Which Bilstein Replacement Shocks for '14 High Country?

[Nickshu]

Guys, I am totally confused trying to find a replacement for the stock shocks. Interested in Bilstein. Info out there seems to mostly be for trucks that have been lifted.

 

Which model is the right one if I just want to upgrade the stock OEM shocks? No lift kit, standard High Country factory ride height, no other suspension mods. Which ones?

 

Thanks!!

[gone_fishing]

Bistein 4600 series is what I went with to replace my rear factory Rancho's. I plan to swap the fronts out too someday. The Rancho 4600 and 5100 series are probably the most common replacement shock people are going with on this board. Here is some information on the difference between the two series: http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/images/bilstein-5100-vs-bilstein-heavy-duty.cfm

 

If you don't plan on lifting then either series would work. The 5100 series are just a little longer to accommodate lifts and the front shocks have the adjustable spring perch. The 4600 series is considered an OEM replacement (same length). Here are the part numbers for the new K2 trucks : http://cart.bilsteinus.com/search/mmid=417931/drivetype=4WD

[Nickshu]

Thanks! I was really confused b/c everyone using 5100's seems to be on lifted trucks. Good to know I can go with either. Don't plan on ever lifting, so will probably just do the 4600's.

[high country]

Please post up your thoughts after you have them on, are they worth the money and did it change the ride for the better or worse and what you were looking for before the change. Soft floating ride like a Caddy or more of a firm stiff ride like a HD truck.. Thanks

[chuckl1218]

Thanks! I was really confused b/c everyone using 5100's seems to be on lifted trucks. Good to know I can go with either. Don't plan on ever lifting, so will probably just do the 4600's.

 

I have a 2014 Silverado LTZ and wanted to replace the stock shocks for better ride (sound familiar?). I don't plan on lifting either. I contacted Bilstein and Allshocks.com (which is where I bought from eventually). The 4600 front shocks were not available at the time. The questions that I asked were: What is the difference? Should I wait for the 4600 front shocks or what? While it is true that the 5100's can be used for lifting where the 4600s are strictly stock replacement, the 5100s can also be used at the stock settings and in essence, the ride would be the same at stock height for both 5100 and 4600; the price was the same (at that time). The availability was unclear, so I chose the 5100's front and rear, installed the fronts at stock ride height and don't regret it for a minute. Much better ride.

[Nickshu]

Please post up your thoughts after you have them on, are they worth the money and did it change the ride for the better or worse and what you were looking for before the change. Soft floating ride like a Caddy or more of a firm stiff ride like a HD truck.. Thanks

 

Will do. I have noticed after 10K miles my stock shocks are loosening up more than I'd like.

[high country]

Ya I am at 11500 and I know the feeling, my 12 and my 09 did the same thing.

[JoeTrahnier]

I have a leveled '14 Silverado. If I replaced the shocks all around, would the truck sit a little higher?

Replacing them with the 5100's ^

[nismomike]

I'm also trying to figure out the proper model of 5100 for my truck. For right now I only want to replace the rear, and I see the 24-186636 and 24-186957. I've seen the 24-186636 be listed everywhere from trucks with 3"-6" of lift. And 24-186957 looks like it will do up to 1.5" before extenders are needed.

My truck (13' Z71 1500 4x) has 3" rear lift blocks. So which shock is the right one for my application? Thanks for the help guys!

[SMiller]

Get 5100's, they make them for stock trucks and also make ones for leveled trucks.

 

5100's are great shocks, world of difference!

[Spurshot]

When I bought the 5100's for my 08, they were touted as being of slightly softer valving than the 4600 to maintain contact in rough off-road conditions. Contrary to what most people think, off-road shocks tend to be soft to allow for rapid movement of the suspension and maintain contact.

 

I can tell you my 5100s in my 08 were indeed soft.