Which model of Bilstein shocks

Just put a set on my 2011 - Bilstein 5100's - purchased from http://www.kennedydiesel.com. Put them on at 22,000 miles. Improved the ride when towing. Fronts were shot - rears were not much better.

5100

Went to the source and they told me 4600 for towing and 5100 for lifted vehicles. I ordered the blue and yellow 4600s Thanks for the help everyone. By source, I mean I called three different online places and they checked and all gave me the same answer.

blue/yellow on our awesome 05.
chevman

This has been very informative. I read that thread where the people had to return the 5100's and get the 4600's. I would love to talk to someone at Bilstein but haven't found a number. I went to the auto parts store and they were clueless. Why wouldn't Bilstein have this info on their web site.

silver/black = 5100s
blue/yellow = 4600s

Never heard of people complaining about the 5100s with heavy loads. Just the oppposite...

Had 4600s (blue/yellow) on my old 2500HD and really liked them. GOing to be putting a set on my 2012 2500HD soon.

:h I am somewhat confused by the thread I linked to earlier also.

I mean, hey that is what was reported, and what the OP of that thread said Bilstein had told her. Gee, its on the Internet, it has to be true! :B

But sure seems funny that Bilstein web site recommends the 5100 for my truck, and included the caveat of hauling heavy loads for that shock.

Checked it earlier, before coming here. For my 2011 dually, said 5100 series or 4600 series shocks will work.

The Mad Norsky wrote:

catfishmontana wrote:
Another vote for the 5100's.

I used to say the same, until a recent thread in the truck camper section.

Folks had the 5100 Bilstein's installed, and wow was their truck unstable.

To summarize as quickly as possible, contact with Bilstein showed the 5100 series not meant for heavy loads and such. It is valved differently than their other shocks, and really meant for quick recovery on off roading type vehicles, not heavy haulers.

These folks changed the 5100's over to 4600 series Bilstein and are really happy.

So a vote for the 4600 series Bilstein.

ON EDIT: here is a direct link to this same subject in the truck camper thread. Informative. Link: Bilstein vs OEM Ram truck shocks

Well interesting, I placed 5100's all the way around, and got great results! My pin is about 2,100# and would do the three cycle thing before now it is like 3/4 of a cycle on a bump. I wonder how much better it would be with 4600??
I also added shocks to the 5er, and now the 5er settles quickly, as before I could see it do about three cycles, and slightly feel it.

5100 here too - 2001 F250 4X4 King cab short bed Off Road package.

Ordered online here:
http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/html/home.asp

http://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/html/show_shocks.asp?make=%27GMC%27&model=%27Sierra%202500%27&year=%272000%27

The Mad Norsky wrote:

catfishmontana wrote:
Another vote for the 5100's.

I used to say the same, until a recent thread in the truck camper section.

Folks had the 5100 Bilstein's installed, and wow was their truck unstable.

To summarize as quickly as possible, contact with Bilstein showed the 5100 series not meant for heavy loads and such. It is valved differently than their other shocks, and really meant for quick recovery on off roading type vehicles, not heavy haulers.

These folks changed the 5100's over to 4600 series Bilstein and are really happy.

So a vote for the 4600 series Bilstein.

ON EDIT: here is a direct link to this same subject in the truck camper thread. Informative. Link: Bilstein vs OEM Ram truck shocks

Interesting, I will have to look through my receipt folder and double check some stuff. Some other members posts above have me wondering. I know for a fact my fronts were the silver 5100's that I bought when I leveled the front. A few months later I did the rears with the blue/yellows, but I thought they were 5100's as well. I need to look through some paperwork to double check the model I installed on the rears. I thought the difference in color was because they were longer for my lifted front. I do know my truck was loaded heavy many, many times and never felt bad at all. It always rode better than factory.