Time to replace factory shocks, dispute about Bilstein's

[GTyankee]

I have the 2016 Ram 1500 w/ 3.0L ecodiesel, 2 wheel drive, Bighorn, 20" wheels
It came with the factory installed, 1 inch raised ride height

Equipment Listing reads:

2016 RAM 1500 SLT QUAD CAB 4X2,
8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (BUY)
3.55 REAR AXLE RATIO
ANTI-SPIN DIFFERENTIAL REAR AXLE
3.0L V6 TURBO DIESEL ENGINE

Here is the Dispute, or should i say confusion:

The Brake & Alignment Shop that i have used since about 1975,

When asked about getting 4 Bilstein shocks, i asked about the 5100s
He went to look at my Ram, as part of getting his estimate for the shocks

I walked out to ask him what he needed, knowing full well, that the only indication of what it was, is the shape of the grille & the shape of the front & rear emblem shapes. All those badges are deleted.

He quoted the price, which i accepted.

He double checked the Bilstein website & he apparently double checked the fitment, by calling his friend & competitor at 4 Wheel Parts, that is right across the street.

Both of them agree, i should get the Bilstein 4600s, instead of the 5100s

The first reason for their thinking is that the 5100s would need spacers added, so that there would be no possibility of bottoming out, that apparently the 5100 are about an Inch or more longer than the 4600s.

This is the same thing that i was told, when i had my 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn SLT with the Hemi, 20 " wheels & also had 1" raised ride height






The license plate frames have been changed




So my question to anyone that has a bit of information, do you think that they are right ?

 

[Rlaf75]

I have no real contribution other than to say try contacting Bilstein and ask them directly for more information

 

[Dave Haddon]

did that Riaf75 and Bilstein advised 5100's..which I put on my rears only..2021 Warlock 4x4 Hemi stock stuff

 

[GTyankee]

I had considered going to that same 4 Wheel Parts store, that the Alignment shop had called.
I have done business with them a few times before.
I happen to know that the manager, just happens to be very good friends with the Manager of the nearest Bilstein Manufacturing plant & warehouse.
It is only about 40 miles from here

 

[Atcer2018]

I have a 2018 crew cab 4X4 BigHorn with 20 inch wheels. I installed the Bilstein 5100’s front and rear with no issues. Maybe the 4X2 or Ecodiesel are different for some reason. I’m not sure why your BigHorn would come from the factory with an inch higher ride height. I was under the impression that only the Outdoorsman and Rebel offered the one inch spacer.

 

[GTyankee]

Dave, i believed that your 4 x 4 has at least another inch or two of clearance on my Ram

 

[GTyankee]

Atcer2018

An excerpt from my Equipment Listing

TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
LOCKING LUG NUTS
INTEGRATED VOICE COMMAND W/BLUETOOTH
ELECTRONIC SHIFT
RAISED RIDE HEIGHT
SIRIUSXM RADIO SERVICE

You would not believe how many conversations took place on at least 3 of the Ram forums,
long discussions about the Raised Ride Height

The best answer was that it had to do with ordering the 20" wheels

 

[Atcer2018]

Oh I believe you, conversations can become battles. I’m just giving you my own personal experience with a 2018 BigHorn. I installed my Bilstein 5100’s myself and there was no spacer on my truck which is factory with 20 inch wheels. The Outdoorsman and Rebel are an inch higher than stock in front due to a factory installed spacer. It’s quite possible the Ecodiesel is a special setup as I only have the run of the mill BigHorn. In the absence of a special setup the Bilstein 5100’s fit beautifully and offer improved ride and handling without being too stiff. I chose the 2.1 inch lift option for the front level as I like a little rake and dislike the nose high look.

 

[06 Dodge]

I recall when I put the 5100 on my 06 4x4 the only thing I was asked was did it have a lift and if so how much of one, the reason was to get the proper shock fitment, I recall stock shock part # was good for 1 inch lift the next one as good for 2-3 inch lift...

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

I have 5100s on the rear of my 16 Laramie 4x4 crew cab. About to replace the fronts. Probably going 6112s vs 5100s due to being able to purchase as a complete assembly with springs. Thinking convenience vs work in having to unload the front spring assembly.

Have 4600s on the front of my 14 RT that is lowered 4 inches in front and have 5125s on the rear that is lowered 6 inches.

The 4600s were perfect for my RT. I would consider them for 2 wheel drive trucks but never for 4 wheel drive trucks regardless of ride height. They are short shocks.

My suggestion bilsteins, then cost. Both 4600s and 5100s will work.

https://www.suspensionlifts.com/?swoof=1&post_type=product&asp_active=1&p_asid=1&p_asp_data=Y3VycmVudF9wYWdlX2lkPTcwMSZ3b29fY3VycmVuY3k9VVNEJnF0cmFuc2xhdGVfbGFuZz0wJmZpbHRlcnNfY2hhbmdlZD0wJmZpbHRlcnNfaW5pdGlhbD0xJmFzcF9nZW4lNUIlNUQ9dGl0bGUmYXNwX2dlbiU1QiU1RD1jb250ZW50JmFzcF9nZW4lNUIlNUQ9ZXhjZXJwdCZjdXN0b21zZXQlNUIlNUQ9cHJvZHVjdF92YXJpYXRpb24mY3VzdG9tc2V0JTVCJTVEPXByb2R1Y3Q=&woof_text=shocks&pa_product-type=shocks&product_brand=bilstein&pa_frontrear=full-front-and-rear&pa_4wd2wd=2wd&pa_vehicle-year=2016&pa_make=ram&pa_model=1500

 

[Rlaf75]

Just spitballing here but is it possible that the diesel engine weighs more than the hemi which is why there's different strut for it?

