too. However, I'm slated to trade it in on the F450 that I plan to order for 2023. This truck is great and I get a ton of compliments, but isn't the best for towing heavy and since we are planning on upgrading our 5th wheel, maybe it's time to trade it in.
Side note: I don't know why I put the 4" lift on it, I'd do a 2" lift if I did it over again.
I think you should run the stock shocks for now and see how it drives. You may be wasting time on something that isn't noticeable or needed right now.
That was a big reason I chose the 5100’s over the 4600’s. That yellow and blue is tough to swallow… lol! But I also chose them because I have the taller snow plow springs on my truck, which causes it to be “lifted” more than a base stock height Super Duty.
If factory suck that bad how have they not improved Them? Anyway….opinions?
With stock or near stock weight tires the FX4 shocks are definitely adequate on paved roads when driven near the posted speed limit. On dirt or gravel roads they’re also adequate as long as your not expecting the truck to drive like a million dollar Baja 1000 trophy truck.
I figure I’ll put about 40k miles on them or swap them out sooner if they leak excessively.
That was a big reason I chose the 5100’s over the 4600’s. That yellow and blue is tough to swallow… lol! But I also chose them because I have the taller snow plow springs on my truck, which causes it to be “lifted” more than a base stock height Super Duty.
They will turn brown eventually anyways. I had them on my Ranger for 9 years now and they are brown from rust. Still function like brand new though.
Why do people seem to choose the Bilstein 5100 series over the Bilstein 4600 series?
I found this information from another thread and took a screen capture months ago.
Basically saying (from Bilstein) that the 5100 are designed for lifted trucks (longer) but valved the same as the 4600.
I would ask, why get the 4600 over the 5100? The 5100 zinc and black combo looks better, and you gain 1/2" of down travel. Contrary to what was written in that Bilstein reply, I see no logical reason not to choose the 5100. The only logical reason to go 4600 would be a small cost savings.
I don't see why anyone would put a shock that is only 1/2" longer, with a 2" lift.
Does anyone have the part number for Bilstein 5100's front shocks for a 2022 F350? I can only find the 5100's for anything with a 2"+ lift or higher. I also do not have the tremor package. TIA
Does anyone have the part number for Bilstein 5100's front shocks for a 2022 F350? I can only find the 5100's for anything with a 2"+ lift or higher. I also do not have the tremor package. TIA
And before you say "But those are for a 2" lift..." just read this thread, or any other Bilstein thread...
If it bothers you enough, get the 4600's...
Thanks.... Looks like I will order the fronts per this post. I already replaced the rears with 5100's and it was night and day difference. Kinda wished I did them all at once.
It is difficult to figure out where ford actually gets the shocks they install as OEM, my guess is they are Not US made. For those that say, "Don't replace until you drive it for months", without a comparison, how would you know which rides better? It shouldn't take you thousands of miles to determine you don't like the ride! Drive from LA to NY a time or two, and then decide? IMHO, you'll know pretty damn fast if you'd like your truck to ride differently, the kind of change you'll get with a different shock. For those that need a year or so, God Bless You.
It is difficult to figure out where ford actually gets the shocks they install as OEM, my guess is they are Not US made. For those that say, "Don't replace until you drive it for months", without a comparison, how would you know which rides better? It shouldn't take you thousands of miles to determine you don't like the ride! Drive from LA to NY a time or two, and then decide? IMHO, you'll know pretty damn fast if you'd like your truck to ride differently, the kind of change you'll get with a different shock. For those that need a year or so, God Bless You.
Yeah, slap some Bilsteins on and it will completely transform your truck. Even if you’re just driving the super slab (HIGHWAY). It will make your super duty driving a million dollar trophy truck! IMHO ridiculous, the differences are very subtle and to many unnoticeable.
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