Thank you for your review, and particularly for using terms that more accurately describe the characteristics of the new shocks.

 

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.

 

69K on mine and no plans to drop some coin on shocks when not needed.

 

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.

 

I have a light truck with heavy springs. I'm pretty sure I could remove the shocks altogether and not notice.

 

Have you had a chance to drive a 20+ to compare the ride with yours?

 

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.

 

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.

 

For the Super Duty application, both 5100 and 4600 share the same valving. So ride would be the same with either.

 

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?

 

Oh you would definitely notice when your head bounced off the top of the cab!