Shock Comparison: Bilstein 4600 vs Bilstein 5100 

I just had the 4600's installed on my '14 tacoma with 160k miles. What a difference! It feels like stock plus 40% better to me.

I put the 5100s all the way around on my 2021 Trail Boss last year and couldn’t be happier. We’ve been offroading, on a 3500 mile trip pulling a 6K camper trailer, hauled cattle, hay etc and worked hard.

Perfect explanation on the Bilsteins! Ran the 4600's on the rear of both of my 4Runners with just a 1inch lift and up one tire size and never had any issues.

I just installed the 5100s on my ‘19 Tacoma front and rear. You can definitely tell the difference. The ride is so much nicer. I’m pretty happy with these.

Very informative, thank you. I just ordered the 4600s from you guys. Can't wait!

I Installed the 5100 on my 2016 4Runner and I love how it rides over the stock for under $500. Highly suggested for the cost and ease of installation.

I have a 23 Tacoma Trail. I'm running Icon 1.5" add a leafs and Bilstein 5100's in the rear, I removed the factory spacer. In the front, I'm running the Trails 1.1" larger factory coils that it comes with and Bilstein 5100's on the 3rd notch. I'm running factory sized duratracs. I also added a sway bar relocate bracket kit. My truck is running armor: steel bumpers, factory steel skids, RAmotorsports aluminum fuel tank skid, aluminum cat security shield, and BA sliders. I've got a 10k warn winch with steel line, RC molle boards in the bed, an RC steel rack on the roof, and a steel rack on the bed rails for my RTT. I've also got Sumo Springs front and rear in place of my factory bump stops. I couldn't be happier with my ride quality after adding the weight to the truck, the factory Hitachi's, and rear leafs weren't cutting it. I've also added two folding bagged awnings, a snorkel, any time camera system, vent visors, a pioneer 10" sub, upgraded AGM NAPA battery, and Redarc trailer brake controller. I added blacked out amber grille lights, amber dual flood and spot Auxbeam Pro Series ditch lights, dual flood amber "zombie" lights that fold out under my front bumper, RC 40" blackout light bar, rear bumper white light pods, and a snorkel. I also have bed stiffners, and probably forgot something..... for perspective, plus my gear when I head out into the mountains. My suspension rides beautifully!

I bought my 2016 Tundra CrewMax TRD Limited used with 100k miles. The OEM shocks were pretty spent by then. I opted for the 4600's over the 5100's simply because I had the 5100's on my 2006 SR5 and they were overkill on that truck. The 4600's lasted two years and 25k of driving and towing before the passenger side rear gave up on the 2016. It's always that corner with a Tundra BTW. I always felt they were just marginal for this truck anyway. Today I installed the rear 5100's I just got from Shock Surplus (FAST free shipping, $25 internet coupon!) They suit the 2016Tundra very well. Doing fronts soon.

Just ordered the 5100s for the front end of my 2004 Silverado, excited

I went from just a basic OEM black shock to the 4600, and man it made a big difference I was really impressed. The 4600 do have a little bit more body roll, but for the trade-off of the comfort it has compared to the OEM shocks still Far better.

This is what I was looking for. Thank you

This is a great video. Really help me decide what shocks to get thank you very much!

Definitely looking to replace my the Rancho's that came with my truck with these. The Rancho's are 20 years old, and you can tell they've had better days. I put new tires on yesterday that were the proper OEM size- made a world of difference, but I need to replace the shocks to make sure those tires make it to 65K miles, haha.

i have a set of 4600's on my 2005 suburban and they made it handle better( especially body roll) and provide a great ride. On the flip side i installed a set of 4600's on my 2006 2500hd and they are harsh and choppy when not loaded with weight. Im sure the weight of the suburban keeps the stiffness at bay. But on the pickup i would probably go with a shock that is not as stiff as the 4600's. To be fair the 2006 2500hd is just stiff riding truck no matter the shock in the back. My 2020 2500hd Duramax rides so much smoother with the factory Ranchos. The trade off is Porpoising while pulling a trailer over large smooth bumps a highway speeds and minimal body roll on turns. From researching tires can play a huge roll in ride comfort. All my tires are LT load range E i keep them around 50-60 psi (40psi on the 2006 2500hd) I recently bought Goodyear Duratrac RT tires for my 2020 they are Quiet, they dont wonder on bad roads wet, rain, snow traction is great! , So i will be looking into finding a shock that still rides smooth but cuts down on the porposing on my 2020. Any suggestions for that would be greatly appreciated. I hope this sheds some light on shock selection for someone. Your videos are great, real world testing is much more helpful. Keep it up!

