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In what way were they better than stock? I have a bone stock 2021 F250 4wd, about to put a front leveling kit. Bilsteins were firmer? Smoother? I'm not gonna be racing Baja or anything, so curious if the 5100s would be an improvement.
For me the Bilsteins were more planted, more stable. Sure I still knew when I hit a bump but it didn’t linger and bounce around. Also, they help with body roll when taking curves. Between the new shocks and tires, my truck drive and rode way better than even when new.
For me the Bilsteins were more planted, more stable. Sure I still knew when I hit a bump but it didn’t linger and bounce around. Also, they help with body roll when taking curves. Between the new shocks and tires, my truck drive and rode way better than even when new.
Thanks. At 52k miles I've been thinking about shock replacement but curious if the Bilsteins would be a noticeable improvement.
Just my opinion but if all you drive on is paved roads. I don’t think you’ll really notice any difference between shocks, unless the paved roads are really bad.
The biggest ride improvement will come from just reducing your tire air pressure.
Last edited by GAZZILLA; Dec 21, 2025 at 07:41 AM.
Im almost certain I have the 5100s on my 22 f450 (its been awhile and my memory is fuzzy) and I read a lot about them before I got them, they work find with the stock height with no problem. It was a great upgrade and im very happy with them.
In what way were they better than stock? I have a bone stock 2021 F250 4wd, about to put a front leveling kit. Bilsteins were firmer? Smoother? I'm not gonna be racing Baja or anything, so curious if the 5100s would be an improvement.
I replaced the oem shocks at just under 9k miles.
The shock valving for compression, and rebound was so weak, you could compress the shock ridiculously easy.
They had to be very ineffective in dampening the suspension of the truck.
Last edited by 2004Limited; Dec 21, 2025 at 05:19 PM.
Monotube shocks drastically refined my ride immediately. Softer? No. More control, less harshness? Absolutely. Like going from a Ford Taurus to a sport tuned Lexus suspension (also not soft).
Monotube shocks drastically refined my ride immediately. Softer? No. More control, less harshness? Absolutely. Like going from a Ford Taurus to a sport tuned Lexus suspension (also not soft).
Maybe some just don't want to spend the extra cash for shocks just to get groceries. My personal opinion wouldn't waste that money on them either, even though I put 50k miles a year working the truck on and off road conditions.
Gazilla, thanks for the insight on the 4600 vs 5100. I guess that zink plating costs more being the 4600 are cheaper than the 5100 but if no performance difference then it sounds like the 4600 may be the way to go?
Beast 17, good info on the 5100. Like my dad use to say “read all the words”😂. Anyway, the only difference I see is the specs description state F250 mine is an F350, hmmmm?
Mike
F250/F350 take the same shocks. Both trucks are identical except load carrying capacity with heavier springs.
Maybe some just don't want to spend the extra cash for shocks just to get groceries. My personal opinion wouldn't waste that money on them either, even though I put 50k miles a year working the truck on and off road conditions.
Then get a Toyota Camry.
Whoops, even those benifit from shocks that arent twin tube garbage. The stock shocks minus well be empty cardboard tubes. Its a travesty that any truck comes with them.
Whoops, even those benifit from shocks that arent twin tube garbage. The stock shocks minus well be empty cardboard tubes. Its a travesty that any truck comes with them.
So witty for pushing over priced shocks that need special rebuilding and maintenance. I suppose when mall crawling the Fox's shine for such rugged urban pot holes.
Every thread on this forum turns in to what resembles a bunch of women arguing during a party planning committee meeting. I don't get it. Just help people out or don't say anything.
So witty for pushing over priced shocks that need special rebuilding and maintenance. I suppose when mall crawling the Fox's shine for such rugged urban pot holes.
They require no special rebuilding and maint, and will last much longer than any twin tube shock. Most twin tube shocks performance drops off dramatically, in just 30k miles.