 

[GTyankee]

A site that i just visited mentioned

2009-2018 Ram 1500 2wd (without factory air suspension) - Heavy Duty Bilstein Shock Absorber (Rear)​

Model: 24-187510
Whatever that means ?

..........................................................................................
I am still doing research,
according to Shock Surplus . com

What is the difference between 5100 and 4600 shocks?

The main difference between the Bilstein Heavy Duty vs Bilstein 5100s is that the Heavy Duty or 4600 series is designed for stock height trucks and the 5100 Series is built for lifted trucks.
BUT:
5100's work at stock height too. You are not required to set the perch ring higher than stock if you choose not to.

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

A site that i just visited mentioned

2009-2018 Ram 1500 2wd (without factory air suspension) - Heavy Duty Bilstein Shock Absorber (Rear)​

Model: 24-187510
Whatever that means ?

That's a 4600 item number per Google

 

[GTyankee]

Thank You kind sir

 

[Lsujker]

A site that i just visited mentioned

2009-2018 Ram 1500 2wd (without factory air suspension) - Heavy Duty Bilstein Shock Absorber (Rear)​

Model: 24-187510
Whatever that means ?

..........................................................................................
I am still doing research,
according to Shock Surplus . com

What is the difference between 5100 and 4600 shocks?

The main difference between the Bilstein Heavy Duty vs Bilstein 5100s is that the Heavy Duty or 4600 series is designed for stock height trucks and the 5100 Series is built for lifted trucks.
BUT:
5100's work at stock height too. You are not required to set the perch ring higher than stock if you choose not to.

Your research is spot on from my experience. 4600 stock and 5100 for 1-2” lift. I have seen the application of 5100 to stock suspension with success.
Noticed a difference in ride characteristics but two completely different vehicles so take my opinion with a grain. The 4600 are stiffer. I currently have two vehicles with 4600 and one with 5100.

 

[GTyankee]

I am preparing for my cross country trip to Connecticut, that will take place in about 30 days.
I missed the last 3 years due to Covid Restrictions.

I am doing the shocks on Monday, i am going to ask them to glance at the brakes & rotors, ( Ram only has about 62,000 miles on it, should be good for another 25,000 miles ).
I will rotate the tires before i leave.
Because the trip will involve a minimum of 5,600 miles, i will get the Oil changed & bring the DEF tank up to almost Full.

Just thought about Windshield Wiper Blades, they are at least 3 years old, i just use my blades for dust & bugs here in San Diego.

Are certain wiper blades better than others, when it comes to East Coast rain storms ??

 

[PhilBernardi]

I hope this reply helps in some way. I had 6112s (full assembly) and 5100s installed on my 2018 RAM 1500 5.7L Crew Cab Laramie with 6ft bed. Ordered from Shock Surplus. My RAM is standard height. My understanding is 6112s and 5100 are adjustable for lifted trucks. Shock Surplus will adjust the shocks to your application before shipping them out. Call them. They'll help you out. Love my new shocks and struts.

 

[PJ_Shamrock]

I am preparing for my cross country trip to Connecticut, that will take place in about 30 days.
I missed the last 3 years due to Covid Restrictions.

I am doing the shocks on Monday, i am going to ask them to glance at the brakes & rotors, ( Ram only has about 62,000 miles on it, should be good for another 25,000 miles ).
I will rotate the tires before i leave.
Because the trip will involve a minimum of 5,600 miles, i will get the Oil changed & bring the DEF tank up to almost Full.

Just thought about Windshield Wiper Blades, they are at least 3 years old, i just use my blades for dust & bugs here in San Diego.

Are certain wiper blades better than others, when it comes to East Coast rain storms ??

New Englander here (Western Massachusetts). I have been running the Rain-X "Truck and SUV" on my '19 Classic and love them. So much so I put them on my wife's Traverse and the Econoline van at work. Tried the Trico Truck ones and those turds came apart after 9 months.

 

[GTyankee]

Just came back from getting the 4600 model Bilstein shocks on the front
had about 65,000 miles on the original shocks

I am still being tossed around in the cab
I need to see how they handle at 65 mph in a construction zone
The Ram was tossed around badly in that section of highway

 

[mdc1990zr1]

Just came back from getting the 4600 model Bilstein shocks on the front
had about 65,000 miles on the original shocks

I am still being tossed around in the cab
I need to see how they handle at 65 mph in a construction zone
The Ram was tossed around badly in that section of highway

I had those 4600's as standard equipment on my 1992 Z71 step/sportside and my Z51/52 Corvettes and my ZR1 Corvette. They are stiff in the beginning, and do loosen a little. They keep you planted though, look at it like a sport ride not a Cadillac-style ride. My Z71 pulled many boats all over NJ and up and down the east coast. It pulled lots of dirt bikes in the bed and in a trailer and on a moto jack rack hanging off the back. I replaced the 4600's around 150K miles and they were still filled with nitrogen. They are solid shocks if you can stomach the ride. I will seriously have to be talked out of not putting them on my Ram when the time comes. Bilstein is a very good product from personal experience.