Bilstein 4600 or 5100?

**Chiefblueman** · 06-22-2018, 10:27 PM

Thinking of replacing the stock shocks on my TV. The fronts in particular seem to lack rebound damping. I don't want to affect the unloaded ride negatively. Research on the web is inconclusive. Some say the 4600's are stiff and the 5100's ride better, some say the exact opposite. Anybody here have any knowledge or experience here? Any recommendations for shocks besides Bilsteins?

**geektoad** · 06-23-2018, 04:14 AM

I've got 5100s on my current 3/4 ton GMC. I put them on at 3k miles because the Ranchos that come with the Z71 package are horrible. The 5100s do a much better job of controlling the the truck. They aren't "stiff" but I can see why some people might think that because the truck is definitely less floaty with them. I can't compare the 5100s and 4600 directly on the same truck, but I have had 4600s on previous 1/2 ton GMCs and they're very similar in the improvement they gave (though the ride was obviously much softer overall in the 1/2 tons).

Get the 5100s, you won't regret it.

**Second Chance** · 06-23-2018, 05:57 AM

I installed the 4600s on my previous GMC and now have some on the F350. Great shocks.

Rob

**2500BDM** · 06-23-2018, 01:44 PM

I've used both the 4600 and 5100 on my 2012 RAM. Currently have the 5100 (as of 2 weeks ago). I cant say there is a huge difference between the two on how they preform. But both way out preformed stock.

**ChadandMel** · 06-23-2018, 05:35 PM

I’ll be going with Fox 2.0’s this time around. I’ve never had them but heard great things about them. There about the same price at roughly $100 a pop.

Had 5100’s on my last two trucks and although they were much better than stock, they were pretty stiff, especially when running empty.

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**Chiefblueman** · 06-24-2018, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like my choice may be the flip of a coin. Pricing is similar between all three mentioned here.

CandM, I'll check out the Foxes.

**Txfivver** · 06-25-2018, 02:37 PM

Good info everyone thanks. I am looking to change out the Rancho's that came on my truck, stiff as boards!

**jmbopp** · 06-30-2018, 01:54 PM

I heard the 4600's & 5100's were the same, the 5100's were for lifted trucks.

**Second Chance** · 06-30-2018, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by jmbopp

I heard the 4600's & 5100's were the same, the 5100's were for lifted trucks.

You are right! I just looked at the Bilstein application guide and the 5100s are listed as "ride height adjustable".

Rob

**Chiefblueman** · 06-30-2018, 03:08 PM

There are 5100's for 0-1.5inch lift front and 5100's for 0-1 inch lift rear. There are other 5100's for various lift heights. I'm only interested in the 0 lift shocks. I have seen some info that states the valving, or shim stacks, are not the same between the 4600 and 5100. It seems the 5100's are more tuned for off road use, the 4600's on road. I would like a shock with similar to stock compression damping with better rebound control than stock. It's funny, it runs about 50-50. One guy says 5100's are stiffer riding than 4600's, the next guy will say they ride plusher than the 4600's. A call to Bilstein may be in order.

I have modified the suspension on dirt bikes and street bikes, some by my own hands and some by others. It's always resulted in an improvement but always with the help of a pro. I know just enough about suspension to get into trouble