What shocks do I buy?

[TheAutumnWind]

You can get Bilstein 4600 or Bilstein 5100 series shocks in a 1" to 3" leveling kit length. I have 4600s on my 1994 K2500 454 suburban and 5100s on my 2006 F250 6.0 truck. They have basically the same stiffer than stock valving, the 5100s just look fancier.

5100s are digressive. 4600s are linear. 5100s are Not just a pretty face.

 

[Supercharged111]

5100s are digressive. 4600s are linear. 5100s are Not just a pretty face.

One is not linear and the other digressive. 5100s have a little more rebound for a cranked up torsion bar, that's it. I've posted this before, I got my info directly from Bilstein.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

One is not linear and the other digressive. 5100s have a little more rebound for a cranked up torsion bar, that's it. I've posted this before, I got my info directly from Bilstein.

Could have sworn I got that information from Bilstein as well years ago. Maybe it varies depending on application?

 

[Supercharged111]

Could have sworn I got that information from Bilstein as well years ago. Maybe it varies depending on application?

Could be? I specifically asked for a GMT400 4x4. There's 1 front shock for 1500/2500/3500, a 1500/2500 rear, and a 3500 rear. Not sure about the rears on the 5100.

 

[Ben Burrage]

I have a 97 K1500. I had to upgrade my Torsion bars from GH’s to GL’s to get the front end height to put 5100’s in. GK bars will work as well, but a little crank will still be required. The torsion bar upgrade alone added about 2” to my front end height. Check your RPO codes before deciding on which Bilstein to use.

 

[454cid]

I have a 97 K1500. I had to upgrade my Torsion bars from GH’s to GL’s to get the front end height to put 5100’s in. GK bars will work as well, but a little crank will still be required. The torsion bar upgrade alone added about 2” to my front end height. Check your RPO codes before deciding on which Bilstein to use.

There's no point in changing bars to get height verses cranking. The result will still be the same, a harsh ride due to little to no downward travel of the suspension.

 

[Tinbanger1979]

5100s are digressive. 4600s are linear. 5100s are Not just a pretty face.

I was under the impression that the internal valving was not changed until you stepped up to the bilstein remote rezi shocks? But I could be wrong.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Unfortunately for me, my last GMT400 - a '93 full size Blazer Silverado - gave up the ghost recently when the frame rotted out too badly. I now have a 14 GMC Sierra Double Cab and a 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 2 inch IRO coils spring lift.

For the Cherokee, I used Pro Comp 9000 series shocks instead of the Bilstein 5100's. My decision was purely financial as the Pro Comps came in a little less expensive.

But (on the old Grand Cherokee atleast) I love the ride and handling.

I am looking to level my GMC, and have thought about the Bilstein 5100's but I'm not sure. Does anyone else have any insight or experience with the Pro Comps?

 

[Trenton]

Monroe can suck my left nut and make the right one jealous. That said, I am NOT impressed with the Bilstein 4600s I put on both trucks. Rebound SUCKS. To get a really good shock, you seriously have to open your wallet.

How long ago did you put them on? I put Bilstein 4600 shocks on and they were awful the first few hundred miles. After a bit they smoothed out and now they ride REALLY well.

 

[Supercharged111]

How long ago did you put them on? I put Bilstein 4600 shocks on and they were awful the first few hundred miles. After a bit they smoothed out and now they ride REALLY well.

Both trucks got the shocks in 2018. I want STIFFER valving, not softer.