Time for new shocks

[haleme]

My 2018 2500 with the 4x4 Off-road package has been riding rougher lately. Just crossed over 80k and on a trip from VA to MA, noticed the ride was bone jarring. Jumps out of lane on expansion joints and can't keep the tires planted on really nasty roads.

Is it time for new shocks?

 

[huntergreen]

Bilstein 5100. Seems to be a popular choice.

 

[jws123]

Bilstein 5100. Seems to be a popular choice.

agreed I like mine and they have held up so far without rusting.

 

[haleme]

I thought the 5100 were for lifted trucks and the 4600 were for stock suspension.


But, is it time to replace them?

 

[rzr6-4]

I thought the 5100 were for lifted trucks and the 4600 were for stock suspension.

I believe lift has nothing to do with it, it is how they are tuned.

At 80k, shocks certainly is a possibility. Mine were toast and doing the fronts alone made a huge difference. Recently did rears but not as much difference.

Large tires? Any other major work done? Shocks will play a part but if it rides as bad as you say then I wonder if there is something else wrong.

 

[haleme]

No modifications, work performed or accidents.

 

[HEMIMANN]

Mine came with Bilstein 4600. I know Bilsteins are built with extruded tubing instead of rolled and welded, so don't leak for a much longer time than cheaper shocks.

I guess the only reason to change is if you notice the ride is bouncy (the old push down on bumper test - should be 1-1/2 rebound or less), and oil leaks on the tube. That's what I remember anyway.

My 2017 Ram 2500 has 65,000 miles and hasn't gotten bouncy yet.

Yes, Bilstein 4600 is for stock suspension, 5100 is for lifted.

 

[rzr6-4]

Yes, Bilstein 4600 is for stock suspension, 5100 is for lifted.

Upon further research for clarification, the 5100s are a bit longer to accommodate lifted vehicles but they do still work on stock height vehicles. The 4600s are softer and tuned for lighter duty vehicles, while the 5100 is firmer and tuned for offroad/towing, which is what I was thinking. So we were both right.

 

[HEMIMANN]

Upon further research for clarification, the 5100s are a bit longer to accommodate lifted vehicles but they do still work on stock height vehicles. The 4600s are softer and tuned for lighter duty vehicles, while the 5100 is firmer and tuned for offroad/towing, which is what I was thinking. So we were both right.

Good info to know - I've never been concerned with ego contests.

Neither have I heard of anybody buying 5100's for stock. 4600's are plenty stiff enough and including as a factory option for "off road" option packages. Which is why my truck came with them - it has the off road package.

 

[nlambert182]

Same here. I had 5100s on my 2012 but it had a leveling kit and 35's. I have 4600s on my current truck. The truck is at 132k and the shocks have somewhere around 100k on them. They're starting to get a little spongy but still ride pretty good. When it's time to replace them I'll go back with a new set of 4600s.

 

[Burla]

Japanese (KYB) or Germans (Bills) best, USA best for OEM replacement Monroe never liked them on a truck, too gushy. Bills maybe the firmest, KYB close. Flip a coin, imo either is the best for trucks and OEM replacements. The 4600's were too firm for me, for whatever reason 5100's were perfect, as also KYB's were maybe the best shock I ever ran on a Bronco.

 

[nlambert182]

That's odd... 5100s are typically a decent amount firmer than 4600s.

 

[HEMIMANN]

Mike has no kidneys left after driving Class 8's - can't tell the difference anymore.

I sure like the Ohlins rear monospringshock I installed into the Harley last weekend though. Factory one was junk.

 

[06 Dodge]

Good info to know - I've never been concerned with ego contests.

Neither have I heard of anybody buying 5100's for stock. 4600's are plenty stiff enough and including as a factory option for "off road" option packages. Which is why my truck came with them - it has the off road package.

I put 5100 on my stock 06 2500 CTD, when the shop order them they asked me if my truck had a lift or not, reason was so that they could order the proper 5100 shock for a stock height truck....

 

[Burla]

That is not been my experience twice on 5100's, perhaps it is the travel that makes them less firm then 4600 for me, dunno.

I will say when I ran 4600 it was 2 per tire as it was a Bronco, maybe that was it? My 5100's always one shock per tire.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

With the amount of miles you have it is likely time for shocks.

As for what type of shocks, that will depend on how you use the truck. Do you off road? If so what terrains and speeds? Do you tow often and heavy?

Also while most likely not the case but, I would check out the suspension bushings with it jumping out of lane like that. You may have some that need to be replaced POSSIBLY.

 

[mtofell]

noticed the ride was bone jarring. Jumps out of lane on expansion joints and can't keep the tires planted on really nasty roads.

Sounds like how mine's been since I drove it off the lot in 2014

Reading this did get me thinking... at 140K maybe I should get some new shocks. I guess I just accept the fact that this truck rides rough.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

Sounds like how mine's been since I drove it off the lot in 2014

Reading this did get me thinking... at 140K maybe I should get some new shocks. I guess I just accept the fact that this truck rides rough.

At 140k, I would say your do for shocks lol

Let us know if we can help. We offer bilstein, fox, icon, and many other brands

 

[HEMIMANN]

@Nick@GotExhaust I don't see Bilsteins on the website. Nor Ram Heavy Duty in the menus.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

@Nick@GotExhaust I don't see Bilsteins on the website. Nor Ram Heavy Duty in the menus.

We offer more than whats listed on our site. Thats why I usually mention to message me for a quote and have included that in my signature. Also this is on my homepage



Plus if its something I can offer a discount on I can do so then.