Bilsteins vs. OEM Dodge shocks

[Stars101]

Long post.... Part 1

We replaced the original shocks on our 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD quad cab short bed 4x4 with Bilstein 5100's.

Prior to this we had hauled a 1989 Sunline TC to TN, SC, and NC for a Thanksgiving vacation in 2012. Even with the OEM shocks (about 73,000 miles on them) it handled just fine.

Fast forward to this year and we ordered a brand new TC for our 6,000 mile western trip. Picked it up in Syracuse and came home on the NY State Thruway. Hardly even knew we had a TC back there (1,500 wet weight). Very happy. Took the truck to the dealer for service and had them install Bilstein 5100's. We decided to do this b/c the OEM shocks had 83,000 miles and I wanted to upgrade for our "Big trip". DH argued that the OEM ones were doing fine and didn't want to spend the money. I prevailed and we spent $400 + on all four shocks. DH had expected the truck to ride slightly stiffer and told me to not be surprised if I felt a difference from the spongy OEM shocks. It was just like stock - no difference with no load in truck.

[EPCO]

Interesting. Thank you for the info. I have the same stock 05 truck and have had the 5100 on since the stock red "offroad" shocks were obviously worn out (the "offroad" badge is only the addition of skid plates and red shocks). The 5100 were a HUGE improvement over stock in ride quality. I installed Riderite airbags to make it even better and have not had any problems. I learned the hard way not to inflate the bags to any pressure per say. I just have someone with a tape measure tell me when the top of the rear wheel well is the same height as the front wheel well. The first time I inflated them I tried to get the rear to stock (empty) height which caused severe porpoising.

The 5100 are all silver in color with no reservoir. When I bought them I was told there was no difference in valving, only that they had a longer travel length. I offroad so that is why I picked them. I may try the 4600 next time to see if it makes a difference.

[usmcshepherd]

I had a 2" leveling kit installed in my 2011 Dodge Dually and then custom rear spring leaf work that raised the rear end another 1.5". We installed the Bilstein 5100s because we were told they are manufactured for the specific trucks...light duty or heavy duty. The one thing I did learn was that Bilsteins are known to run a little short so we had to swap out the rear ones for longer shocks. Other than that they have been great shocks and have worked as expected with my upgraded three stage leaf spring pack.

[daugen]

My 2500 Suburban did some scary porpoising on wavy concrete interstate one day, enough to wake up my wife who thought we were going to crash. No, just cheap oem shocks dear. On came the Bilsteins all around. Didn't ride that much softer but there was simply less suspension movement, less bouncing around.
And zero porpoising. More comfortable and all under control. Just wonderful shocks. No change while towing, all under control.

[wintersun]

Maybe Dodge shocks are magical but even my Toyota truck shocks needed to be replaced at 60K miles and my GM shocks seldom lasted 30K miles. You cannot tell by looking at the shock how effective it is working. By the time you notice a problem it has likely messed up the front tires and reduced their life by 20-25%. It also affects handling and braking distance and is a hazardous condition.

Manufacturers expect a pickup to be used with a heavy load at most 10% of the time so no need for a super duty shock absorber. Put a camper in the back of a truck and the shock absorber is working beyond its engineered capacity.

Shocks, tie-rods, brakes are three things I want in perfect working order. I want to be able to steer and stop above all else.

[noteven]

The Mad Norsky wrote:

Stars101 wrote:
Bilstein tech support said the 5100's are velocity valved for off road applications. They are not recommended for TC or heavy towing/hauling. These should have 4600's which are linear valved shocks.

Now that is, at least to me, something new here on the Bilstein's. Good to know. I was planning on going the 5100 route for replacement shocks. Guess I will change my mind to the 4600 series.

If I recall correctly, the 5100 series has a separate hydraulic reservoir attached through hydraulic hoses to the shock.

But...but ... 5100 is a bigger number than 4600 so 5100 must be bigger therefore better ? 🙂
Seriously - offroad driving wants a different damper set up to keep wheels in contact with the earth than over the road high center of gravity etc. I am going to check out these 4600's - I have Rancho 9000's and unless I leave them set at "9" I find the ride is a bit fluffy with a load. They were a nice improvement for empty truck / light loads with the stock aluminum wheels and E range tires. Now with 19.5's and Rickson wheels the tire/wheel assy's are heavier so I leave the Rancho's at "9".

[The_Mad_Norsky]

jimh425 wrote:
Wow, mine are 7 years old. I love the adjustability. I guess I'm really lucky.

There are some who have posted in these shock threads that the Rancho's are not the same quality as they once were.

Mind you, I do not start gossip, but I do pass it along. :B

[wintersun]

Except with my Toyota trucks I have never had the OEM shocks last more than 30K miles. The Bilsteins are excellent and I may replace the Rancho XL's with them next time. I don't get much benefit from the adjustability of the Rancho shocks with my truck.

[MAV_8801]

40,000 miles on my Bilstiens and very happy...great control.....big wig controls the rest of the issues.

[jimh406]

Mello Mike wrote:
The Ranchos didn't hold up for me with 2 of 4 giving out after one year.

Wow, mine are 7 years old. I love the adjustability. I guess I'm really lucky.

[Grit_dog]

Agree. I've always had great luck w the Bilsteins lasting a long time.
Thank you for the info on the valving on the 5100s. Makes sense.
I had no basis for comparison and figured the heavy camper was solely responsible for the truck acting like it had no shocks. Basically sounds like the 5100s are designed for high speed damping.

[69_Avion]

Bilsteins are one of the best shocks available. We used them on off road race cars many years ago. They were the best back then and probably are still the best today.

[Mello_Mike]

I went from the Rancho 9000s to the Bilsteins. The Ranchos didn't hold up for me with 2 of 4 giving out after one year. I went with Bilstein 4600s and have never looked back. I've used them on two different trucks and love them.

[DennisNYS]

I've got the 4100 series on my Dodge 3500, and love them.
Glad you got your problem sorted out !!

Now, for discussion purposes only, has anyone went from the Bilstein's to the Rancho 9000's ?

Good, bad, indifferent ??

I just hear so much good about the Rancho's, and was curious.

[noteven]

Stars101 - Thanks for sharing this information. Please report after you guys have done the change over.