I occasionally max out my payload by hauling gravel, bricks, etc. in my stock 2017 TRD sport. It's pretty close to level now but I'd like the bed to be slightly higher than the front so that it rides level when I haul, instead of squatting like it does now. If I add a new leaf pack in the future that raises the bed a bit, will the 4600s allow for that? Or should I install 4600s up front and 5100s in the back?

I’ve heard Bilstein is better than rancho. I’m looking to get new shocks for my 2002 Frontier. It’s fine on the highway but city streets with potholes is a rough ride 😂

I have a 2003 Toyota Tundra and I noticed the bushings on the back of my front coilovers. Can I get by with replacing just the shocks or is it better to replace the whole assembly. I assume that the Springs are also worn since its 21-years-old. Thanks

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! GREAT VIDEO AND EDUCATION. I LEARNED SO MUCH!!!

Hi I have a 2004 Tahoe Z71 with the springs in the rear. No autoride or nivomats. It’s a 4x4. It’s a daily commuter to work and mainly freeway. No towing and no off-roading I ordered the 4600 series but not sure if I made a mistake. Currently it’s at stock height. My question is if I want to level the front only with aftermarket keys would the 4600 work or would I need shock extenders? Did I make the mistake of not getting the 5100 series and having the option to lift or level later? They make the bilstein for my truck with 0-2.5 lift. So I could have got these and had them at stock height and leveled if I wanted to? A quick response would be appreciated as I would still have time to return the 4600 series My current tire size is 275/55r20 but it would be nice to have the option to run the 285/70r17 later as well and I just like the look of the front end leveled Thanks in advance. I’m torn and reading way too much information. Another side of reading says leveled affects ride quality and steering, please help me make up my mind 🤦🏻‍♂️

Hey guys. Liking this channel. I appreciate how you guys explain things, good job. Anyways, I have a LR Defender and based on this video I've decided what shocks I'm going to switch to so thanks. The stock shocks are still good though but the bushings/rubbers are shot so I'll just replace those in the interim. My question is, what's the difference between the regular black rubbers and the yellow polyurethane ones?

Great info , thank you

I have a 99 Jeep Cherokee XJ with a 3” Rough Country lift. The RC shocks that come with the lift kit are to be desired. I ordered the 5100s. I daily my jeep and seldom hit trails. The RC lift is very harsh over bumps in the road and streets. I’m hoping that the 5100s help with the jarring. Any thoughts? Thank you for the video. God bless you and yours In Jesus Name my friend!

Trust me, up here in Canada the zinc plating looks like utter garbage after one winter. I will say however that the 5100’s made my previous JK ride exponentially better than the stock shocks.

I have a 2010 Sierra 1500 with a 1.5 inch spacers installed. I tow a 6500lb camper trailer 10 times a year. Which would you recommend. The 4600 or 5100?

Question. Have 2007 2500 hd nbs 2wd with only a few turns of the keys, maybe 1" lift and 285's. Will 4600 work with the 1" lift or is 5100's needed. Are the 5100's allowable from stock height to 1 to 2" height? Thanks

I’ve used the 4600’s on my suburban 2500, but just ordered a set of 5100 for my Silverado 2500hd for the look.

The stock ranchos on my King Ranch were smoother than the 4600s I ordered, wish I gotten the 5100

Hi … the 5100s are arriving tomorrow for my 2023 f150 with 7,000 miles, I’m wondering if they will be too much stiffer from factory ones for the kids sitting in the back? Do you recommend exchanging them with something else?

@shock surplus. Ok so I have a 2014 Silverado 2500hd that appears to be lifted but it doesn’t have a lift kit of any kind! It’s just simply a tall truck from the factory! Sooo would I use the 4600 or the 5100 ?

Will a 3" lift spring fit on a 4600 front strut if so awesome but if not why? I really enjoy the soft mushy feel from a 4600 and some say the 5100 is alot stiffer but is this the route I have to go 5100 for a 3" SOFTER SPRING? Any advice please!

My 23 Toyota Tacoma off road came with Bilstein shocks I put a 2 in leveling kit on the front and a 1'' block in the back, will my shocks still work as for wheel travel ? it rides and drives good I just want to know if I need to buy a longer shock

My mechanic installed 5100's on my 4" lifted 02 Silverado 1500HD 4x4. After watching this video, I'm glad he made that choice for me.

