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Old 03-26-2019, 01:10 PM   #1
imenzies76
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Replacement Shock Absorbers

Hi All, it's probably been discussed before and I couldn't find the info so i'll ask anyways. I am going to be replacing the rear shock absorbers in my 2012 F150 this spring and want a little experienced info from others that have had to do the job. Which brand did you purchase? Are you happy with your purchase?
There are many brands to choose from and some have the favorites, I am looking to upgrade to a heavier more sturdy shock than the OE with 170k kms on the ones I have now. Thanks.
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Old 03-26-2019, 02:43 PM   #2
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I'm toying with putting Bilsteins all around mine. Seems to be a favourite. Either 5100's or 4600's, just trying to think if a little lift on the front end would be nice for me or not.
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Old 03-26-2019, 02:57 PM   #3
imenzies76
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I was thinking of the 5100's as well. It would be nice to hear from someone who has installed them for feedback.
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Old 03-26-2019, 03:45 PM   #4
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I was thinking of the 5100's as well. It would be nice to hear from someone who has installed them for feedback.
I've read all 132 pages of this thread

https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/top...shocks-thread/
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Old 03-26-2019, 04:50 PM   #5
sourdough
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I replaced the OEM shocks on my HD with Bilstein 5100s. They say they are for a small lift, which I don't have, and the 4600s are for stock. The OEMs I removed had about 72k on them. I have felt no difference in performance from the OEMs to the Bilsteins even with 72k on them. The Bilsteins are very robust and I have no doubt they are exceptional shocks and will probably last a long time (truck will be gone this or next year).

I like to toy with my vehicles and have used Rancho, ProComp, Bilstein, Monroe and others. I think these are better made than the others including OEM. They would outperform, IMO, the other brands but I'm not sure about the OEM shocks on the HD truck. I'm also curious if the shocks meant for a small lift actually detracted from the performance due to different valving made for the lift. I don't know. They do the job so they will stay until the truck leaves me. The 5100s are popular so I'm sure you will hear other opinions.
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Old 03-26-2019, 05:26 PM   #6
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I went with adjustable Ranchos so I could dial in the ride to my liking. No regrets.
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Old 03-26-2019, 05:58 PM   #7
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I run 5100 on all three of my rigs love them!
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Old 03-26-2019, 06:04 PM   #8
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I run 5100 on all three of my rigs love them!
Aren't all those trucks lifted? I think that is what the 5100 was for. I was thinking the OP was wanting to replace the OEM shocks? And OP, IMO don't replace 2 shocks, replace them all.
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Old 03-26-2019, 06:35 PM   #9
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Aren't all those trucks lifted? I think that is what the 5100 was for. I was thinking the OP was wanting to replace the OEM shocks? And OP, IMO don't replace 2 shocks, replace them all.
5100 come in many sizes, not just lifted. The two trucks are 0-2”, the Bronco 4”

Yes replace all 4

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F292138352967
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Old 03-26-2019, 06:44 PM   #10
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I don't know about other brand trucks, but for Ford SuperDuty models, there are two Bilstein 5100 models. One is for "OEM height" (0-2") and the other one is for "lifted trucks" (2-6")

On my truck, the rear 5100's for OEM height trucks is: BSN-24-062466
The 5100 shock for the 2-6" lift trucks is: BSN-24-065276
Then there are 5100's for trucks with "extended lifts".

As fishsizzle posted, there are many different 5100 applications, each a little bit longer than the last. I'd guess (not sure and haven't looked it up) that there are 5100's for other truck brands based on lift kit use vs OEM height suspension.

ADDED: I might have got the numbers above wrong, didn't go back and verify them for accuracy, but the concept of longer shocks in the same model (5100) for different applications.
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Old 03-26-2019, 06:45 PM   #11
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Aren't all those trucks lifted? I think that is what the 5100 was for. I was thinking the OP was wanting to replace the OEM shocks? And OP, IMO don't replace 2 shocks, replace them all.
While I don't disagree on replacing all 4, I don't think I can do my fronts myself. Rears are so much easier (but I'm not the OP).
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Old 03-26-2019, 07:20 PM   #12
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While I don't disagree on replacing all 4, I don't think I can do my fronts myself. Rears are so much easier (but I'm not the OP).
Yes coil overs are a bit tougher
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Old 03-26-2019, 09:42 PM   #13
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I love my Bilstein's. I have the 0 - 2" lift shocks, they didn't raise it at all.
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Old 03-27-2019, 04:59 AM   #14
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I love my Bilstein's. I have the 0 - 2" lift shocks, they didn't raise it at all.
I'm thinking of these, but do a slight lift with the shocks in the front. Less than an inch. Just to see if my air dam will stop scraping the curbs.
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Old 03-27-2019, 05:38 AM   #15
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I'm thinking of these, but do a slight lift with the shocks in the front. Less than an inch. Just to see if my air dam will stop scraping the curbs.
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Old 03-27-2019, 06:42 AM   #16
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Of course, I'm also thinking of a 2020 GMC 2500 with a 6.6L gas and close to 4000 lb payload.

I think the shocks are cheaper.
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Old 03-27-2019, 11:33 AM   #17
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[QUOTE=GMcKenzie;332730]I'm thinking of these, but do a slight lift with the shocks in the front. Less than an inch. Just to see if my air dam will stop scraping the curbs.[/QUOTE

2” level kit is awesome, you can also swap out air dams. A 2wd Ford Airdam is 2” shorter than the 4wd version on the 2017+ trucks. Not sure of other makes models. Worth a quick search.
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Old 03-27-2019, 03:20 PM   #18
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I'm thinking of these, but do a slight lift with the shocks in the front. Less than an inch. Just to see if my air dam will stop scraping the curbs.

There may be something out there but I'm not aware of shocks that are used to "lift" a truck. They are built to fit a lift that has been installed as far as I know.

Some folks like leveling kits but from what I've seen they seem to compromise the truck in towing by making what might have been a little squat in the back a lot since the nose has been raised. IMO trying to lift a truck less than an inch is a waste of time....buy bigger tires.
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Old 03-28-2019, 02:52 PM   #19
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There may be something out there but I'm not aware of shocks that are used to "lift" a truck. They are built to fit a lift that has been installed as far as I know.

Some folks like leveling kits but from what I've seen they seem to compromise the truck in towing by making what might have been a little squat in the back a lot since the nose has been raised. IMO trying to lift a truck less than an inch is a waste of time....buy bigger tires.
The B8 5100's will provide the lift on the front end. They have a collar on them so you can pick how much lift you want.

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/produ...ht-adjustable/
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Old 03-28-2019, 04:16 PM   #20
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Interesting. I had not heard of them. On the other hand, I'm wondering how viable it is to use a shock to support the weight of the front end of a truck vs springs (in the lifted stage)? Not used them or heard of anyone that has but I would wonder - I always installed new springs.
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