Which Bilstein Shock

tyhuck · May 18, 2014

OK, so the last time I replaced my shocks I went with some KYB heavy duty shocks, thinking that they would work better for me sinc I have added a front end replacement and replacement rear bumper to my truck. Unfortunately, even with an extra 170lbs on the front of the truck, it still rides like its on wood blocks.

I asked the question a while back as to which shocks I should replace the KYBs with, an most of the responses were for Bilsteins. As I look at the Bilsteins, I see 2 different options that fit my truck, the basic 4600 series, and the 5100 series. Just wondering if anyone has experience with the differences in these two models.

Chris · May 18, 2014

I like the 4600

TooTall1 · May 18, 2014

I'm a fan of the 5100 series. Had them on my '99 and will be installing a set on my '08.

Carder09 · May 18, 2014

Not sure if pro comp shocks are the same as any other but I know when I put the es9000 shocks on my old truck, the ride was completely more stable and planted in cornering than any previous shocks I had before. Only draw back was the small bit of stiffness over stock but it sure did ride good!

tyhuck · May 18, 2014

Im gonna get enough ride stiffness from the cranked torsion bars and add-a-leaf springs out back. Im gonna need something to help counteract those 2 factors and smooth everything out. Since the wife just bought a new VW Passat TDI, and the ride is so nice, it almost makes the ride in my truck miserable. Im ok with a little roughness. Hell, its a truck. But, with the HD shocks on it, its borderline violent.

Tootall, whats the advantage of the 5100s over the 4600s?

TooTall1 · May 18, 2014

From what I understand the 4600 series is more like a stock shock while the 5100 series is slightly firmer, but not stiff. The 5100 offer better damping and rebound. I know they made my truck feel planted, but really did a good job at damping bumps and potholes. I had them on a '99 with the front end cranked up about 2" with LT285-75-16 tires and the ride was very comfortable.

tyhuck · May 18, 2014

Thanks for the input. I noticed driving it today that the worst part is when the ground falls out from under you, its almost like the shock doesn't rebound fast enough to let the tire fall fast enough, so the whole truck falls and it feels like you are crashing down.

Does that make sense?

dirtfan21 · May 19, 2014

5100's here, absolute night and day difference from factory. I'll never buy anything else again. TooTall1 pretty much explained it the way I would.

TooTall1 · May 20, 2014

Thanks for the input. I noticed driving it today that the worst part is when the ground falls out from under you, its almost like the shock doesn't rebound fast enough to let the tire fall fast enough, so the whole truck falls and it feels like you are crashing down.

Does that make sense?

Over cranking your torsion bars causes this effect. By cranking too much you bring the control arm close to or in contact with the droop stop. When "the ground falls out" or you hit a pothole, the control arm no longer has enough downward travel to compensate, so it feels like the truck drops. Some try longer shocks or shock extenders, but these don't really help because you're still limited by the droop stop. You shouldn't use the torsion bars with or without "leveling keys" to lift the front of the truck more than 2"-2.5".

white1500 · May 21, 2014

I have a simar issue with my beat up shocks, on rough roads it feels like I'm running on cement tires. Basically most imperfections and dips are not dampened at all.

I'll be going with the 4600 because I've never had to justify needing 5100's and at this point I just need OEM+ performance at my current ride height.

I haul or tow significant loads a couple times a year otherwise I'm usually well below my ratings.

sdeeter19555 · June 20, 2014

Not sure if pro comp shocks are the same as any other but I know when I put the es9000 shocks on my old truck, the ride was completely more stable and planted in cornering than any previous shocks I had before. Only draw back was the small bit of stiffness over stock but it sure did ride good!

I had ProComps on a 2500 Dodge, they failed after about 25k miles...all highway miles. They all leaked to some extent, and several were just dead when removed from the truck.

My only thought is that a shock won't cure a stiff suspension...if its stiff, its going to be stiff regardless of shock. If the suspension can't flex, a shock isn't going to do much to control it.

white1500 · June 23, 2014

I'm planning on getting the 4600 but there are HD and LD versions. Does anyone know the specific differences? Only shockwarehouse.com has both versions available but without details...

So far my plans are to get this done by August. And I'm looking to get a more comfortable ride along with better dampening in general, I like the term OEM+.

Also, I've noticed that the tires that have been used on the front right wear worse than the rest. And not just normal wear but maybe slight cupping and just plainly get more beat up. The shocks are just DONE and the fr is leaking...

My dad has the same tires and with slightly less mileage on them but his look way better than mine so I think that's a huge clue. I can't wait to get this done!

chevyman09 · June 29, 2014

I'm planning on getting the 4600 but there are HD and LD versions. Does anyone know the specific differences? Only shockwarehouse.com has both versions available but without details...

So far my plans are to get this done by August. And I'm looking to get a more comfortable ride along with better dampening in general, I like the term OEM+.

Also, I've noticed that the tires that have been used on the front right wear worse than the rest. And not just normal wear but maybe slight cupping and just plainly get more beat up. The shocks are just DONE and the fr is leaking...

My dad has the same tires and with slightly less mileage on them but his look way better than mine so I think that's a huge clue. I can't wait to get this done!

valving is going to be different.

I have 5100 and like them.

I've had bad and seen bad from the pro comp and a few models of the Ranchos