Bilstein Stage 1 5100's vs TRD Offroad Bilstein

Are Bilstein 5100 shocks an actual upgrade to the existing Bilstein suspension on a stock TRD Offroad?

Here's a link to an example:

I understand that the 5100's will add a slight lift to the truck. But in terms of durability and longevity, are the 5100's basically the same thing as the stock Bilsteins?

The shocks themselves look a lot like one another, except for their color. But I am absolutely no expert, so I may be thinking of them completely wrong.

I'd like to hear some experiences from TRD OR owners who have gone this route. I've come across many with the TRD Sports that have upgraded to the 5100's all around, but was hoping to hear from an Offroad owner.


Many Thanks!

 

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These sites have a direct comparison

https://www.shocksurplus.com/pages/bilstein-4600-vs-5100-series-the-lowdown

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/bilstein-5100-vs-bilstein-heavy-duty.cfm

 

There’s definitely a difference in size, handling and performance.

The 5100’s are a firmer shock, with valving that is different that the stock 4600’s.
You can of course keep the 5100’s at stock height on the front, or adjust for a bit of lift. The spring remains the same length at all settings once the weight of the vehicle is on the spring, so the ride firmness remains the same at all heights.

Moving the circlip up, increases the length of the bottom tube of the shock, which provides lift.

I liked the soft ride of the stock shocks, but not while driving in curves and taking corners, so I installed the 5100’s with under 1000 miles on the stock Bilsteins.

The 5100’s provide a firmer ride with less lean and roll in curves and for the modest price, they might last a bit longer on washboard roads before crapping out.

 

Get 6112s and 5160s.

 

I had a 5160 rear shock blow out in six months and the warranty was 90 days.

The 6112's have a much better warranty. The 6112's on the front are highly recommended.

 

What are the pros to 6112's?

 

I couldn't believe it, so I looked this up and wow....the 5160's do only have a 90 day warranty. So do the 8112s and 8100s, which are $900 per shock. Ridiculous. Time to re-visit my suspension plans.

 

Thanks for the very detailed answer. Glad to see someone who personally went through these steps.

So from your experience, the 5100's are slightly firmer. I personally don't mind that too much. Although I do like plush rides. However, I agree that the Offroad rolls a bit more than usual on corners.

Here's a question: When you put on the 5100's, which springs did you go with? It looks like some stores offer them up with OME springs, which others stick to Bilsteins only. What did you end up doing?

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the links. Believe it or not, I actually did not know that the factory Bislteins were 4600 series. Now that REALLY clarifies things. Honestly, my biggest concern was that if I ever went to 5100's, it wouldn't be a substantial upgrade from stock. (Lift or not)

 

Don't get me wrong, I like the 6112's. They're amazing, in terms of what Bilstein offers. But at that price range, I start getting distracted by OME's and others.

The 5100's were going to potentially be my very "budget-friendly" option. Primarily to allow a bit more clearance for slightly larger tires and ease of mind while clearing random rocks.

 

I recently installed a set of 5100's wit OME 888 springs in the front and 5100's with Headstrong 3AAL in the rear. The factory shocks seemed very soft to me, which I did not like. The 5100's seem to be firmer, but still have a decently plush ride. Putting the OME 888 springs definitely increased how firm the ride was, but I chose those with long term plans to install steel skids and a winch.

I've taken the truck on some pretty rocky trails and everything feels good, very happy with my decision. At some point I may upgrade, but for now they seem to be perfectly fine for a lower priced option.

 

We have a spring that works great too.

Ryan

 

5100’s are definitely more firm in a good way. Still a very comfortable daily driver ride, but with MUCH less body roll.

 

5100’s, single Deaver AAL with overload, stock springs. Rides well, does not dive at stops (stock front bumper).

 

I switched out my previous off-road shocks for 5100's at around 50k miles. I could not tell any difference in the ride but it was nice to be able to level out the truck.

 

also front 5100's are LONGER which will provide extra droop.