Information from Bilstein RE: 4600/5100 Shocks for the 5G Ranger (FYI)

[ctechbob]

Since I was just inquiring about front shocks, I would take this information to be in reference to those only. If this has been discussed before, my apologies as a search turned up only a few mentions of the 4600 shocks and that was back in 2019.

I have no intentions of leveling my Ranger, but I have already done the 5100 upgrade to the rear and wrote the Bilstein tech line to see if there was any difference in the 4600 and 5100 in the front application at stock ride height. I inquired as to whether there was a valving difference between the two units:

______________________________________________________________________

Hello Shawn,

Thank you for contacting Bilstein. If you would like, you can use the 4600 series 24-233552 on the front. Our B6 4600 shocks are our best riding and driving truck shocks, we always recommend the B6 4600 if it is a stock-height vehicle. Seeing you have the 5100 series on the rear, most people like to have all four matching shocks. You can use 5100 series 24-294218 at stock height. Neither shock is more durable or better than the other. Thank you

Kind Regards,
Joe Laffin
Technical Sales and Warranty Specialist
thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc
_____________________________________________________________________

Subject: Re: Contact Box BILSTEIN - Request

Is the valving between the two different enough that there would be a big difference, or is the main difference the adjustability of the 5100.

Thanks again!

_______________________________________________________________________

Hi Shawn,

They are the same. If you are looking to keep your 2020 Ford Ranger at stock ride height I’d always recommend the 4600. The 5100 is for those who are looking to level the truck. Thank you.

Kind Regards,
Joe Laffin
Technical Sales and Warranty Specialist
thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc

Sponsored

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Thanks for posting this info up.

Looks like there is a $30 difference between the 4600 series 24-233552 ($102 per) and 5100 series 24-294218 ($132 per). With Bilstein stating the only difference between them being the ability to raise the front ride height, it kind of makes sense to save $60 and keep the leveling spacers installed. Well for those of us who have them that is.

 

[TremorOwner]

Same for GM stuff... same valving, just longer throw on the 5100 (and different, less obvious color). I went with the 5100s on the Tahoe solely because I didn't want bright yellow shocks, haha. But the Tahoe was lifted up a little bit, not significant, so I justified it beyond aesthetics, too... mentally.

 

[ctechbob]

I'd already bought/installed my 5100's in the rear. Not sure why I didn't email them first, but the yellow ones will be going on the front when I get around to it.

For $60 the differing color doesn't bother me.

 

[JimInAllen]

I'd already bought/installed my 5100's in the rear. Not sure why I didn't email them first, but the yellow ones will be going on the front when I get around to it.

For $60 the differing color doesn't bother me.

Have you installed the 4600s on the front? What's the ride like with the 5100s in the back?

Thanks

Jim

 

[ctechbob]

Have you installed the 4600s on the front? What's the ride like with the 5100s in the back?

Thanks

Jim

I have not yet. It's on the to-do list, just hasn't been a priority lately. The ride with just the rears is better damped now for sure, even when empty. I never really got around to towing anything with the stock shock so I don't have anything to compare that to, but I did tow a 4500# travel trailer with the new shocks and no sway control and the truck did just fine. I would want sway control for longer trips, but for the short little trip we did with it, it was just fine.

 

[JimInAllen]

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback

Sponsored