Shocking $$$ Aftermarket Shocks

[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.

[slowmover]

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)

[Bruce B]

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

[GettinAway]

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.

[Bruce B]

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

[Steamy1]

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.

[tjdonahoe]

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.

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....

[DavidsonOverlander]

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.

[wavelength]

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.

[LAWBC]

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.

[FLMarine]

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.

[Bob662]

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.

[Donutboy]

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k33RGvTM7A

[greenflag]

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

[sparkymark]

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

[crispyboy]

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

[LAWBC]

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.