Opinions on Bilstein shocks for 2WD

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usocazy

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I have a 2004 Ram 2500 quad cab (Hemi) and have gone through a few sets of shocks and am thinking on upgrading to Bilsteins.

I’m currently running Gabriel MaxControl shocks from Autozone with a lifetime warranty, which has been nice because I’ve gone through at least 3 sets in the rear and one in the front.

Even when the shocks are new the ride is always super rough, feels like the shocks bottom out a lot. I know with the stiffer suspension and 10 ply LT tires the ride isn’t supposed to be like a passenger vehicle however I’m being jarred by every bump, pothole and imperfection in the road.


I’m looking at these on eBay:
2003-2012 Dodge Ram 2500 3500 2WD Bilstein Extended Shocks 4600 Series https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/291993115027

Are the Bilsteins worth the investment to help smooth out the ride on a 2WD heavy duty vehicle?


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adrian_cast

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I have a 2004 Ram 2500 quad cab (Hemi) and have gone through a few sets of shocks and am thinking on upgrading to Bilsteins.

I’m currently running Gabriel MaxControl shocks from Autozone with a lifetime warranty, which has been nice because I’ve gone through at least 3 sets in the rear and one in the front.

Even when the shocks are new the ride is always super rough, feels like the shocks bottom out a lot. I know with the stiffer suspension and 10 ply LT tires the ride isn’t supposed to be like a passenger vehicle however I’m being jarred by every bump, pothole and imperfection in the road.


I’m looking at these on eBay:
2003-2012 Dodge Ram 2500 3500 2WD Bilstein Extended Shocks 4600 Series https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/291993115027

Are the Bilsteins worth the investment to help smooth out the ride on a 2WD heavy duty vehicle?


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Yes i would definitely go bilstein. I just installed all new bilsteins on my 2500 and man the ride is so much better from those trash Rancho shocks.

My wife’s 4runner has new old man emu coils and all new bilstein shocks from replacing all the oem shocks. What a difference there.

I also ran icon vehicle suspension. Similar to fox and king shocks. That was great too.

But depending on what you do driving. I personally run the bilstein 5100 series. The ones in your link seem just regular replacements. Which I’m sure is fine.

I went to summitracing.com. Front/Rear shocks were $79/piece so $316 plus free shipping and came in 2 or 3 days.
 
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usocazy

usocazy

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Yes i would definitely go bilstein. I just installed all new bilsteins on my 2500 and man the ride is so much better from those trash Rancho shocks.

My wife’s 4runner has new old man emu coils and all new bilstein shocks from replacing all the oem shocks. What a difference there.

I also ran icon vehicle suspension. Similar to fox and king shocks. That was great too.

But depending on what you do driving. I personally run the bilstein 5100 series. The ones in your link seem just regular replacements. Which I’m sure is fine.

I went to summitracing.com. Front/Rear shocks were $79/piece so $316 plus free shipping and came in 2 or 3 days.

Thanks for the feedback on the Bilstein shocks. My 2500 is my daily driver and very seldom haul or tow anything, mostly mulch every 6 months for my yard. [emoji16]

I found a vendor that would do a full set of 4600s for just under $300 shipped.
084bf565aa8c22b56c0548054c457c6b.jpg

I run stock suspension. Is there that big of a difference between the 4600s vs 5100s?

Thanks.


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adrian_cast

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Thanks for the feedback on the Bilstein shocks. My 2500 is my daily driver and very seldom haul or tow anything, mostly mulch every 6 months for my yard. [emoji16]

I found a vendor that would do a full set of 4600s for just under $300 shipped.
084bf565aa8c22b56c0548054c457c6b.jpg

I run stock suspension. Is there that big of a difference between the 4600s vs 5100s?

Thanks.


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Nice find. Little smoother. So would work great with daily driving. Are you installing yourself? Not a hard job at all. Better than paying around $400-$600 for someone else to do it.
 
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usocazy

usocazy

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Nice find. Little smoother. So would work great with daily driving. Are you installing yourself? Not a hard job at all. Better than paying around $400-$600 for someone else to do it.

Yeah - I’d be installing them myself. Did the other 3 sets of Autozone shocks that have blown so I’ve got experience. [emoji35]

Are you saying the 5100s are a little smoother? I found some on eBay for less than $300 for the pair as well.
Bilstein B8 5100 Monotube Shock Absorbers Front & Rear For Ram 2500/3500 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/262501776262

Might give those a try.


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JB1

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Go with the 5100’s they are monotube and have a lifetime warranty
 

adrian_cast

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Yeah - I’d be installing them myself. Did the other 3 sets of Autozone shocks that have blown so I’ve got experience. [emoji35]

Are you saying the 5100s are a little smoother? I found some on eBay for less than $300 for the pair as well.
Bilstein B8 5100 Monotube Shock Absorbers Front & Rear For Ram 2500/3500 https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/262501776262

Might give those a try.


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Haha well that helps. Lol
4600 softer because they’re made for stock replacement. The 5100s more firmer. I’ve ran 5100s in my Tacoma, 4runner and now Ram 2500 and will always run these shocks for future vehicles.
 
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usocazy

usocazy

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Haha well that helps. Lol
4600 softer because they’re made for stock replacement. The 5100s more firmer. I’ve ran 5100s in my Tacoma, 4runner and now Ram 2500 and will always run these shocks for future vehicles.

Think I’ll give the 4600s a try then. I’ve replaced all front end pieces, tires and shocks. Sounds like these might help with the rough ride I have. Anything’s better than bottoming out on every pothole. [emoji35]


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adrian_cast

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Think I’ll give the 4600s a try then. I’ve replaced all front end pieces, tires and shocks. Sounds like these might help with the rough ride I have. Anything’s better than bottoming out on every pothole. [emoji35]


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Yea see how you like them. I’m sure they’ll be good. Let us know how they go!
 
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usocazy

usocazy

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I installed both sets this weekend along with changing out the broken down driver size cushion.

It’s amazing how much better the truck rides now with both of those projects being done.

I shouldn’t have waited so long to do this!!!


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