Which Shocks for a 2500 HD?

[Hoopy Frood]

Thanks, everyone, I went to the Bilstein website and it recommended the Bilstein B6 4600 shocks for my truck. Several of you have mentioned the 5100 shocks, which is better?

According to the Bilstein website, the 5100 shocks are for lifted or modified trucks. I put the 4600 shocks on my Ram 3500 dually. Very happy with them.

[msutoad]

5100’s fit on my unlifted factory height F450 , FYI…

[Hoopy Frood]

5100’s fit on my unlifted factory height F450 , FYI…

I've heard that they will fit, but I was speaking of what Bilstein's website says. Supposedly the valving is the same. But have no first hand knowledge of that.

[trailrydr]

I've heard that they will fit, but I was speaking of what Bilstein's website says. Supposedly the valving is the same. But have no first hand knowledge of that.

They're used for leveling since I needed new shocks anyways after 10 years.. I had mine setup for. 1.5" in front and bought the appropriate rear 5100's to level it out. Worked well, made it hug the road like an Indy racer. Of course, add on a Hellwig antisway and some bags.... it made for quite the solid tow-er with my 295RL.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Thanks, everyone, I went to the Bilstein website and it recommended the Bilstein B6 4600 shocks for my truck. Several of you have mentioned the 5100 shocks, which is better?

I can't tell you which is better after only having installed the 5100's after removing factory shocks. I noticed quite a ride improvement. I have no experience with the 4600. 5100 was recommended for my diesel 3500. Maybe if your truck is a gasser it recommends a different shock?

[Hoopy Frood]

I can't tell you which is better after only having installed the 5100's after removing factory shocks. I noticed quite a ride improvement. I have no experience with the 4600. 5100 was recommended for my diesel 3500. Maybe if your truck is a gasser it recommends a different shock?

The Bilstein website recommended the 4600 for my Ram diesel dually. Wonder why the difference. Which is what I installed, and happy with them so all is good.

[Second Chance]

The Bilstein website recommended the 4600 for my Ram diesel dually. Wonder why the difference. Which is what I installed, and happy with them so all is good.

I believe it depends on suspension configuration and lift, if I recall from the two set's I've had installed.

Rob

[Hoopy Frood]

I believe it depends on suspension configuration and lift, if I recall from the two set's I've had installed.

Rob

That was the criteria given for model selection when I looked, but I assumed the difference was for trucks lifted with aftermarket kits. I figured stock configuration would be for the 4600. Who knows?

[Wileykid]

Last truck (RAM 3500) I put the Bilstein 4600 on. Improved ride and towing. What I have been told, the 4600 and 5100 are essentially the same, just the 4600 is for stock, and the 5100 is for lifted trucks, although it can be used for a stock truck.

[Soundsailor]

OK, thanks again for all the input. I found this comparison: https://www.shocksurplus.com/blogs/s...or-differences What I take from this is that the 5100s are slightly stiffer than the 4600s. While I do drive my truck frequently, I couldn't really call it a daily driver. So the difference in ride between the two wouldn't make the choice for me. What I'm mostly interested in is reducing the bounce I get while towing over bumps. I have Timrens installed on the truck and they really helped with stabilizing the ride as did the Sumo springs I put on the coach. But there are still specific road conditions where it can feel like I'm on a bucking bronco. I'm looking for a shock that will help with those conditions. Both the 4600s and the 1500s can be purchased at a set of front and rear shocks for under $400, so cost isn't a deciding factor. I'm leaning towards the 5100s, but a bit smoother ride might tip the scale towards the 4600s if I thought they would handle the towing issues. And in case you're wondering, as far as I know, my 2500 HD is stock with no lifts. The 5100s are usually oriented towards trucks with lift, but the ones I'm looking at say 0 to 1.5 inches of lift. I'm assuming stock with no lift is equivalent to 0 inches.