Replacement rear shocks

DWGERLI

Advanced Member
RV LIFE Pro
Joined
Oct 29, 2023
Messages
38
Looking for some good suggestions for replacing my rear shocks. We have a F150 towing a GD 7,000 lb GTW travel trailer. For those that have switch from OEM shocks, what worked best for you? Thank you in advance for your thoughts.
 
I've put Bilsteins on my trucks and been very happy with them. But considering the "quality" of OEM shocks, anything will be a huge improvement. :)
 
I've put Bilsteins on my trucks and been very happy with them. But considering the "quality" of OEM shocks, anything will be a huge improvement. :)
Thank you. I have seen this brand come up a few times. Will look onto.
 
I put Bilstein 4600's on my Ram 1500 and like them a lot. If you're going to do it, do all 4, not just the rear. Front and rear shocks work together as a set.

If you are looking to beef up the rear suspension, RAS leaf spring helpers or air bags might be worth a look.
 
I put Bilstein 5100 series shocks on my previous F-150 and they made a world of difference. I am planning of replacing the rear shocks on our 2023 with the same after the weather warms up in the spring.
 
Thank you many have recommended this brand. I will look into. Thank you for your response.
 
Bilstein are the best value I think. Not a performance shock but a better than stock option at a reasonable price. I’ve had them on my last three trucks and I’ve been happy with them. The valving is a hair different different between the 4600 and 5100 but I honestly couldn’t tell a difference. Tried both on one truck.

You might consider doing all four corners if it’s not too much hassle on a F150. Don’t know how much of a hassle it is with the coils springs up front.
 
To replace the front shock you need to remove the complete strut which involves breaking down parts of the suspension so you can get access and room to remove/install the strut. It will also require a set of spring compressors. At my age it is not one of those jobs I want to do in the driveway so would have to pay someone to do it for me.
 
To replace the front shock you need to remove the complete strut which involves breaking down parts of the suspension so you can get access and room to remove/install the strut. It will also require a set of spring compressors. At my age it is not one of those jobs I want to do in the driveway so would have to pay someone to do it for me.
Disregard my comment. I don’t think I’d want to do that at any age. 2 in the rear will be fine.
 
Bilstein 4600 for stock truck. The 5100 is for lifted trucks, although they will work with the stock height. Been using the 4600 for the last three trucks. They are the go to for most people towing, unless you have a deep pocket (and will not really gain much).
 
To replace the front shock you need to remove the complete strut which involves breaking down parts of the suspension so you can get access and room to remove/install the strut. It will also require a set of spring compressors. At my age it is not one of those jobs I want to do in the driveway so would have to pay someone to do it for me.
Thank you. Yes the front will be a big job. Thank you for the response.
 
Bilstein 4600 for stock truck. The 5100 is for lifted trucks, although they will work with the stock height. Been using the 4600 for the last three trucks. They are the go to for most people towing, unless you have a deep pocket (and will not really gain much).
Some more info for the 5100 vs 4600 debate. I got this reply back from a Bilstein rep when I was trying to make that decision myself. As mentioned above, I went with the 4600's and am very happy with them.

"I'm leaning toward getting the 4600 shocks unless there's a reason I should go with the 5100 series. I frequently tow a 6500 lb trailer.

If your vehicle is stock ride height we would highly recommend our B6 4600 series. They are considered by most to be an upgrade in comfort and performance over the OEM system and provide superior handling and control when towing. At stock ride height they are our best riding and longest lasting damper. There is a lot of misinformation online that suggests our 5100 series is stronger, better or more heavy duty than our 4600 series. Nothing could be further from the truth. Both are made out of the same high-quality materials; the biggest difference is the coating and the fact that the 5100 is physically longer to accommodate for a lift."
 
Some more info for the 5100 vs 4600 debate. I got this reply back from a Bilstein rep when I was trying to make that decision myself. As mentioned above, I went with the 4600's and am very happy with them.

"I'm leaning toward getting the 4600 shocks unless there's a reason I should go with the 5100 series. I frequently tow a 6500 lb trailer.

If your vehicle is stock ride height we would highly recommend our B6 4600 series. They are considered by most to be an upgrade in comfort and performance over the OEM system and provide superior handling and control when towing. At stock ride height they are our best riding and longest lasting damper. There is a lot of misinformation online that suggests our 5100 series is stronger, better or more heavy duty than our 4600 series. Nothing could be further from the truth. Both are made out of the same high-quality materials; the biggest difference is the coating and the fact that the 5100 is physically longer to accommodate for a lift."
Thank very much for sharing this. A lot of people are responding about this shock and very happy with them. Sounds like I need to join the crowd. Thank you again.
 
Thank very much for sharing this. A lot of people are responding about this shock and very happy with them. Sounds like I need to join the crowd. Thank you again.
As others have mentioned, go with the Bilstein 4600. You wont regret it! I have had them on my truck for 3 years now. Aside from the Bilstein crappy blue and yellow color scheme for the 4600's, they are excellent shocks.
 
Looking for some good suggestions for replacing my rear shocks. We have a F150 towing a GD 7,000 lb GTW travel trailer. For those that have switch from OEM shocks, what worked best for you? Thank you in advance for your thoughts.
Only shock I will put on my trucks are Bilsteins
 
Bilstein 4600. I did just the rears first, and then did the fronts about 20k miles later. The rear make a noticeable difference, but when I did the fronts it was extremely noticeable the difference, for the better. My recommendation is just to do all four at once if you can afford it.

It will be slightly stiffer empty, but much better damped over any larger bumps or mid corner bumps so the ride feels better overall.
 
I had Falcon Tow haul shocks on my 1500 ram and the rear shock with its three settings was a great addition. Highly recommend them if you don’t mind the cost.
 

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