New Shocks
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,015
From: Central KY
The Shock Surplus video where he talked about the Fox shocks not holding up long term and needing to be rebuilt occasionally is what steered me away from them. Too much $$$ to have to fool with that. Bilsteins will easily last 100k miles or more.
The yellow color is awesome. Reminds me of the lifted trucks of the old school days. The 4600s are working out OK for me but if I could do it again I'd get 5100s just because I feel like even more control would be better on these heavy trucks.
The yellow color is awesome. Reminds me of the lifted trucks of the old school days. The 4600s are working out OK for me but if I could do it again I'd get 5100s just because I feel like even more control would be better on these heavy trucks.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 81
Likes: 45
The Shock Surplus video where he talked about the Fox shocks not holding up long term and needing to be rebuilt occasionally is what steered me away from them. Too much $$$ to have to fool with that. Bilsteins will easily last 100k miles or more.
The yellow color is awesome. Reminds me of the lifted trucks of the old school days. The 4600s are working out OK for me but if I could do it again I'd get 5100s just because I feel like even more control would be better on these heavy trucks.
The yellow color is awesome. Reminds me of the lifted trucks of the old school days. The 4600s are working out OK for me but if I could do it again I'd get 5100s just because I feel like even more control would be better on these heavy trucks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 1,656
From: Bighorn Basin, NW Wyoming
The only difference between Bilstein 4600’s and 5100’s is the lengths and the color.
Email reply from Bilstein about that…
“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.”
Email reply from Bilstein about that…
“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.”
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 367
Likes: 100
From: Northern NM
I just replaced a Fox 2.0 rear shock that somehow blew its seal just sitting. It sat for a week or two, then I noticed a puddle under the shock, all of the fluid leaked out. It's probably 2-3 years old, 30k miles.
Seals only have a 1 year warranty on Fox shocks.
Seals only have a 1 year warranty on Fox shocks.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 226
Likes: 121
I have $4k worth of shocks on my rig and it doesnt mean a seal cant get dirt underneath it or a problem happening just like any other shock. However, the ride and functionality is far better.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 205
Likes: 56
For $4000 I would certainly hope lots of things would be better!!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 205
Likes: 56
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 553
I agree, Fox 2.0’s or Bilsteins is the way to go for stock set ups. I went with the Bilsteins largely based on the lower cost. But reviews seem to indicate they the 5100’s were better with towing in mind whereas the Foxs were more for (light) off-roading. That may be a bit broad… but it’s kind of what I had gathered from reading others reviews. Also, with the reputation of the 5100’s, I had no concerns. Some also mentioned that the Fox’s would often need rebuilding and that this cost more money. Of course less if you can do it yourself. Saying all of that, I am happy with my 5100’s, but I’ll admit, I love the logos and the look of the Fox shocks… either way, I would bet you’d be happy with either.
you can find shops to rebuild shocks all day. sometimes even just a motorcycle shop can do it. they have the tools, it's just a touch different than what theyre used to. bilsteins attention to retaining OEM NVH is a big deal though.
I did tons of towing with the 2.0's, no issues whatsoever. its splitting hairs IMHO between the fox and bilsteins.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 553
you think that's bad?? ICON shocks blow their seals just by getting installed. I will never recommend those shocks to anyone. 2 sets of rear icons on my ford in 2 years. seals blew both sets. 100% on road driving. meanwhile fox shocks been going for 60k.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 367
Likes: 100
From: Northern NM
It's just with the name and reputation you think Fox would last longer or have better quality control, whatever the issue is. Maybe its just a fluke thing.
I did replace it with the same Fox2.0 tho $200 a piece, I still have confidence in them.
I think they're better than most.
I did replace it with the same Fox2.0 tho $200 a piece, I still have confidence in them.
I think they're better than most.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,796
Likes: 3,451
From: Uh oh, CA
I found that the 5100's gave a more planted ride with less body roll in turns at higher speeds. And while they don't soften the bumps, they do stop the truck from bouncing after rolling over the bumps... now the truck bounces once and then stops. It's definitely a better experience, and this is both, when towing and when empty.
To add to this, I also just replaced the OE Wrangler tires and now, between the new tires and the 5100 shocks, it is a different driving experience and very enjoyable.
To add to this, I also just replaced the OE Wrangler tires and now, between the new tires and the 5100 shocks, it is a different driving experience and very enjoyable.