Bilstein shocks thread

Bill Hammer · March 17, 2019

Question for the brain trust.

New 2018 Silverado 1500 short bed single cab 4x4 LT Z71 with the Ranchos. 3000 miles on vehicle.

I just skimmed thru the 130 pages - this may have been answered before. I don't like the way the truck handles. Boingo boingo pogoing in the front. Feels over sprung and under damped. I do not desire leveling or lowering, just a more planted feel. Would the 5100's set at 0 leveling give be a more stable, road-holding feel?

Any input greatly appreciated.

Edited March 17, 2019 by Bill Hammer

Mozzer · March 17, 2019

Hi,

I had read almost everything there was on here, recently installed 5100s all round on a 2014 with Z85 suspension code (towing package I think).

My biggest complaint against the OEM from new was the rebound after a sizeable bump or compression. After a fairly sharp speed bump at quite low speed it felt like the tyres would bounce of the speed bump, then slam into the road, sometimes enough to bounce back up again.

The Bilsteins on the second from lowest setting have improved things a huge amount, speed bumps can be driven over just like every other vehicle I've owned.

The only harsher characteristic I have is the smallest road imperfections (joints in road, tiny holes) are slightly more noticeable.

I only wish I'd swapped years ago.

You can get better, even more compliant systems for a chunk more cash or you can look at the Eibach which is a similar setup.

If you definitely don't ever want to level then you can order the 4600 Bilsteins for less money & the same performance AFAIK.

Sent from my Moto Z2 Play using Tapatalk

mcdavis · March 18, 2019

16 hours ago, Bill Hammer said:

Question for the brain trust.

New 2018 Silverado 1500 short bed single cab 4x4 LT Z71 with the Ranchos. 3000 miles on vehicle.

I just skimmed thru the 130 pages - this may have been answered before. I don't like the way the truck handles. Boingo boingo pogoing in the front. Feels over sprung and under damped. I do not desire leveling or lowering, just a more planted feel. Would the 5100's set at 0 leveling give be a more stable, road-holding feel?

Any input greatly appreciated.

Do a search for Bilstein 4600 and for Bilstein 4600 vs 5100, both here and Google. I think you'll find it's basically the same shock made for stock height with no adjustment. It will save you some money if you don't plan to level or lift.

I have not used Bilstein, but have researched it and this is based on what I've read here and other places.

Sierra Dan · March 18, 2019

18 hours ago, Bill Hammer said:

Would the 5100's set at 0 leveling give be a more stable, road-holding feel?

You can still use the 5100 with a desired "0" inches of lift.

4600's are Yellow, 5100's are the machined silver appearance. Go for the look/color you want.

To answer your question... Yes and Yes. No more Pogo Stick. 5100/4600s will give you a planted feeling and eliminate the jarring response of potholes etc.

cokedrvrbjw · March 19, 2019

cokedrvrbjw · March 19, 2019

Probably just going with the following, it’s like waiting for my wife to finally put out....

New side piece

Yondu · March 19, 2019

I thought they were just released. those are definitely just 5100s with spacers.

cokedrvrbjw · March 19, 2019

Find them in stock

bhales · March 19, 2019

Yondu · March 19, 2019

Where are you getting these pics? I see they're on Bilstein.com now but I can't find what you posted. Do they list the spring rates? When I called Bilstein last they didn't have that info.