Towing shocks bilstein 5100 vs 4600

Spurshot · October 22, 2014

I'm considering the rancho 9000 so i can customize the ride. Wish there was a factory autoride available. Loved the way my Denali would adjust.

If the OEM Ranchos reflect the expected performance of the 9000, I'd lean toward the new Bilsteins when they become available. As noted by Jon A, damping isn't a simple issue or single design point.

kstruckcountry · October 22, 2014

I like how the 5100's are softer over washboards but stiffen up enough to keep the pickup planted. IMO that's what a shock on a pickup should do. You would think the Ranchos would be tuned to be smooth on washboards and potholes though, since that's as off road as most people get.

sugarjohnson · October 22, 2014

FYI-Rear 5100 are out. I confirmed this but good luck finding an online vendor yet.

Rear Part #33-238319

RobZ71LM7 · October 22, 2014

I cannot wait for the Bilsteins to become available. The lack of low and high speed rebound on my 4x2 LT is driving me nuts.

RobZ71LM7 · November 29, 2014

Rear 4600's are now available in addition to the 5100's listed above. Now if only they would release the front shocks.

Part Number: 24-238298
Series: 4600 Series
Position: Rear

wotjohn · November 29, 2014

I have the the 4600 on my 2014 z71 lt and the ride is so much better.

calgator73 · November 30, 2014

I have the the 4600 on my 2014 z71 lt and the ride is so much better.

Rear only?

wotjohn · November 30, 2014

yep on the rear only.I have the front ones on order they told it will be 2 or 3 weeks before I get them.I have only 5000 mi on my truck and the Rancho were already leaking and bad.

calgator73 · November 30, 2014

I have nht...my problem has been with the front end float. Does it ride oddly with damping rates being so different front to back?

wotjohn · November 30, 2014

no it rides a lot better. but I will be replacing the front ones also.

Spurshot · November 30, 2014

Chad,

When you increase the spring rate, like you did with putting overload springs on the back, the damping should go up to compliment the spring rate. Otherwise you get a "floatie" feel. I had an El Camino that I put heavy springs in and put in a set of Red Ryder Gabriels. Not nearly enough damping to control the extra spring rate. Same car, different spring rate. Big difference.

But back to your towing...If the front end feels like it's floating, you may just have too much tongue weight. A leveling type hitch may help if you don't already have one.

calgator73 · December 1, 2014

I know what you mean spurshot. The front end floats when riding empty. My desire is to firm up the ride.

Spurshot · December 1, 2014

I think you'll be happy with 4600s if you aren't going to level it.

gone_fishing · December 1, 2014

I think you'll be happy with 4600s if you aren't going to level it.

I'm interested in replacing the rear shocks to maybe solve the "float" issue with the factory shocks. I don't plan to lift so I'm eyeing the 4600 series. I found this article explaining the difference between the 4600 and 5100. Sounds like if you don't plan to lift then the 5100 doesn't offer any advantage over the 4600: http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/images/bilstein-5100-vs-bilstein-heavy-duty.cfm