Bilstein 4600 vs 5100

[Z71dreaming]

I'm not sure if this discussion belongs here, in the lifted forum, or the street forum so mods feel free to move where appropriate. I did some forum searching as well but didn't see too many opinions or conclusions.

I know I want Bilstein's I just don't know which set is right for me. 2003 Tahoe Z71, 212k miles on the original red shocks. The truck is 95% used on the street as a daily driver, but also use it 5-6 times a year loaded up for camping and towing a 2500lb pop up trailer. Only use 4x4 a few times a year in the snow and a few times off the beaten path at some local fishing spots.

From what I have read anything will be an improvement over the current setup. I've read good things about the 4600's being great on the road and I've seen people say the 5100's are stiffer, but better off-road.

Just looking for any and all opinions from anyone with experience running either 4600's or 5100's.

Thanks!

 

[Scottydoggs]

ive got the 5100's, but also run air bags in my rear coil springs at 5-10 psi unless towing then 30 psi.

 

[Fless]

From what I've read it depends on whether you're lifted or not:

Bilstein 5100 vs Heavy Duty 4600 - Shockwarehouse.com

www.shockwarehouse.com

 

[ncalvo]

I'm not sure if this discussion belongs here, in the lifted forum, or the street forum so mods feel free to move where appropriate. I did some forum searching as well but didn't see too many opinions or conclusions.

I know I want Bilstein's I just don't know which set is right for me. 2003 Tahoe Z71, 212k miles on the original red shocks. The truck is 95% used on the street as a daily driver, but also use it 5-6 times a year loaded up for camping and towing a 2500lb pop up trailer. Only use 4x4 a few times a year in the snow and a few times off the beaten path at some local fishing spots.

From what I have read anything will be an improvement over the current setup. I've read good things about the 4600's being great on the road and I've seen people say the 5100's are stiffer, but better off-road.

Just looking for any and all opinions from anyone with experience running either 4600's or 5100's.

Thanks!

I have 5100's on my leveled tahoe, replaced at approx 170k from original, they are excellent

 

[Sam Harris]

I also use the 5100’s, 2” longer than stock, as I’m leveled up front. If lowered, you’d want the 4600’s. Sounds to me like you’d probably prefer the 5100’s.

 

[mattbta]

I put 5100's up front on my stock RWD w/Nivomats (ZW7 & G65). It never goes off-road but I thought they looked nicer. Had them on for 5 years or so and they're quite stiff. I am considering going to 4600's for road comfort or back to a GM version.

 

[S33k3r]

I put 5100's up front on my stock RWD w/Nivomats (ZW7 & G65). It never goes off-road but I thought they looked nicer. Had them on for 5 years or so and they're quite stiff. I am considering going to 4600's for road comfort or back to a GM version.

Are the Nivomats the ones that can have their dampening rate controlled via a dash button?

 

[mattbta]

Are the Nivomats the ones that can have their dampening rate controlled via a dash button?

No, it's an auto-leveling shock that requires no operator intervention. They're pretty slick, but also really pricey to replace...mine are still original and still do their job. Put 25 bags of topsoil in the back for my dad and it sank down about an inch above the rear tire. By the time we got back to his house fifteen minutes later, the truck was perfectly level.

 

[S33k3r]

No, it's an auto-leveling shock that requires no operator intervention. They're pretty slick, but also really pricey to replace...mine are still original and still do their job. Put 25 bags of topsoil in the back for my dad and it sank down about an inch above the rear tire. By the time we got back to his house fifteen minutes later, the truck was perfectly level.

Gotcha -- we have those on the Suburban 2500. I'm looking to replace/update the dampening adjustable shocks on my Silverado, but cannot find anything that is updated that doesn't just replace the whole system -- like the 5100s. I am stubborn, though, so I keep looking.

 

[mattbta]

Gotcha -- we have those on the Suburban 2500. I'm looking to replace/update the dampening adjustable shocks on my Silverado, but cannot find anything that is updated that doesn't just replace the whole system -- like the 5100s. I am stubborn, though, so I keep looking.

Reading back, my post isn't exactly clear. The Nivomats are only on the back.

 

[General Mishap Co]

Question for those who have the Bilstein 4600 or 5100. I have an '03 Yukon Denali(with Z55 Autoride) with 190k, but want to replace the shocks with standard. Bilstein says they have nothing to fit my vehicle. Is there any reason the 4600 or 5100 will not work on a Denali?

 

[Sam Harris]

Question for those who have the Bilstein 4600 or 5100. I have an '03 Yukon Denali(with Z55 Autoride) with 190k, but want to replace the shocks with standard. Bilstein says they have nothing to fit my vehicle. Is there any reason the 4600 or 5100 will not work on a Denali?

Auto ride is level adjustable, via air and a pump. So there are not any Bilstein brand shocks I’m aware of that provide this functionality.

 

[General Mishap Co]

Thanks Sam, but I don't need the air functionality(the pump went in the trash 2 years ago). I'm looking for a standard shock to replace the 4 worn out stock shocks. I just need to know if the 4600 and/or 5100 will fit.

 

[Sam Harris]

Thanks Sam, but I don't need the air functionality(the pump went in the trash 2 years ago). I'm looking for a standard shock to replace the 4 worn out stock shocks. I just need to know if the 4600 and/or 5100 will fit.

Gotcha. There are a few threads in the forum regarding this topic. My understanding is you can just remove the fuse and the hardware. In order to replace the auto ride shocks, I suspect you can use either the 4600 or 5100 Bilsteins, depending on the direction you’re taking the truck. If you do choose to delete it, however, I believe you’d also need to replace the rear springs, as they depend on the shocks to provide additional support in a factory configuration. Sorry, I don’t have direct experience with this. I did actually purchase some Z71 springs for my Yukon, planning to replace my Nivomats, (different system, but also with softer springs), but in the end, returned them, deciding to stick with the functionality I have with those self-adjusting shocks.

 

[General Mishap Co]

Gotcha. There are a few threads in the forum regarding this topic. My understanding is you can just remove the fuse and the hardware. In order to replace the auto ride shocks, I suspect you can use either the 4600 or 5100 Bilsteins, depending on the direction you’re taking the truck. If you do choose to delete it, however, I believe you’d also need to replace the rear springs, as they depend on the shocks to provide additional support in a factory configuration. Sorry, I don’t have direct experience with this. I did actually purchase some Z71 springs for my Yukon, planning to replace my Nivomats, (different system, but also with softer springs), but in the end, returned them, deciding to stick with the functionality I have with those self-adjusting shocks.

Thanks, I'll search further for more detailed info.

 

[Scottydoggs]

Thanks Sam, but I don't need the air functionality(the pump went in the trash 2 years ago). I'm looking for a standard shock to replace the 4 worn out stock shocks. I just need to know if the 4600 and/or 5100 will fit.

my brothers 05 yukon the air pump took a crap for the last time for him. he also changed the rear coil springs. not sure what springs he used, but she sits level and takes a load pretty good.