I'm looking for advise on Bilstein shocks. I still have the original shocks on my truck, which now have around 140,000 miles on them. It seems that most here gice a thumbs up for the Bilstein's. Which ones should I go for- the 4600's or the 5100's? My truck is not lifted or leveled and don't intend to in the future. I occasionally haul a 2 horse slant bumper trailer which I've had no problems hauling- it's a pretty balanced load. And most of my mileage is pavement. Are the 5100's a better shock over the 4600's due to the weight of these AV's? Are the 5100's geared for the lifted/leveled and the 4600's for non-lifted? I see most have the 5100's- why?
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Bilstein 4600 or 5100 shocks?
- Thread starter dbr549
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Double O7
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Plugging in your Avy at their website shows the 4600 is for stock ride height.
And the 5100's are all for various lifted rides.
And the 5100's are all for various lifted rides.
I've been doing a lot of reading and surfing concerning the differences between the two. Both are available for a stock ride height truck, both have the same size valve, both are monotube. But the valving on the 5100 series is apparently just enough different to nudge them into a heavy duty (read - rougher riding, more controlled shock; bye-bye to the Cadillac comfortable ride) shock. The 5100 is intended for work and play trucks.
This is just my understanding of the BS from various sales sights and some reviews off those sites. Shocks Plus has a decent video explaining the differences.
I'm trying to decide on which to get for myself.
This is just my understanding of the BS from various sales sights and some reviews off those sites. Shocks Plus has a decent video explaining the differences.
I'm trying to decide on which to get for myself.
??
Randy
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Go for the 5100"s, you will not be disappointed, I have a lift with 5100's and it rides better than it did stock and it will handle better than the 4600's..
Thanks Randy for the input!
I emailed shock surplus last week and they replied this morning:
Bilstein 4600 would be solely as an OEM replacement and do nothing special with the vehicle.
Bilstein 5100 would be for towing and hauling, entry-level off-roading, or a more sporty feeling.
I emailed shock surplus last week and they replied this morning:
Bilstein 4600 would be solely as an OEM replacement and do nothing special with the vehicle.
Bilstein 5100 would be for towing and hauling, entry-level off-roading, or a more sporty feeling.
Double O7
Full Member
Did they give you part numbers guaranteed to fit with them paying the return shipping?
I ask because what the Bilstein website shows made for a 2005 4x4 Avy lists 4600's for unlifted.
And only 5100's for lifted.
Then when you click on either version for more details, the shock part number recommended does not list for 2005 Avy's.
I think call Bilstein to get the part number before buying from a dealer.
Randy
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Double O7
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My bad....
Looking at the webpage for fitment, the list the year range 2006-2002 or backwards to the way I am use to seeing.
And like a dummy I only saw the 2006 and zoned out what was after!
DUH, I am so embarrassed for myself.
SpottyJ
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I put the Bilstein 4600 on the rear of my 2013 Z-71, and had an improved but smooth feel as compared to the 120K stock shocks. HTH.
I have the 5100 Bilsteins and H2 springs I had on my truck when it was totalled. They have around 5k miles on them and I got them through Rock Auto just under 2 years ago. They still look new I paid over $400 for this setup. I would rather find someone close by that can pick them up but looking for like $200 for the setup. The bilsteins are good for 0-2" lift. The H2 springs raised my truck about 2".
The H2 springs are variable rate. My truck rode very nicely with this setup. And if you do happen to pull a big load, those H2 springs will definetly help you out. They have a little road grime on them. My oil pan had a leaky gasket on it and leaked all the way down the truck. As well as a cracked adapter between the transmission and the transfer case. I probably could have wiped them down before this picture but I just pulled them out of the truck. Can't use them in my 2500.
The H2 springs are variable rate. My truck rode very nicely with this setup. And if you do happen to pull a big load, those H2 springs will definetly help you out. They have a little road grime on them. My oil pan had a leaky gasket on it and leaked all the way down the truck. As well as a cracked adapter between the transmission and the transfer case. I probably could have wiped them down before this picture but I just pulled them out of the truck. Can't use them in my 2500.
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