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04-21-2018, 12:50 PM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
2013 27' FB International
2012 23' Flying Cloud
GVA
, British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 335
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Shocking $$$ Aftermarket Shocks
I have a 2013 Dodge Ram and with my experience with other trucks I have owned in the pass it would be a good time to upgrade my shocks. I am looking at Bilstein 5100 series shocks , they appear to receive a high rating. The shocks cost out at $ 610 taxes in CDN funds, plus install cost ??? Anyone out there have experience towing with these shocks.
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Laurence
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04-22-2018, 06:08 AM
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#2
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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The 5100s are $100/US approx.
I use the 4160s on my 2WD.
You’ll find enormous consensus on these.
Better costs more, but this is the big jump from OEM or typical aftermarket c
Get the steering stabilizer as well (and steering box brace from other source)
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04-22-2018, 06:26 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2021 25' Globetrotter
Jamestown
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,720
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I love Bilstein shocks but... I would caution you that the change from the OEM shock to any Bilstein WILL stiffen the suspension.
No one spends more time or money tuning suspension on a vehicle than the manufacturer does. I am a big fan of OEM.
No idea how many miles you have on the shocks in your truck now but in my experience, most shock absorbers have degraded dampening characteristics by as little as 50,000 miles. That does not mean that they have outward signs of failure as they still hold oil and pass the bounce test, rather it means that the dampening rates have changed enough that the driver will be able to tell the difference if they are changed.
Back to Bilstein. If you live in a part of the world where the roads are smooth, not Rhode Island for example, you may like the additional spring rate a high pressure, single tube shock absorber adds to the suspension. After experiencing rear shock failure on my previous F-150 every 20,000 miles or so, I finally switched to Bilstein 4600 series shocks. They lasted but the ride was noticeably firmer.
By the way, my understanding is that the 5100 series are typically used in applications where ride height has been adjusted. You might want to call Bilstein tech support to verify this but the dampening of the 5100 series and the 4600 series is identical.
Bruce
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Loving our 2021 Globetrotter 25 and our 2022 Ford F-150 King Ranch 5.0!!! Plenty of payload, not even close to axel limits and it drives and rows beautifully…
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04-22-2018, 06:28 AM
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#4
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2020 Globetrotter 25 FBT
2020 25' Globetrotter
Wildwood
, Missouri
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,577
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I’ve got an appointment in early May to get these put on my Tundra (5100s front and rear). I think it was about $100 a shock, plus the guy wants $285 to install them. I’m “hoping” it’s worth it. From what I’ve read, it will be worth it.
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2020 25GT FBT
2012 Toyota Tundra Dbl Cab, 5.7 4x4
Previous AS trailers: (04) 19’ Bambi, and (11) FC 23FB
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04-22-2018, 06:36 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2021 25' Globetrotter
Jamestown
, Rhode Island
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,720
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Not sure if I completed the thought on shock absorber lifespan. If you are driving a vehicle with degraded shocks and replace them, any new design will likely “feel better”. The trick is to be able to compare brand A to Brand B replacements in a similar vehicle at similar mileage. I’ve had lots of opportunity to do so over the years running an automobile repair shop. In general, I didn’t like the changes brought on by stiffer aftermarket shocks and found that the cars manufacturer tended to get it right. Of course there were exceptions but in general...
I believe most aftermarket shock absorber installations get such high marks and reviews simply because the vehicle the shocks or struts is installed on has had really badly worn shocks. People tend to wait until there is an obvious problem to change suspension components.
Bruce
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Loving our 2021 Globetrotter 25 and our 2022 Ford F-150 King Ranch 5.0!!! Plenty of payload, not even close to axel limits and it drives and rows beautifully…
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04-22-2018, 06:48 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2015 23' FB International
2007 19' International CCD
Steamboat Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,017
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The OEM Bilsteins failed after 52000 miles on my 2010. Replaced with the 5100. Noticeable difference in the ride. I prefer a firmer ride. They did raise the front about a half inch.
Also installed a TRD rear sway arm though have not towed with it yet. Replaced the front sway with TRD.
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04-22-2018, 09:43 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2013 31' Classic
billings
, Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,570
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LAWBC
I have a 2013 Dodge Ram and with my experience with other trucks I have owned in the pass it would be a good time to upgrade my shocks. I am looking at Bilstein 5100 series shocks , they appear to receive a high rating. The shocks cost out at $ 610 taxes in CDN funds, plus install cost ??? Anyone out there have experience towing with these shocks.
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What is wrong with the originals?....every one wants some of your money.....or maybe all of it.....My 07 ram had 110,000 miles towing with originals....
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04-22-2018, 09:47 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1964 26' Overlander
1974 31' Sovereign
Milton
, ON
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,223
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I put Bilstein 5100s on our F350. They were just over US$300 for 4 on eBay from downsouthmotorsportsinc and I installed them myself. I didn't notice that the ride was any stiffer.