New to this. Question. Am I to understand you can get a lift on your vehicle with the 5100 application with out leaf spring, spacers or by other traditional means etc? But not the 4600 because it lacks the grooved rings?

I use the 5100’s!

Have any idea why new Billsteins 5100 with oe spring at stock height would make ny 2010 nissan xterra bounce all over the road. The OE shocks with 20OK miles rode awesome, I was upgrading to since it was time, but couldnt recommend these to anyone. Help with any recommendations. I have new Baja Boss tires at 35 psi and rode great before the install.

I currently have rough county 2in bolt on leveling kit installed on my 13 f150 and my rear shocks are still factory stock. Should I get the 5100 or the 4600. Kinda stuck between the two.

I want to change the shocks on my 2004 Ford F 350 SuperDuty Lariat Dually Diesel Crew Cab and I want to use a very powerful brand.Which one do you recommend that I use.I will really appreciate this because I have been trying to do this for a long time but I have not been able to get somebody to advice me on it. I will like the one that is strong and poweful with all necessary applications considered .

I work in the oilfield and my 2013 ram 2500 takes a beating. Looking for a shock that will perform well in this environment. Any suggestion would be appreciated

Thank you for the video. I'm thinking I could get away with the 4600's for my 2002 Chevy 2500HD Duramax. It's not lifted by I do have a leveling kit on it with factory size tires and wheels. Blistein website said 4600 on the front and 5100 on the rear. What are your thoughts?

Question: I bought a set of Fox 2.0 Performance shocks for my '21 Ram Power Wagon from you guys on Black Friday. I have yet to install due to crazy work schedule and home remodel. I found your comments on the 5100 interesting as I upgraded to 35" tires on my truck. I bought the new shocks because of the constant vibrations and jarring feeling while driving on the concrete roads in Houston. Are the Fox 2.0 shocks comparable to the 5100 shocks in regards to controlling the added unsprung weight? Just want to get a bit smoother ride quality. Thanks!

I want to play with a mazda Cx-30, so I was thinking on buy the hgr liftkit and change the suspension in order to fit a better off road tires

I used Blistein B4 19-299198 with stock springs on my 2019 santaFe 2.4L AWD, but it felt too soft and wobbly. When the vehicle is fully loaded (about 5400lb), the rear of the vehicle will sag. To fix it, can I replace it with 4600 or 5100?

helpful thank you

Which shocks are most compatible with FJ cruisers ?

Hey i need your advise i am unable to get 5100 rear pair can i pair 5100front and 4600 rear ? Vehicle: Jeep Commander Application: soft sand offroad

looking to get a set of 5100s for my 04 avalanche z71 since i hate the air ride suspension and wanna run some bigger rubber like 33s. would the 5100s be a better option than the 4600s since i don't like the air ride suspension?

I just bought a 2006 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, it has 200k miles on it. The shocks have never been replaced, and as you can imagine at 200k they are ready to. Can someone give an opinion I should get when I will not be towing and looking for comfort?

I got a f250 super Duty and I want it to rid softer but still have heavy load on it

I’ve got an 88 4Runner with IFS up front and 33” tires all around. I’ve got OME leafs and 4600 in the rear and looking to level out the front without cranking the f out of the torsion bars. Can I use 5100s without a BJ spacer?

I put the 5100 on my 4 inch lifted 03 Silverado with 35's and man it's a rough ride that shock is pretty stiff

I believe the front shocks should be torqued after the truck is on the ground and suspension is back to normal position. Thanks

Can I go 5100 in the rear bed and 4600 in the front of a Chevy Silverado 1500 2006 I seen that 5100 is 0 to 1 inch

looking to upgrade my 1997 chevy 3 door z 71 5.7 stock from factory wondering which shock to go with for front and rear ?

Can I run a 2” level kit in the front of a 07 Tahoe with the bilstein 4600s? Or do they not have enough travel?

Have a 2016 sierra 2wd, stock ride height. Replacing rear shocks. Do tow camper and run little wider tire. Would 4600 still be better than 5100? Thanks

My Tundra has the heavier "E" rated tires. So, I mounted the 5100s. It is definitely a jouncier ride versus the stock OEM shocks that had 90,000 miles on them.

