Question on Bilstein shocks

[Jas34]

I'm looking at replacement shocks for my 2017 ram 1500 quad cab 4wd. The truck has 20" wheels and according to the build sheet, has a factory 1" lift. Does that mean the 4600's wouldn't be the right fit and I should go to the 5100's because of the lift?

 

[Atcer2018]

I'm looking at replacement shocks for my 2017 ram 1500 quad cab 4wd. The truck has 20" wheels and according to the build sheet, has a factory 1" lift. Does that mean the 4600's wouldn't be the right fit and I should go to the 5100's because of the lift?

To the best of my knowledge only the Rebel and Outdoorsman models have a factory one inch lift. I have a 2018 crew cab BigHorn with 20 inch rims and no factory lift. The 4600 series is a replacement strut and shock that is designed for standard factory replacements. If you are interested in leveling your front end up to 2.5 inches higher the 5100 series is what you want. If you are keeping everything stock height the 4600 is perfect. Again I do not believe that any model except the Rebel and Outdoorsman employ a factory lift. Your build sheet may state a factory one inch lift because of the larger rims and accompanying larger circumference tires. You can reach out to Nick@gotexhaust who is a preferred vendor on this forum who specializes in Bilstein shocks for a more definitive answer or contact Bilstein directly.

 

[quickster2]

nick@gotexhaust is your man!

 

[mrack]

Yes. You can set them as high as 2.1” without needed to upgrade upper control arms. Or if you want to keep it stock, the second lowest snap ring on the 5100s (0.7”) is what you’ll want

 

[John Jensen]

I've been running with 2 3/4" spacers and stock shocks since 2016 and have had no problems. I have a set of Moog upper control arms and Billsteins on the shelf waiting for signs to be replaced but it hasn't happened yet.

 

[Atcer2018]

The old , if it ain’t broke don’t fix it comes to mind. That said I’ve been running Bilstein 5100’s set at 2.1 since 2019 and absolutely love them. They cured the rear end “hop” over rough patches while turning and slightly stiffened up the ride which I prefer. I stayed at 2.1 so I wouldn’t need angle correcting UCAs although I did replace the OEM UCAs with the standard Mevotechs due to the sketchy OEM ball joints on the factory setup. Very happy with the Bils.

 

[Jas34]

Thanks all. Don't want to change anything from stock ride height. Concerning the build sheet, it says "raised ride height" on the next to last page. From what I've read in the forums it's a 1" lift from the factory .

I'm leaning toward getting the 4600's if they'll set up the same. From the pics online of them, it looks like they have 2 circlip positions, presumably for either factory position. I emailed Bilstein last week about it, but haven't heard anything back.

 

[mrack]

If your truck stays mostly on pavement you’ll probably be happier with the 4600s, I’ve never had them but I hear they are softer then 5100s.

Pretty sure your assumption on the circlips is correct, pretty sure I’ve read the same thing elsewhere but can’t find it now. The 6112s and 5100s have a printout sheet in the box that shows the correct setting for each model/desired height but I also couldn’t find any such thing for 4600s

 

[Jas34]

Yes, mainly on pavement and do quite a bit of towing a 6500 lb travel trailer.

 

[quickster2]

I went with the 4600's on mine. Very satisfied. Much improvement over stock. I also wanted no change in ride height.