24 2500 Bilstein upgrade help…

WV_Crusader · March 23

Sorry if I missed this in the sear, but want to replace the Ranchi junk with Bilstein 5100’s. I only have 8k on truck and can’t stand them. I did order the steering stabilizer kit from Kryptonite w/ Bilstein stabilizer.

does anyone have part numbers for the front and rear shocks Bilstein 5100’s?

Kerry Pulaski · March 24

I have a '24 2500HD with Max Trailer Pkg. that also came with those White Shocks. 7k miles on her.

Put Bilsteins on my '16 2500HD, and used the 5600's. Were great , but now know the 5600's are for at least 1.5" Lifted applications.

For Stock Ride Height Bilstein says to use the 4600's. Also said no difference in ride quality between these two IF the 5100 is installed at the designed Lifted Ride Height.

The 5100 is a Longer Shock than the 4600, but both have same valving / dampening.

I cannot add the pic of the Bilstein web page, as I am out of attachment space allotment.

FYI: My local 4x4 specialty shop even said the "White Shocks" will move about 20%, before the dampening really kicks in. Which seems plause-able, as I found my new truck is a bit "floaty", compared to my previous Bilstein experience. Can't wait to put the 4600's on.

Only part numbers I found are up to a '23 2500HD. Front 24-196437, Rear 24-196444.

Epsilon Plus · March 24

Unless you have a big tongue weight or payload on the back, they won't soften the ride if that's what you want. They will control trailer bounce and help control rebound. You could take a shock out of the back and drive around empty and not notice a difference. The issue is the 3,000+lb payload leaf springs. Unless they are under some load, shocks aren't going to soften a spring that's not even compressing.

That said, if you can't find 24+ part numbers, 20-23 will work. There's no changes under the truck that would necessitate a different P/N shock from 20-24. So far, our sleuths have uncovered only different brake line and speed sensor part numbers for 24+ to clear the ZR2s DSSV shocks, and they may only be for ZR2 24s.

Edited March 24 by Epsilon Plus

Kerry Pulaski · March 24

I agree. Just wanted to mention to @WV_Crusader, to check part numbers with a vendor, before ordering. As every site I saw, had no listing for the '24.

In my case, my new '24 HD Front Ranchos are a bit lacking in control for my liking, compared to the Bill's I put on my '16 HD. With the Bill's in front, the bump stops were rarely hit.

My other Big difference was the Max-Trailer option in this '24 rear leaf stack With Overloads. I carry the same weight of tools and equip. as in the '16, but had to add the Firestone Air Bags and anti-sway bar in the '16 to sort it out to handle well.

The '24 HD with that spring pak, no bags needed, just added a rear 1.5" Roadmaster anti-sway bar, and good to go.

Best Regards, KP.

WV_Crusader · March 24

Thanks for all the replies and great info!!

I currently have a TT with GVWR of 6,700lbs. But was towing with my 15’ 1500. Eventually next year going bigger and nicer lol.

i live in the salt belt and I am religious about undercarriage cleaning ever chance I get when the weather warms up.

But….i was able to find out that the part numbers for shocks on the 24’s are indeed the same for the 23’s!!! Took me a ton of research but found GM / AC Delco site to list all shocks used on our trucks for 24 finally. So will be ordering from Rock Auto tomorrow!

Edited March 24 by WV_Crusader

bruceb58 · March 27

On 3/23/2024 at 9:21 PM, WV_Crusader said:

But….i was able to find out that the part numbers for shocks on the 24’s are indeed the same for the 23’s!!! Took me a ton of research but found GM / AC Delco site to list all shocks used on our trucks for 24 finally. So will be ordering from Rock Auto tomorrow!

What part numbers did you come up with?

Dunn · March 29

24 is same as 2020 and above....no difference

WV_Crusader · March 31

Here are the part numbers for the shocks, sorry for the delay.

bruceb58 · March 31

2 hours ago, WV_Crusader said:

Here are the part numbers for the shocks, sorry for the delay.

Thank you. What I have been having a hard time determining is the 5100 front. With that part number(24253161), I see some sources that say it's for a 1.5" lift. Other places say it's 0" to 1.5" lift. Not sure what to believe.

WV_Crusader · March 31

6 hours ago, bruceb58 said:

Thank you. What I have been having a hard time determining is the 5100 front. With that part number(24253161), I see some sources that say it's for a 1.5" lift. Other places say it's 0" to 1.5" lift. Not sure what to believe.

So the body of shock is supposed to be same length and rod is slightly longer to accommodate if you went up to 1.5” leveled/lifted. Be no problem at all on stock height.

bruceb58 · March 31

2 minutes ago, WV_Crusader said:

So the body of shock is supposed to be same length and rod is slightly longer to accommodate if you went up to 1.5” leveled/lifted. Be no problem at all on stock height.

That's what I am looking for..thanks.

WV_Crusader · March 31

5 minutes ago, bruceb58 said:

That's what I am looking for..thanks.

Yes sir, welcome!

bruceb58 · April 1

4 hours ago, WV_Crusader said:

Yes sir, welcome!

One thing I have noticed, looking at various install videos, is that some people put the boot at the bottom and some put it at the top on the rear shocks. What I am reading is that the writing on the shock should be right side up. This means the boot should be at the bottom.