Rear shocks

[Jay2504]

Our previous TV, a 2014 Silverado 1500, has now become a daily driver and backup TV because we just bought a new TV. With about 80K on the clock, I think it’s time for new rear shocks. It seems like the ride has gotten a lot harsher lately. Can anyone recommend a good rear shock for this vehicle that will improve the unloaded ride quality? Thanks in advance. Jay

[Midnightmoon]

I have always had great luck with Bilstein.

[curver900]

bilstien 5100 all 4 corners don't be cheap

[JeremiahM]

Bilsteins are good, (I had them on our 06), but if I were buying now, I'd go fox 2.0s

[JFlightRisk]

I put Bilsteins on all four corners of our F150 right after towing the trailer with it for the first time. That eliminated the porpoising.

[Jay2504]

Ok, Bilsteins it is. Is there a certain series or model number I should look for? The main goal is a better unloaded ride quality. Thanks to all who replied. Jay

[JeremiahM]

Better unloaded I'd really give FOX 2.0s A look, anybody who's ran both swears the FOX are a substantially better ride

[JFlightRisk]

Originally Posted by Jay2504

Ok, Bilsteins it is. Is there a certain series or model number I should look for? The main goal is a better unloaded ride quality. Thanks to all who replied. Jay

The 4600 series is a good replacement for stock trucks, and daily driving. I became aware of them, as they were standard equipment on our Tundra TRDs. The 5100 series is designed more for trucks with bigger tires, are used for off-road use, and those that have lift kits. Either one will have the same ride quality, but the 5100's will have a little different internal valving to handle the increased un-sprung weight of bigger tires and/or wheels, and will be a few dollars more. It depends on how you plan to use your truck.

I don't have any experience with the Fox Shocks. They're probably a great shock also.

[TxLoser]

The 5100’s look nicer too…if that’s your thing. I’ve been thinking of new shocks for my all stock 1 ton and I’m trying to decide between the 5100 and 4600. That being said, I’ve read elsewhere the Fox offer the best unloaded ride.

[curver900]

Originally Posted by Jay2504

Ok, Bilsteins it is. Is there a certain series or model number I should look for? The main goal is a better unloaded ride quality. Thanks to all who replied. Jay

5100's all day every day...

[curver900]

Originally Posted by TxLoser

The 5100’s look nicer too…if that’s your thing. I’ve been thinking of new shocks for my all stock 1 ton and I’m trying to decide between the 5100 and 4600. That being said, I’ve read elsewhere the Fox offer the best unloaded ride.

i have the 5100's on my 2019 3500 and it rides like a car...you won't be disappointed.. except for the fact you waited so long.

[TxLoser]

The hard part is finding a set.

[67L48]

4600 and 5100 have the same internals. 5100 also are for 0-2" lifted trucks or, put another way, between stock and leveled. Some people really hate the yellow/blue paint of the 4600, which is fair. 5100 solves that problem.

According to the Shockwarehouse:

The Similarities: The 5100 series and the Heavy Duty shocks use the same technology internally. Both use the same internal valving and at stock height will ride the same (shocks for lifted trucks may use different valving settings in order to accommodate the extra weight of larger tires). Both shocks are pressurized with 360 psi of nitrogen to prevent shock fade and foaming of the shock oil. The outer construction of both shocks is identical as well with an extruded metal body rather for maximum strength and top of the line seals. The 5100 series and Heavy Duty 4600 series are both covered under Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty that protects against any manufacturer defects for the life of the shock.

Similarly while Bilstein doesn't say specifically that they are the same, it does say that the shocks are not different relative to performance:

Our B6 4600 shock is for stock height vehicles while the B8 5100 are for lifted/leveled applications. If your truck is at stock ride height you would want to use our B6 4600 shock. If you have lift components installed on your truck and need a longer shock then you would want to use the B8 5100’s. Both shocks are equally as durable and neither is better than the other.

I interpret that to mean that they are the same or the differences would be noted. The only difference Bilstein mentions is the length. Valving and other differences are conspicuous by their absence. The differences between 4600 and 5100 is an oft debated topic, but I've seen nothing to suggest a valving difference other than supposition.

Rancho 9000 are also common. I have read good things about the affordable Rancho 5000 series.

I don't think I've ever read anything bad About Fox shocks, either.

I'd pick your favorite among Bilstein, Rancho, and Fox.

[Jay2504]

Thanks again everyone. I’m going with the 4600 shocks because I have no lift and stock steel wheels. Rear ones first, because on the front, I have to remove the spring. Jay

[TxLoser]

Thanks OP. This was an expensive thread. Ordered some front 4600’s and rear 5100’s. It’s what was available in stock and I like the shiny stuff on the rear. Even at just 25k on my truck I’m seeing degraded performance of my suspension from new.

[SkyBound]

I put 4600s on my previous '03 F150, and I put 5100s on my current '13 F150. Both sets have been excellent.

[finalcountdn]

Another vote for the 5100s. I replaced the rear shocks on my 2019 F150 with a set of them. They ride great and reduced the porpoising when towing my TT. I have a front set ordered but they are on backorder.

[AKRUEBBE]

Which Bilstien is recommended for the RAM 3500 dually with factory air bags??

[mass-hole]

5100’s made a big difference on the back of my F150. I have them on the front too but in terms ride i think the rears were the most important.

[2021JayFlight28BHS]

I vote 5100’s too… ran them on my 07 mildly lifted (3”) F150. What a diff it made. That truck felt “planted” after that…. Before get like I was all over the road in curves and it helped with ride quality too.