Shock time....

I have lifetime Monroes

I put Bilstein 4600s on my Suburban 2500 a week before a 2300 mile towing trip. Non towing seems to improve more than towing, but worth every penny. I called Bilstien customer service specifically for the 4600 vs. 5100 recommendation.

Bilstein 5100s went on my 2013 F350 dually when it was less then a month old.

Pin weight of my 5er is about 3,000 pounds. Then add in 200 pounds for the hitch and another 3-400 pounds for the in-bed aux fuel tank/toolbox combo and you come up with about 3,600 pounds of weight over the rear axle.

The shocks handle the weight just fine.

ktmrfs wrote:

transferred wrote:
Have 5100s on my wife's GM 3500. Much better than stock junkers. Curious, what do the 4600s offer they seem a popular choice?

,

4600's are slightly softer riding. from sources I trust, the 5600 is targeted at those who do a fair amount of gravel/off road driving, while the 4600 is targeted more at paved road applications.

Quote from one supplier on the 4600

These are the HD yellow units which in my experience provide the best handling, ride and control for both empty and loaded on road driving.

and the 5100's

My personal preference for smoother ride is the std yellow shocks. The 5100's are valved a bit more firmly to help with off road, large tires etc.

Personally, I haven't tried the 5100s, but to me the 4600's offer very good compression and rebound damping without being harsh. For me I suspect even the 5100's would be very comfortable, but probably a firmer ride.

Very helpful info. Thank you.

smkettner wrote:
Not impressed with my Bilsteins. Next set will be KYB Monomax.

I just put KYB Monomax on my Excursion and having nothing bad to say about them. I wanted to have a shock that would help elimanate the sway feeling and it took care of that. For those that like a "solid" truck feel its an excellent shock. Best deal I found was on Amazon with free shipping.

I replaced the OEM with Bilstein too. Very happy so far.

transferred wrote:
Have 5100s on my wife's GM 3500. Much better than stock junkers. Curious, what do the 4600s offer they seem a popular choice?

,

4600's are slightly softer riding. from sources I trust, the 5600 is targeted at those who do a fair amount of gravel/off road driving, while the 4600 is targeted more at paved road applications.

Quote from one supplier on the 4600

These are the HD yellow units which in my experience provide the best handling, ride and control for both empty and loaded on road driving.

and the 5100's

My personal preference for smoother ride is the std yellow shocks. The 5100's are valved a bit more firmly to help with off road, large tires etc.

Personally, I haven't tried the 5100s, but to me the 4600's offer very good compression and rebound damping without being harsh. For me I suspect even the 5100's would be very comfortable, but probably a firmer ride.

Bilstein yet again. I truly can't tell you what big difference they made on my truck! Unloaded and even more so loaded. Thank us later!

Make that ten out of eleven.

Well so far eight out nine recomends Bilstein, I will make that nine out of ten! Love the ride loaded, and unloaded!