Which Shocks for a 2500 HD?

[Dutchman2]

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.

Installed 4600 all around on our 2015 2500HD (stock) last year. Big improvement on the front end bounce issue I had. I think that is due to the pressurized shock rebound vs. the non-pressurized Rancho stock shock. The rears did not feel much different. We have timbrens installed on the rear.

Dutchman2

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I think that is due to the pressurized shock rebound vs. the non-pressurized Rancho stock shock.

And...Ranchos are a pretty poor shock in general....

[Scott'n'Wendy]

On the bilstein site the 4600 shocks are oem replacement. 5100 are performance replacement for stock height, or lifted.
Not exactly sure what "performance" implies.

[Hoopy Frood]

Generally speaking when they talk about suspension "performance" they are usually referring to stiffer suspension, and more travel. Rule of thumb anyway.

[HighClouds]

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.

Does changing out the shocks make a difference in ride height?

[Hoopy Frood]

Does changing out the shocks make a difference in ride height?

It shouldn't, and it didn't with my trucks when I did them.

[msutoad]

Does changing out the shocks make a difference in ride height?

ride should not change. Did not change on my 2500 Denali HD nor on my F450, both have Bilstein!!

[FT4NOW]

Had 5100s on my stock height 2016 F350 DRW. 5100s are more corrosion resistant whereas the 4600s are only painted.

[msutoad]

Had 5100s on my stock height 2016 F350 DRW. 5100s are more corrosion resistant whereas the 4600s are only painted.

spot on with that comment, thanks for stating that. I was trying to think about how to characterize the diff

[Hoopy Frood]

FWIW, I had the blue painted Bilsteins on my dually for 14 years, and when I replaced them, there was no rust or discoloration. Faded? You bet, but that was the extent.