New Shocks
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 413
Likes: 285
From: N. Appalachistan
Folks,
This is a public service announcement of sorts - I swapped the factory shocks and steering damper to Bilstein 5100s (#24-274951 and #24-274968). The front Bilsteins are within a 1/2 inch of the factory shocks in length, so don't worry about fitment. I don't know why Bilstein doesn't officially recommend them for an un-lifted truck.
I did the swap on my 2024 F350 CCSB Lariat Ultimate, 7.3L with 4,400 miles in the odometer. I have been running 55/50 PSIG front/rear on the stock Dueler AT 275/65R20, which did help the ride and the control over bumps. The difference with these new shocks and steering damper is amazing. The truck is a little smoother over bumps, rebound damping is excellent (no more bouncing around after a bump in the road). The steering damper removed all of the 1/2 second to 1 second death wobble that I was experiencing over road imperfections.
Don't give this a second thought - pay the $500 for the shocks and steering damper and put them on today. The ride is closer to my F150's ride than my Excursion's ride. Best money I've spent this year.
My two cents worth....
This is a public service announcement of sorts - I swapped the factory shocks and steering damper to Bilstein 5100s (#24-274951 and #24-274968). The front Bilsteins are within a 1/2 inch of the factory shocks in length, so don't worry about fitment. I don't know why Bilstein doesn't officially recommend them for an un-lifted truck.
I did the swap on my 2024 F350 CCSB Lariat Ultimate, 7.3L with 4,400 miles in the odometer. I have been running 55/50 PSIG front/rear on the stock Dueler AT 275/65R20, which did help the ride and the control over bumps. The difference with these new shocks and steering damper is amazing. The truck is a little smoother over bumps, rebound damping is excellent (no more bouncing around after a bump in the road). The steering damper removed all of the 1/2 second to 1 second death wobble that I was experiencing over road imperfections.
Don't give this a second thought - pay the $500 for the shocks and steering damper and put them on today. The ride is closer to my F150's ride than my Excursion's ride. Best money I've spent this year.
My two cents worth....
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
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.
My truck has the standard 3" rear blocks from the factory and a leveling kit up front and the 4600s fit fine.
I also do have the Bilstein steering stabilizer, which only comes in the brushed finish like the 5100s.
While there was a slight difference in ride quality after removing the OE shocks at 85k miles, the difference was not large enough to warrant a $500 "mod" in my opinion. The Bilstein shocks do not seem any different at all in terms of quality, rebound, or compression compared to the factory shocks. I also didn't see any improvements whatsoever in front end jounce or momentary wobble when hitting bridge joints with the Bilstein steering stabilizer. The OE stabilizer at 85k miles was just fine.
In any case, if these Bilsteins hold up long term I guess in the long run it'll pay off. But the idea of ripping the stock shocks off with low mileage for an "upgrade" just doesn't make sense in my experience. These 17-19 models with the new, lighter bodies and stiffer frames just ride like s*it and that's how it's always going to be. Gotta' get used to it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,640
Likes: 2,435
I should correct myself here. Apparently the 5100s and 4600s are the same shock. The only difference is the 5100s are in a brushed finish and the 4600s are painted yellow, and also the 5100s are a tad longer to accommodate lifted or leveled trucks.
My truck has the standard 3" rear blocks from the factory and a leveling kit up front and the 4600s fit fine.
I also do have the Bilstein steering stabilizer, which only comes in the brushed finish like the 5100s.
While there was a slight difference in ride quality after removing the OE shocks at 85k miles, the difference was not large enough to warrant a $500 "mod" in my opinion. The Bilstein shocks do not seem any different at all in terms of quality, rebound, or compression compared to the factory shocks. I also didn't see any improvements whatsoever in front end jounce or momentary wobble when hitting bridge joints with the Bilstein steering stabilizer. The OE stabilizer at 85k miles was just fine.
