4600 vs. 5100 - Here's What Bilstein Says

[Bluesky 07]

For anyone interested in Bilstein's take on who should use which shock (it's question #4 here). Posting b/c this info seems to be known/accepted by some members and debated by others who believe the 5100 is somehow superior.

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Our B6 4600 shock is for stock height vehicles while the B8 5100 are for lifted/leveled applications. If your truck is at stock ride height you would want to use our B6 4600 shock. If you have lift components installed on your truck and need a longer shock then you would want to use the B8 5100’s. Both shocks are equally as durable and neither is better than the other.
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[ads2539]

For anyone interested in Bilstein's take on who should use which shock (it's question #4 here). Posting b/c this info seems to be known/accepted by some members and debated by others who believe the 5100 is somehow superior.

==
Our B6 4600 shock is for stock height vehicles while the B8 5100 are for lifted/leveled applications. If your truck is at stock ride height you would want to use our B6 4600 shock. If you have lift components installed on your truck and need a longer shock then you would want to use the B8 5100’s. Both shocks are equally as durable and neither is better than the other.
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Just to add to what is quoted above,

The 5100 is valved firmer than the 4600/OEM to account for the added weight of bigger/heavier wheels/tires, added offroad equipment, etc. Not better, just different.

I also saw on a shock sales website (not Bilstein) that the 4600 is labeled as OEM/Hwy, and the 5100 is labeled as Hwy/Offroad. The 4600 is better for a daily driver, and the 5100 is better for non-stock height/weight vehicles. Again, not better overall, just different.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Just to add to what is quoted above,

The 5100 is valved firmer than the 4600/OEM to account for the added weight of bigger/heavier wheels/tires, added offroad equipment, etc. Not better, just different.

I also saw on a shock sales website (not Bilstein) that the 4600 is labeled as OEM/Hwy, and the 5100 is labeled as Hwy/Offroad. The 4600 is better for a daily driver, and the 5100 is better for non-stock height/weight vehicles. Again, not better overall, just different.

Yes, and putting 5100s on stock or lightly built vehicles likely accounts for many of the complaints about the 5100 having a harsh ride. The shame is that some people feel they need/want 5100s when they would really be much happier with the 4600. I’ve had 4600s on my ‘07 for several years and the ride is outstanding on and off the pavement.

I’ll save my rant about people not realizing that they don’t need a bunch of mods to have fun, challenging offroad adventures for another post. ;-)

 

[RedSled]

I ran the 4600’s on my oem 02 and they were great, then when i lifted it i went with the 5100’sn and they were great to.

 

[Mr_Dobalina]

I have a Fat Wife so I went with the 5100's on my non lifted 2007..

 

[ktom3001]

Yes, and putting 5100s on stock or lightly built vehicles likely accounts for many of the complaints about the 5100 having a harsh ride. The shame is that some people feel they need/want 5100s when they would really be much happier with the 4600. I’ve had 4600s on my ‘07 for several years and the ride is outstanding on and off the pavement.

I’ll save my rant about people not realizing that they don’t need a bunch of mods to have fun, challenging offroad adventures for another post. ;-)

A lot of people use the 5100 in order to get lift, 4600 won't do that.
I combined mine with Tacoma springs and ran around 3" of lift up front at the 1.75" setting. The ride was pretty bad for DD on small bumps. On big stuff like speed bumps they blew right through the travel.
It's a big step up in price but I'm much happier with Fox DSC.

 

[rdruss]

I have the 4600's/FJ springs on an '03 V8 with a 1" Daystar spacer up front and SPC's, seems fine to me, but I'm all highway.

 

[cice]

I have the 4600's/FJ springs on an '03 V8 with a 1" Daystar spacer up front and SPC's, seems fine to me, but I'm all highway.

Quick question here, will the 4600 shocks work alright if I swap in a set of FJ springs without any spacers? Or are the 5100s required if using FJ springs since they give a small amount of lift?

 

[rdruss]

Quick question here, will the 4600 shocks work alright if I swap in a set of FJ springs without any spacers? Or are the 5100s required if using FJ springs since they give a small amount of lift?

They work fine w/o spacers, the spacers just leveled it out. You could level it out w/o spacers with the 5100's.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Quick question here, will the 4600 shocks work alright if I swap in a set of FJ springs without any spacers? Or are the 5100s required if using FJ springs since they give a small amount of lift?

Absolutely the 4600s will work fine.

 

[Bluesky 07]

@cice, this is my 4R with 2020 Tacoma TRD Offroad springs & 4600s on the front and 4Runner 4600s and FJ springs on the rear. Tires are stock size. Very happy with the setup. Optional items that enhance the look IMO are Spidertrax spacers and the mudflap delete. First pic is from before my slider install.

 

[MtnRover]

For anyone interested in Bilstein's take on who should use which shock (it's question #4 here). Posting b/c this info seems to be known/accepted by some members and debated by others who believe the 5100 is somehow superior.

==
Our B6 4600 shock is for stock height vehicles while the B8 5100 are for lifted/leveled applications. If your truck is at stock ride height you would want to use our B6 4600 shock. If you have lift components installed on your truck and need a longer shock then you would want to use the B8 5100’s. Both shocks are equally as durable and neither is better than the other.
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I am now towing a TT and want to replace the original shocks that have 146k miles on them. I have no lift and not really planning on doing one. Do use air bags to level rear when towing. Since tongue weight and gear have added weight would the 4600 still be ok or do I need the 5100's? Get that the 5100 are for lifted vehicles but also have seen they are good for loaded down 4R's, too. Currently get some bounce when hitting dips and such on highways while towing that I hope will be reduced no matter which shock I get. Advice welcome.

 

[MAST4R]

I am now towing a TT and want to replace the original shocks that have 146k miles on them. I have no lift and not really planning on doing one. Do use air bags to level rear when towing. Since tongue weight and gear have added weight would the 4600 still be ok or do I need the 5100's? Get that the 5100 are for lifted vehicles but also have seen they are good for loaded down 4R's, too. Currently get some bounce when hitting dips and such on highways while towing that I hope will be reduced no matter which shock I get. Advice welcome.

There is NOTHING in Bilstein's description that justifies the claim that 5100 are more stiffly valved. Bilstein explicitly says it is a longer shock for lifted applications and that's it.

You will have zero benefit by going 5100 on a stock height and in fact it may be worse. If the body is longer, it may rub on the emergency brake lines. I used Icon 2.0 with 1" lift and it did that.

If you need to stiffen the rear, upgrade the springs. I think Dobinsons offers a stiffer spring that is stock height.

 

[MtnRover]

There is NOTHING in Bilstein's description that justifies the claim that 5100 are more stiffly valved. Bilstein explicitly says it is a longer shock for lifted applications and that's it.

You will have zero benefit by going 5100 on a stock height and in fact it may be worse. If the body is longer, it may rub on the emergency brake lines. I used Icon 2.0 with 1" lift and it did that.

If you need to stiffen the rear, upgrade the springs. I think Dobinsons offers a stiffer spring that is stock height.

Got it. Appreciate the info. I did forget to ask about the 4600 shock and KDSS. Any issues with wheel travel off road?