Shock Comparison: Bilstein 4600 vs Bilstein 5100

You can't go wrong with Bilstein shocks. Quality and performance are a given with this brand. But, when you should chose a higher performance shock versus just a factory replacement? We discuss the differences between Bilstein's entry level 4600 shock and the 5100 which is the next level up.

@bilsteinUS 4600

@BILSTEINde 5100

[mtower]

I put the 5100s all the way around on my 2021 Trail Boss last year and couldn’t be happier. We’ve been offroading, on a 3500 mile trip pulling a 6K camper trailer, hauled cattle, hay etc and worked hard.

[pjoffrion]

I just had the 4600's installed on my '14 tacoma with 160k miles. What a difference! It feels like stock plus 40% better to me.

[JB-hejt]

Perfect explanation on the Bilsteins! Ran the 4600's on the rear of both of my 4Runners with just a 1inch lift and up one tire size and never had any issues.

[SteveB]

I just installed the 5100s on my ‘19 Tacoma front and rear. You can definitely tell the difference. The ride is so much nicer. I’m pretty happy with these.

[jeeperwill]

I have a 23 Tacoma Trail. I'm running Icon 1.5" add a leafs and Bilstein 5100's in the rear, I removed the factory spacer.
In the front, I'm running the Trails 1.1" larger factory coils that it comes with and Bilstein 5100's on the 3rd notch. I'm running factory sized duratracs. I also added a sway bar relocate bracket kit. My truck is running armor: steel bumpers, factory steel skids, RAmotorsports aluminum fuel tank skid, aluminum cat security shield, and BA sliders. I've got a 10k warn winch with steel line, RC molle boards in the bed, an RC steel rack on the roof, and a steel rack on the bed rails for my RTT. I've also got Sumo Springs front and rear in place of my factory bump stops. I couldn't be happier with my ride quality after adding the weight to the truck, the factory Hitachi's, and rear leafs weren't cutting it. I've also added two folding bagged awnings, a snorkel, any time camera system, vent visors, a pioneer 10" sub, upgraded AGM NAPA battery, and Redarc trailer brake controller.
I added blacked out amber grille lights, amber dual flood and spot Auxbeam Pro Series ditch lights, dual flood amber "zombie" lights that fold out under my front bumper, RC 40" blackout light bar, rear bumper white light pods, and a snorkel. I also have bed stiffners, and probably forgot for perspective, plus my gear when I head out into the mountains. My suspension rides beautifully!

[MeGaTrOn-jd]

I Installed the 5100 on my 2016 4Runner and I love how it rides over the stock for under $500. Highly suggested for the cost and ease of installation.

[rpmdayg]

I bought my 2016 Tundra CrewMax TRD Limited used with 100k miles. The OEM shocks were pretty spent by then. I opted for the 4600's over the 5100's simply because I had the 5100's on my 2006 SR5 and they were overkill on that truck. The 4600's lasted two years and 25k of driving and towing before the passenger side rear gave up on the 2016. It's always that corner with a Tundra BTW. I always felt they were just marginal for this truck anyway. Today I installed the rear 5100's I just got from Shock Surplus (FAST free shipping, $25 internet coupon!) They suit the 2016Tundra very well. Doing fronts soon.

[TheToyotatundra]

On my '15 4runner with almost 73.000 miles with xreas and front leveling spacers I had two leaking shocks. Changed to 4600 at the front using the upper groove of the two available on the 4600 shock (no need for the spacers anymore, it is leveled with the back) and at the rear original Toyota Tokico shocks. 4600 were cheaper than oem at the front and oem were cheaper than the 4600 at the rear. Very close to the OEM ride. Perhaps just a tiny bit stiffer, barely noticeable. Part number on the 4600 is 24-121750 and at the rear 48530-35082.

[Spartacus]

Very informative, thank you. I just ordered the 4600s from you guys. Can't wait!

[rickbalderas]

Just ordered the 5100s for the front end of my 2004 Silverado, excited

[StormLaker]

Definitely looking to replace my the Rancho's that came with my truck with these. The Rancho's are 20 years old, and you can tell they've had better days. I put new tires on yesterday that were the proper OEM size- made a world of difference, but I need to replace the shocks to make sure those tires make it to 65K miles, haha.

[Hellathome]

This is what I was looking for. Thank you

[Txmetal]

i have a set of 4600's on my 2005 suburban and they made it handle better( especially body roll) and provide a great ride. On the flip side i installed a set of 4600's on my 2006 2500hd and they are harsh and choppy when not loaded with weight. Im sure the weight of the suburban keeps the stiffness at bay. But on the pickup i would probably go with a shock that is not as stiff as the 4600's.
To be fair the 2006 2500hd is just stiff riding truck no matter the shock in the back. My 2020 2500hd Duramax rides so much smoother with the factory Ranchos. The trade off is Porpoising while pulling a trailer over large smooth bumps a highway speeds and minimal body roll on turns. From researching tires can play a huge roll in ride comfort. All my tires are LT load range E i keep them around 50-60 psi (40psi on the 2006 2500hd) I recently bought Goodyear Duratrac RT tires for my 2020 they are Quiet, they dont wonder on bad roads wet, rain, snow traction is great!, So i will be looking into finding a shock that still rides smooth but cuts down on the porposing on my 2020. Any suggestions for that would be greatly appreciated. I hope this sheds some light on shock selection for someone. Your videos are great, real world testing is much more helpful. Keep it up!

[MrWhitelightning]

I’ve heard Bilstein is better than rancho. I’m looking to get new shocks for my 2002 Frontier. It’s fine on the highway but city streets with potholes is a rough ride 😂

[EmbraceTheSuck]

I put 4600s on my 99 4Runner with a set of Old Man Emu 2” springs out back and stock springs in front. The spring perch was much high than stock. Only needed a 1/4” spacer up front to level it.

[jeffchan]

My mechanic installed 5100's on my 4" lifted 02 Silverado 1500HD 4x4. After watching this video, I'm glad he made that choice for me.

[smittyms]

This is a great video. Really help me decide what shocks to get thank you very much!

[betweenthepines]

Trust me, up here in Canada the zinc plating looks like utter garbage after one winter.

I will say however that the 5100’s made my previous JK ride exponentially better than the stock shocks.

[jilsdrf]

I’m trying to lift a 2006 Toyota Corolla 2” to clear some slightly larger tires, and gain ground clearance. I live in an area prone to mudslides and got a free beater to smash around some of these obstacles. I’m planning for other mods like a lsd and skid plates / winch / bumper….

[patriot]

I have a 99 Jeep Cherokee XJ with a 3” Rough Country lift. The RC shocks that come with the lift kit are to be desired. I ordered the 5100s. I daily my jeep and seldom hit trails. The RC lift is very harsh over bumps in the road and streets. I’m hoping that the 5100s help with the jarring. Any thoughts? Thank you for the video. God bless you and yours In Jesus Name my friend!