Hello,
Need to replace my leaking XREAS shocks/struts on my 2018 Limited. Likely to remove XREAS and get Bilstein 4600s or 5100s. Will keep stock springs, wheels and tires. Primarily city/highway driver with occasional light trail/towing.

Can anyone share their experience with replacing the XREAS units with either of the Bilsteins in terms of ride and handling?

Thanks!

4600 or 5100 will be fine. the ride will be similar to XREAS with those two options. the 4600s will be fine for stock height if you want to save some $. the 5100s can be used in a lift. neither one is really 'better' than the other, although the 5100s can be used at stock height as well

since you are using factory springs, you probably won't need to be as concerned about driver side lean as I believe the passenger and driver spring are different heights. if you get new springs then a 5100 might be a better choice so you can set the passenger side at different height to balance the truck and use the same spring for both driver and passenger side

how long did your XREAS last? 2018 is pretty recent for a failure. if you have caught the leak early or it's a very minor weep / leak you can replace individual components of XREAS if done properly and not too much fluid has been lost

Thanks. Struts started leaking at around 95K miles. Not going to lift so I'm leaning towards 4600s and the more compliant on-road ride. On the other hand, the slightly firmer 5100s will give a handling/stability edge over the 4600s. I'm hopeful either will offset any stability/handling loss from removing the XREAS. Always a tradeoff somewhere.

Did you end up going with the 4600s, and if so, any thoughts 5 months on?

I need to change out my 2011 Limited's XREAS and reading up on the options. My use case is almost exclusively on-road use, but I am now towing a 2800lb travel trailer about once a month for trips.

Does the need to tow change the recommendation for the 4600s?

Thanks!

the 4600s will be fine to tow, you can get stiffer springs in the back to help with squat though