Bilstein 5150
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I think mine are 5100 series in the front, the silver ones. I believe the 7100 series is more common, but I know a few people who have added reservoirs to the rebuildable shocks. Basically disassembling them, drilling and tapping for a tube. I don't know what they used for reservoirs but they used braided hoses and fitting to connect them and shrader valves to adjust the gas.
FTE *******
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: McAllen, Texas
Originally Posted by emmagator
not very popular or what?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
I was told directly from Bilstein the 5100's are better valved for our Powerstrokes! The extra expense for the 5150 is pretty much wasted....and like Marty said, they are painted silver. The 5100's not only work better, they look great while doing it! 
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
I have the 5100's on my truck now for close to a year. Someone also told me the they tend to rust so I went ahead and bought a can of clear paint and gave them all a few heavy coats. Now they clean right up and still look new after months on the beach and a winter full of salt.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
Originally Posted by emmagator
I have heard that the 5100 and 7100 have rust issues. Whats up with that?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
FTE *******
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: McAllen, Texas
The 5100s are now Cadmium rather than Zinc plated. I have never heard of rust issues with them but the old Zinc plating did tarnish quickly. The Cadmium appears to hold up much better. The 7100s are also now Cadmium plated as well as clear powder coated.