In any case, if these Bilsteins hold up long term I guess in the long run it'll pay off. But the idea of ripping the stock shocks off with low mileage for an "upgrade" just doesn't make sense in my experience. These 17-19 models with the new, lighter bodies and stiffer frames just ride like s*it and that's how it's always going to be. Gotta' get used to it.
My truck has the standard 3" rear blocks from the factory and a leveling kit up front and the 4600s fit fine.
I also do have the Bilstein steering stabilizer, which only comes in the brushed finish like the 5100s.
While there was a slight difference in ride quality after removing the OE shocks at 85k miles, the difference was not large enough to warrant a $500 "mod" in my opinion. The Bilstein shocks do not seem any different at all in terms of quality, rebound, or compression compared to the factory shocks. I also didn't see any improvements whatsoever in front end jounce or momentary wobble when hitting bridge joints with the Bilstein steering stabilizer. The OE stabilizer at 85k miles was just fine.
In any case, if these Bilsteins hold up long term I guess in the long run it'll pay off. But the idea of ripping the stock shocks off with low mileage for an "upgrade" just doesn't make sense in my experience. These 17-19 models with the new, lighter bodies and stiffer frames just ride like s*it and that's how it's always going to be. Gotta' get used to it.
The finish is actually a zinc plated finish on the 5100 vs a painted or maybe powder coated finish on the 4600. This could be a case of YMMV. Bilstein shocks are noticeably better in quality and performance over the stock shocks. They are also completely different types of shocks, with stock being a low pressure twin tube shock, and the Bilstein being a fairly high pressure monotube shock. Different valving and performance characteristics. The majority of owners who switch find that the swap from stock to Bilstein (or nearly any monotube) provides a more controlled ride. I don't believe any shock will provide an extreme night and day difference in just daily driving, no matter how much you spend, but even a minor improvement is worth swapping out the shocks IMO, and the Bilsteins 5100/4600's are an inexpensive option.
Was the OE steering damper original? Mine was faulty at 4k when I replaced it with the Bilstein unit. Many of the OE stabilizers have been changed under the "death wobble" recall. The Bilstein damper reduced feedback in the steering wheel when hitting dips and bumps. But my OE part was no bueno. I have no complaints about how my 2019 F-250 rides, I find it to be a comfortable truck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 4,026
Likes: 2,341
In any case, if these Bilsteins hold up long term I guess in the long run it'll pay off. But the idea of ripping the stock shocks off with low mileage for an "upgrade" just doesn't make sense in my experience. These 17-19 models with the new, lighter bodies and stiffer frames just ride like s*it and that's how it's always going to be. Gotta' get used to it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1,016
From: Central KY
My cousin has a 2020 XLT just like my truck except he's got the "XLT Premium" package. His truck sits noticeably lower than mine, and when I ride with him the ride quality does seem to be a little bit more controlled and less choppy and rough. It's still very much a hay wagon, but I do think the 20+ trucks got improvements.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 900
Likes: 330
The adjustable Rancho RS9000XL shocks are what I am going to try next. I can firm them up when towing, then back off them for DD. The 5100s are great for towing, but I find them a bit too firm for using as a DD. Not sure even the 4600s would have been any better as a DD.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,640
Likes: 2,435
The adjustable Rancho RS9000XL shocks are what I am going to try next. I can firm them up when towing, then back off them for DD. The 5100s are great for towing, but I find them a bit too firm for using as a DD. Not sure even the 4600s would have been any better as a DD.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 129
Likes: 66
From: Coastal VA
Shock Lifespan
I'm curious about the service life you all are getting with your Bilstein 4600/5100 shocks. I have run the 4600 series shocks on my Excursion since replacing the OEM shocks in 2008. I'm on my third set of Bilsteins now - they seem to loose their rebound damping at around 45,000 - 50,000 miles. What has been your experience wit them?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 513
Oh you would definitely notice when your head bounced off the top of the cab!
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