Can I used the 4600 with a 1.5 inch lift in the rear of my Colorado ?

Your last sentence had me scratching my head when you say the 4600 will be as close to factory performance….factory truck shocks unless they are actual performance shocks are pure junk. I’d love to know who the supplier is for the SD trucks for instance

I have a 2004 gmc 2500 duramax 4x4. Stock height. Should I go 4600 or 5100?

2024 Chevy 2500HD diesel Z71 high country. Want to improve ride quality...half say 4600 other half say 5100... which are best for better ride

Hi, I have 2017 Titan Pro4x with stock Bilstein shocks (not sure what series, although they are yellow. 4600?). My ride always been somehow rough even driving on uneven road. I was thinking of upgrading my shocks to get smoother ride on the road. I very rarely go offroading and don't want to lift it more than it is (1" factory "lift"). Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!

Glad I found this video. I currently have a 2015 f150 and I want to replace rear shocks front is done. I have a 2 in level on front and rear is factory height. Only other thing I did is went with a 34in tire from a 33. I don’t tow much or anything so would 4600 work for me with a slightly larger tire and stock ride height in rear?

So the 5100s will not fit stock and for lifted only? Did I understand that correctly? My understanding was you could raise a vehicle with the ride height adjustment up to 2". I was hoping to get 5100s on stock suspension and rais 0.5-1" for a larger tire...

I have a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel, 4-wheel drive quad cab. No lift or leveling. I occasionally pull a 27' travel trailer to the mountains. Occasional gravel roads but maybe 5%. I changed from the stock 17" tires and wheels to stock 18" from a newer model. (rims were better looking) Tires are 275/70R18. Load range E. Which shock would you recommend, 4600 or 5100?

TL;DR Same valving. 4600 for no lift, 5100 for zero to 2-3 inch lift. Extra weight is only compensated by springs, not shocks or struts.

What do you think is the ideal shock for a 1st Gen Toyota 4Runner (front and back). Going to fix leaf springs and will also update shocks.

What about added weight to the 4600 such as a heavy steal front bumper and rear bumper. -2WD Ram 3500.

I put 4600s on my 99 4Runner with a set of Old Man Emu 2” springs out back and stock springs in front. The spring perch was much high than stock. Only needed a 1/4” spacer up front to level it.

Just bought a truck that has a lift I believe it’s 6” but I’m not 100% sure. The shocks are needing replacing just wondering how you figure out what size you need and what would be a good brand option for a on and off road kinda of unit?

I have 2012 chevy 1500 on 2" leveling kit and I'm ready to upgrade struts and shocks. I am also considering lifting it an additional inch in the frint and back. Would the 4600 or 5100 be better?

I like the zinc plated compared to the yellow painted but I dont have any lift on my truck it is just the factory height but I prefer to use the zinc plated,as a matter of fact the colour of the shocks that I have on the truck now is yellow and I don't like it most especially because of the colour,I prefer something like black or something dark.Will it be possible to use the zinc plated and not give me any problem.

do the 4600's for the rear, come with the upper bushing hardware or is that a separate item to order?

I have a 2010 Dodge 2500 4wd, no lift but I am running 315 / 70R16 tires. I pull a 32 ft 12,000 lbs 5th wheel camper and a 25ft gooseneck used to haul hay and my tractor around 5000 lbs. Which would be better for me, the 4600's or the 5100's?

thinking about buying shocks for a 2nd gen Sequoia. I mainly will be using it to tow my car to the track and as a daily driver, very little offroading. is the 5100 or 4600 better for towing? or does it not matter?

2013 ram 1500 2wd stock height, which one would be better ?

Would the 5100 still be good with just a 1 1/2 inch spacer in the front of a 05 Sierra or should I still opt for the 4600? I did already replace oem shock with a RC shock but I hope these ride better

Yes i have a 2021 f150 reg cab short box 2wd what would u recommend the 5100 or 4600 thanx.

Is it okay that my 5100’s showed up for my jeep without the strap around them? I was able to install them but just noticed out of the box they didn’t have the strap.

Good info bro hey I got 1996 ford bronco with 2" lift which belstain shocks struts would be best for it? Thanks

I have a 1997 f250 Light duty with a leveling kit and 33s , don't really do any crazy off roading just some beat up dirt roads . Should I go with the 5100s or 4600s thank you?.