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04-22-2018, 09:52 AM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
1999 25' Excella
Western Springs
, Illinois
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 92
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Nils Yuen shocks
After researching shocks for my 07 Tundra I settled on the Bilstein 4600 hd shocks. The 5100’s are more for off road use and trucks with lift kits. The 4600’s so far have proven superior to the oem shocks . They have completely eliminated the bed bounce problem I had and I noticed less movement of things stored inside the trailer.
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04-22-2018, 10:24 AM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
2013 27' FB International
2012 23' Flying Cloud
GVA
, British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 335
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Thanks guys for the input much appreciated (50K miles on the truck now, also correction, 2012 Ram not 2013).
Thinking back one of the things that impressed me with my truck when new was the ride, it was as they say compliant but at the same time very stable. I believe for the most part I still have those characteristics now but not when trailering, the truck looses some of that when hitched .
I have upgraded my rear coil springs to a higher compression rated spring for towing a few years back and so will report back and give a review on my thoughts on these 5100 series shocks, with the trailer on and off.
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Laurence
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04-22-2018, 01:46 PM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
2009 27' FB International
_
, North Carolina
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 151
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I have a 2005 Dodge 2500 quad cab 4x4 and replaced the OEM shock absorbers at 100,000 miles. They were wore out and needed to be replaced.
I replaced them with Bilstein 4600 shocks. Think they are about $75 a piece and well worth it. My ride improved and they are still going strong 150k miles later.
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04-22-2018, 01:59 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Holly Springs
, Mississippi
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 426
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Paraphrasing CanAm Andy Thomson, who says to improve a truck for use as a tow vehicle, if you have 20" wheels...first change the shocks. If you have 18" wheels...change the tires first.
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Bob
2016 FC 25' FB twin
2013 F-150 Lariat CrewCab 3.5 EB 4X4 3.55 axle
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04-22-2018, 02:07 PM
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#13
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2 Rivet Member
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Volente
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 45
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I don't know if you've seen it, but the fine folks at Long Long Honeymoon upgrated to Bilstein on their truck and made a video.
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Jerry
2017 27 ft. Airstream FCFB
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04-22-2018, 08:59 PM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
2016 30' International
Quartz Hill
, California
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 354
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I ordered a set of Bilstein 4600's for my 2500HD which has 175K on the odometer. Tires still wear evenly but it's not handling the bumps well anymore. My tire shop quoted me $160.00 to install.
It is my understanding also that the 5100 series is for lifted trucks as the shock length is adjustable.
I purchased mine from www.tirerack.com
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06-27-2018, 11:16 PM
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#15
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3 Rivet Member
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
laguna beach
, California
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 137
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I just bought a 2018 f350 4x4 and will be putting bilstein 5100 shocks and the steering equalizer shock as I have done with every truck I’ve owned
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06-28-2018, 07:54 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1994 30' Excella
alexandria
, Kentucky
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,310
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I have Bilstein 4600 on my truck - much better ride than OEM. The OEM shocks were toast at 40k miles. There are 40k miles on the Bilsteins now and are doing great.
They will ride a little more stiff in the beginning but settle in after a few hundred miles or so.
The 5100 series is for trucks with at least 2" of lift if I remember correctly.
Did you try Geno's Garage? They carry parts specific to the Dodge Ram trucks.
https://www.genosgarage.com/category/bilstein-front
__________________
Steve, Christy, Anna and Phoebe (Border Collie)
1994 Classic 30'11" Excella - rear twin
2009 Dodge 2500, 6 Speed Auto, CTD, Quad Cab, Short Bed
Hensley Arrow hitch with adjustable stinger
WBCCI # 3072
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07-04-2018, 09:45 PM
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#17
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4 Rivet Member
2013 27' FB International
2012 23' Flying Cloud
GVA
, British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 335
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Final thoughts on Bilstiens 5100
So I have a few miles and a couple of trips on my new shocks and I went with the 5100 with a dialed in zero lift because the cost was actually cheaper than the 4600 from Amazon Canada at the time. The cost was almost at the $1000 bill Canadian Funds total after install cost taxes included.
I would say that I am satisfied with the new ride when hitched or unhitched,(noticeable more firm for sure).
Before I changed the shocks there was a noticeable wave action when the truck and trailer hit a low spot in the road. With the new shocks there isn't or appears to me not to be that anymore. I have confirmed that with the Misses and she agrees. I would give these puppies a 5 star.
Note that my TV is a Ram 1500 and most would consider this truck marginal to pulling a 27 FB trailer and I would agree .With that said I am happy to get all the help I can from a set of better performing shocks.
__________________
Laurence
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