Bilstein Part Numbers and 4600/5100 Differences

[Supercharged111]

I've seen lots and lots of conflicting info on this. I've read that the 4600 and 5100 are valved the same, and I've read that they're valved differently. I've read that the 5100 is the lifted version of the 4600 and I've read that there is also a 0-2" lift version of the 5100. If such a thing exists, then that's what I want, but I can't find **** other than stock length 4600 and 4-6" lift 5100. 5100 advertises digressive valving and 4600 does not. If 5100 is more digresssive of the 2 then that's absolutely what I want. It would help a lot with low speed compression and rebound, i.e. body roll with a slide in camper.

 

[df2x4]

Call or email Bilstein USA. I'm almost 100% certain I've read that they make a 5100 that will work for our trucks at stock height, but they don't really advertise it. Here's their contact info.

https://us.bilstein.com/en/about-us/locations-and-contact/

EDIT - I'm sure they'll be able to tell you about the valving differences (if there are any) way more accurately than anyone else, too.

 

[Supercharged111]

Just emailed them, I sure hope someone knows their ass from a hole in the ground but I suspect they'll punt me to a distributor who knows jack and ****.

 

[df2x4]

A call to the US HQ might be more productive if you get the run-around via email. Seems like they usually put more knowledgeable people on the phones.

 

[Macfluke]

Just emailed them, I sure hope someone knows their ass from a hole in the ground but I suspect they'll punt me to a distributor who knows jack and ****.

let us know what you find out from Bilstein...

 

[Supercharged111]

I'll jam the correspondence in here if it's worthwhile.

 

[Supercharged111]

Digressive is digressive there is no more digressive than the other. Both the 4600 and 5100 series shocks utilize a digressive piston and are valved specific to the modification, unloaded torsion bars require less rebound valving and cranked torsions require more to control the spring preload.

For the 97 K3500 you would want the 4600 series

24-104050 - front

24-025683 – rear

We do not have an offering for the 97 1500 4wd with crank torsion bars.







Junior,

Here's an example of what confuses me;

https://www.morris4x4center.com/bilstein-5100-series-shock-absorber-bil-24186810.html

A 0-2.5" lift 5100 shock absorber. What is the difference between this and a 4600 for this application? The fact that my 3500 with a 454 calls for the same front shock as a 1500 with a V6 is cause for concern for me when it comes to valving.

Dustin







We do have offerings for 0-2” lift shocks however not for your trucks. The valving in the 4600 is good for the 4.3 1500 model as well as the 3500 with a 454. Valving dampens the spring and not the overall weight of the vehicle.







Junior,

Ahh, well that makes sense. I know a guy with an 05 and he has the 0-2" shocks so I figured they were made for mine too. I'm guessing in that application then that 4600, 0-2" 5100, and 4-6" 5100 would have the same valving? Thanks again.

Dustin







The lift shocks will be valved different due to the increased spring pre-load. The pre-load on the spring determines valving.







I have a problem with this. Same front shock for a 1/2 ton bar or a 1 ton bar, but different shock if that 1/2 ton bar is cranked or lifted and not cranked. At any rate, no 0-2" lift bars.