5100 or 4600 bilsteins

1990dtgl98 · May 9, 2017

I'm thinking about trading my 2015 double cab z71 in for a 2016 crew cab.

Im undecided on what I should do. 5100s on highest setting or 4600 with a over the top spacer for a 2" lift. I heard the valving and internals are the same between the two... One is just longer than the other.

Any opinions?

cbrsilv15 · May 9, 2017

5100 are softer and for off road.

4600 are more firm and for on road driving.

michigan2500hd · May 10, 2017

5100 are softer and for off road.

4600 are more firm and for on road driving.

I'm not disputing this but I thought the valving was the same or similar. The 5100 is for lifted vehicles and the 4600 is for stock height. The adjustable 5100 is for leveling. That what the description that I read said anyway.

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cbrsilv15 · May 10, 2017

That's just what I was always told in the past.

VdellaV · May 10, 2017

i had a ProComp leveling kit on mine, it drove like garbage, dont do it.

i went for the 5100s on all 4 corners, fronts on the highest setting and the truck drives and corners much better, but there was only marginal improvement on the riding stiffness.

I pressume that on a double/crew cab you dont have that issue because its a bit heavier (?) mine is a single cab LS

Ezekiel2517 · May 11, 2017

I did 4600s with a spacer and the ride was terrible. I dont recommend at all. Currently have 5100s on the thirds setting and it is fantastic. Better than stock by far.

I left the 4600s in the back because I tow and they seem to be fine.

Bvonscott · May 12, 2017

From what I have researched the 5100 and 4600 don't have the exact same valving. Very close. The main difference I could find is the wheel travel and the amount of oil due to the total shock size being different. Plus the 5100 has a higher flow piston.

michigan2500hd · May 14, 2017

I'm pretty happy with my Bilsteins on the highest setting.. However I'm wishing it sat a little higher. Wondering if I should get the 2.5"leveling kit and move the Bilsteins to the 0 lift setting. Anyone done this yet?

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Pt187 · May 14, 2017

I have the 5100's and they are a pretty harsh ride. Not sure if it's normal but to me they kinda suck. Stock setting in rear. Raised all the way up in front. Almost feels like I'm on a rigid Harley

michigan2500hd · May 14, 2017

I have the 5100's and they are a pretty harsh ride. Not sure if it's normal but to me they kinda suck. Stock setting in rear. Raised all the way up in front. Almost feels like I'm on a rigid Harley

I'm not aware of a adjustable Bilstein for the rear of a silverado . ..

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Pt187 · May 14, 2017

I'm not aware of a adjustable Bilstein for the rear of a silverado . ..

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Lol my mistake. See it's so harsh it knocked my stupid!

Bvonscott · May 14, 2017

I'm not aware of a adjustable Bilstein for the rear of a silverado . ..

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Not in the 5K series no.

I'm not aware of a adjustable Bilstein for the rear of a silverado . ..

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Not in the 5K series no.

VdellaV · May 15, 2017

im planning on lowering the 5100s to the lowest setting (stock) and buy a set of lift spindles

maxtrax, sku 701330BL

if that doesnt make the ride more comfy, i will be disconecting the front sway bar

Bvonscott · May 17, 2017

Mine ride awesome. And the extra wheel travel has helped out in the dunes.

amxguy1970 · May 17, 2017

The 5100 at highest setting preloads the spring which is why it rides rougher in certain situations (though better in others). Contrary to what some say just adding a top or bottom spacer doesn't change the ride or extremely minimally where it shouldn't be noticed because it does not change the shock or spring rates/dampening at all. I think those that complain about the ride probably put E rated tires on there which change the ride. Now those that stick a big 2.5 might notice more bottoming out of the shock at full droop but the actual rates still don't change. If anything I would maybe consider 5100 at the first setting (I think there are 3?) and a 1 or 1.5 spacer on top of that should give a happy medium. Still added stress to the ball joints but less than trying to go full 2.5.

Tyler