Thanks for this comparison. Im looking at one of these for my new rig which is giving me a less than stellar ride. I have a stock height 2022 GMC Sierra 3500 HD Diesel - with the X31 package - which I will use 50/50 to carry my 3100lb camper. I presently experience a bit of porpoising after installing replacement overloads. Thoughts? Thanks

I have a 2018 F250. 100% stock. I do pull a 28 ft camper in season, but this is also my daily driver. I like the 5100 color better than the 4600 yellow. But in the video it seemed the 5100 is only for lifted trucks, will the 5100 work for my stock height or should I get the 4600? Appreciate the help!

I was thinking of installing a 2” level kit on my ‘06 Tundra because of a front end hitch I have on it. Will the 5100s improve my front end dynamics?

I have a nissan frontier 4x4 2008 everything factory im looking into the bilstein shocks but i was wondering if those are good for heavy lifting i carry lots of sheetrock and wood and I don’t know much about cars but I’ve seen these on the pro 4x

Installed the 5100s on my 2019 Silverado LT, 4WD, 5.3 engine, crew cab, short bed. Handles so much better now. BUT< I have one major issue. I lost a LOT of ride height with them! I used the lowest lock ring position to get stock height as instructed, but it is now at least 3 inches lower in front, measured at the front bumper at the same reference point each time. I moved the lock ring up two notches and only gained 1-1/2" more height. Has anybody else experienced this? Everything I have read or seen in videos says that the lower ring position should have given me stock ride height, and each notch above that should give about an inch of lift. What am I missing?

2015 Sierra All Terrain. Ive had the 5100s all around for about 8 monrhs now. I cant stand them. So stiff. Can feel every crack in the road. Yes handling and leveling in corners are great but, it feels like my truck is taking such a hard hit with every bump in the road. My tires are at 34-36 psi. I just want a smooth ride. Any suggestions?

I have a 2013 tacoma 4x4 and do some aggressive forest service road on occasion getting to deer hunting apota. Will the 4600 be a good option or should i get something with more dampening like the 5100s? I dont really need a lift and prefer stock height.

have a 2006 hummer H3 adventure package ,running 33's weekend warrior style off-roading (mountain trials) easy to navigate. 4600 or 5100 recommendation ?

Hi so I just seen your video and notice at the end u stated if your looking more for a smoother ride it’s the 4600 shocks. So I have a 2016 gmc Sierra crew cab 2wd. I bought it used and I believe it’s not standard height as far as some type of lift it may have. Does that mean even though I may want a smoother ride…if it does have a lift you would recommend the 5100 shocks? Because I noticed the trucks u mentioned suitable for the 5100 were more of the heavy duty style/2500/diesel…. Please help me out here? Thank you in advance

After watching the video, considering the 4600’s for the rear of my 2011 Silverado 1500. I do have a 2 in ‘leveling kit’ on the front. What shocks should I put in the front?

Do the 4600s come with the springs ? Also can I get these at any auto parts

I have a 1999 dodge ram 2500 2wd that's leveled (front lift "1-"2) not sure I bought it this way. I got the 4600 through shock surplus and the fronts don't fit. Should I go with the 5100s? Even though they are meant for 4wd and my truck is 2wd but again front is lifted but rear is stock.

I recently bought a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd 6.0l with a snowplow at stock height in with factory shock and I was thinking about Bilstein but wonder if I should go with 5100s?

Got a 1986 Chevy K20 stock height with leaf springs on all four. Which Bilstein shocks do you recommend?

I have a 2019 Ram 1500 with Rough Country N3 shocks that ride horrible I am looking at the 5100 and pull a 5000lb travel trailer. Is this the best recommendation or should I get the 4600’s? No lift or level on the truck.

I have a 2005 GMC Sierra 4WD that is leveled with torsion bars and running 285 tires. Would the 4600 or 5100 series be better for my application? My current factory Rancho shocks with front extenders are getting pretty bumpy.

Great video. Very informative. Question though. I have a Tacoma TRD-OR with shocks that are slightly smaller than the 4600s. If I get a hard topper on my bed, should I upgrade to the regular 4600s or do anything with my suspension? I like having a plush, non bouncy ride since I stay on the construction filled streets.

Best shocks for jeep jk stock suspension with 33’s?

I like the idea of the 5100 but I have a 9 inch lift. Would that still be suitable for my f250 super duty?

Hey I need some help I have 2017 4runner limited what should be the best comfort settings and equipment for shocks I drives only local highway with lesser weight . Thanks 😊