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.

[Stars101]

DH said Bilstein Tech Support (out of Moorseville NC) was terrific. Brian spoke to him for nearly 20min. about the various applications.

The way I understand it is the 5100's are great for lifted or off road trucks that will get a sharp movement, i.e. big pothole. They dampen that type of quick jarring movement. But they don't do anything for the rolling/rocking motion you get with a top heavy truck camper. That's when you should choose the 4600's.

If you are a gear head give them a call b/c the actual interior design/technology of the shocks is different between the two series. And I am not smart enough to get what that is exactly... All I know is that on a stock '06 2500 Dodge Ram CDT 5100's were dangerous with a 1,500lb. TC. DH wouldn't even let me drive it back to the dealer with the TC loaded (25 miles) for the replacement. He's doing it himself at home after work.

[The_Mad_Norsky]

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.

[Stars101]

Grit dog wrote:
I was agreeing with the "no way you can install shocks wrong unless you just forget to install them" theory.
I've had Bilstein 5100s on my 07 Dodge for 100k miles almost. Even though the OE shocks werent blown, the front end "bounce" was/is alot less with the Bilsteins.
Fast forward to 2013, just bought the TC below. Yes it rocks alot side to side, but I've attributed it to being a 2500 with airbags, tall mud tires, no stable loads or overloads to contact so at normal ride height,I'm pretty much all on the bags.
I'm sure the above things are the majority of the reason, but did the shop say that the 5100's are valved much softer than the yellow body shocks? 4600s?
Has anyone else switched from 5100s to a different shock, Bilstain, Rancho 9000, any other stiff valved shock and noticed a discernable difference in body roll?

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.

[jimh406]

Grit dog wrote:
Has anyone else switched from 5100s to a different shock, Bilstain, Rancho 9000, any other stiff valved shock and noticed a discernable difference in body roll?

Yes, my 9000s help with body roll. It's quite a bit different with 1 vs 9.

I believe you are supposed to cycle the shocks before install, but bits still unlikely that is the cause of the Bilsteins being worse than the stock stocks unless they are also the wrong shock for that application.

[Grit_dog]

Mello Mike wrote:
Now that makes sense. I have the 4600 series of Bilsteins on my current, unlifted truck. I believe the 5100 series is for lifted 4x4 trucks. No wonder you had such bad rocking and rolling. Yikes!!!

Bilstein 4600 Series Shocks

The short 5100s can be used at stock ht up to 2.5" lift IIRC. Then they make longer shocks for bigger lifts.
Referencing my previous post I would think the 5100's are valved with more dampening, comp and rebound then shocks made for stock ht vehicles.

[Grit_dog]

I was agreeing with the "no way you can install shocks wrong unless you just forget to install them" theory.
I've had Bilstein 5100s on my 07 Dodge for 100k miles almost. Even though the OE shocks werent blown, the front end "bounce" was/is alot less with the Bilsteins.
Fast forward to 2013, just bought the TC below. Yes it rocks alot side to side, but I've attributed it to being a 2500 with airbags, tall mud tires, no stable loads or overloads to contact so at normal ride height,I'm pretty much all on the bags.
I'm sure the above things are the majority of the reason, but did the shop say that the 5100's are valved much softer than the yellow body shocks? 4600s?
Has anyone else switched from 5100s to a different shock, Bilstain, Rancho 9000, any other stiff valved shock and noticed a discernable difference in body roll?

[Stars101]

Whew, crisis solved/averted.

There are so many choices that I called and specifically asked what I needed based on our truck/camper combo. I had skimmed all the posts about Bilstein vs. Rancho and knew we would be really happy with either one. And I saw all the choices on the online order form and didn't want to make a mistake. Go figure...

I wish I knew how to post a video somewhere. Mere words cannot convey how bad this was... Can you imagine if we had a heavy TC?

You know it's bad when a) your best friend says "gee should we move back from that? I'm kinda afraid it might tip over on us and b) a friend of a friend sees you s-l-o-w-l-y pulling into the yard and remarks "Man, THAT cannot be safe. Do you DRIVE it like that!?"

[Mello_Mike]

Now that makes sense. I have the 4600 series of Bilsteins on my current, unlifted truck. I believe the 5100 series is for lifted 4x4 trucks. No wonder you had such bad rocking and rolling. Yikes!!!

Bilstein 4600 Series Shocks

[Stars101]

Hi Everyone-

Turns out there was a mix up with XDP (the supplier). DH called Bilstein directly and was told we needed the 4200 or 4600 series (going from memory here and not sure of the correct series number). I had called XDP and asked specifically what series I should be getting for our application and they sent us 5100's. So XDP arranged to send us the correct shocks and will accept the return of the used ones.

We rec'd great customer service support from both XDP and Bilstein. I always order from XDP and have never had a problem. But it's nice to know that both companies worked together and offered us a solution so we were not out the $400+ for the shocks. I think Bilstein really stepped up b/c they were the ones that authorized XDP to accept the used ones for a return. We could very easily be out $$$ b/c I have no record of the phone call where I was told the incorrect series number.

[Grillmeister]

Mello Mike wrote:
Something isn't right with the installation or the shocks. Bilsteins are perhaps the best shock on the market. Are you sure the shocks they installed were brand new and were properly installed? I've owned severals sets of Bilsteins on various rigs and could never do what you described.

X2

[billyray50]

I have new Bilsteins on my Dodge and was the one of the best upgrades I did. Most members on Cummins and Dodge forums recommend Bilsteins. Keep us updated on with your situation.

[Mello_Mike]

Something isn't right with the installation or the shocks. Bilsteins are perhaps the best shock on the market. Are you sure the shocks they installed were brand new and were properly installed? I've owned severals sets of Bilsteins on various rigs and could never do what you described.

[pronstar]

Really...it's nearly impossible to install shocks wrong.

Not installed, maybe.
But it's just two bolts...two bolts that hold it in place, and without either bolt the shock would flop around and you'd hear it for sure.

Crawl under and simply grab a shock with your hand and see if you can move it.
If either bolt is missing, it will move around easily.
If it won't budge, it's bolted in.

Bilsteins have a lifetime warranty.
They don't take long to remove/replace, especially the back ones.
Why not pull them out and get them checked out?

Or...perhaps they didn't install the correct shock?

[cewillis]

Your description sounds like the rear shocks aren't installed, or not connected at one end at all. Can you verify that they are actually cycling when the truck is rocking?

[Stars101]

We had 20 lbs. in them and then deflated them. I think they say run with 15 lbs minimum which is what they have now. We only need them when we tow a heavy equipment trailer. The 1,500 lb. TC doesn't even make the truck squat at all.

It got a smidgen better, but not back to like it was before we replaced the shocks.