Bilstein 5150 reservoir shocks

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I need new shocks for my '96. What can you guys tell me about Bilstein shocks, in particular the 5150 series (very slick looking).



I currently have Rancho 9000s and every single one is blown. I like the adjustability of the 9000s but wish they were more rugged (I didn't kill them, I got the truck that way). The shocks don't look all that old but they are wasted.



I don't plan to do much offroading but wondering what would be a good shock for good road control yet handle rough terrain well. I am wondering if the 5150 series work on the same principle as Kent's T-Rex suspension (which is what I really want but don't have the bucks right now).



Thanks all, Vaughn

 

[JJW_ND]

Regular Bilsteins are pretty darn good!

Vaughn:



I ran two sets of Rancho 9000 and got tired of changing them. While the adjustability seems pretty cool, there is no comparsion to the standard Bilsteins I recently installed. It was a whole new truck the first ride after the shock install.



I made a trip to Hyder AK recently driving lots of logging roads while fishing salmon. These shocks are awsome.



Unless the 5150 shocks are not much more money, the standard ones should be just fine.



jjw

 

[dresslered]

Vaughn-

I would sure like to see you try their lifetime warrantee. I replace my Bilsteins on my car every 100k whether they need it or not and there is never a problem. Only because of the adjustability for my slide-in camper did I go with the RS-9000's with incab adjustment. These are by far the worst shocks I have ever owned! Why do people like them so much?



Aside from not liking the ride, the quality of the Ranchos was terrible when recieived! Here is as email that I sent them upon receiving them new (they did replace the decals, however).





I ordered my RS9000 Shocks (2-RS9198’s, 2-RS9197’s) and an in cab remote control system (9700) from a reputable supply house (Sam’s Offroad Equipment) which sells a very large quantity of your shocks. As a result, mine were backordered for nearly one month, so I am fairly certain that I received very newly manufactured products. However, when I finally received the items, I was very disappointed in the overall finished quality of your product. The following summarizes what I found:



 Two of the shocks had dents in them, which did not mar the paint, which probably indicates that they were dented prior to being painted.

 All of the included decals were not usable as they were so crumpled up from being packed with the shock

 Paint quality was very poor on all shocks.

 One weld looked very discerning on one of the shocks.

 In cab control module compressor unit was opened up to install and I found that the rubber bushings were not pressed into the proper location (allowing the motor to jump around) and the heat sink fins on the compressor were smashed flat. Both problems appear to be due to poor manufacturing processes.

 One of the gauges from the in cab control system was rolling around inside its housing requiring me to reinstall and tighten retaining nut.



I feel that I have rectified most of the problems myself and that none of the above mentioned will cause reliability issues. I would appreciate it if you would send me four new RS9000 decals, however. Finally, if any of the shocks do fail, I hope that you will stand behind your lifetime warrantee.

 

[jrobinson2]

You would need to use some sort of aftermarket mount to use 5150's on the front, they are only available with eyes on both ends, no bayonets and I doubt the reservoir would fit inside the spring. I ran a set of 5150's with the 255/70 valving on the rear for about a month last year, I ran them with a set of T-Rex front coils and rear mini packs and a set of factory front shocks and later with the Kings on the front. I thought they were quite nice riding at normal speeds on decent roads running empty, but not enough control when you get into the higher speed stuff, even on the pavement. Pulling a four horse bumper pull trailer was not very nice, very bouncy and not fun at all if you needed to get on the brakes hard. They were nice on mild washboards and the best I've run for the concrete expansion joint bounce. The 5150's are much closer to a OEM shock than the ones in the T-rex systems, Kent at T-Rex was not enthusiastic about the 5150's and recommends a different Bilstien shock if you want to use a OEM style shock, I don't remember what model, but he told me there were others with a much better match for the weight and spring rates on our trucks.

I think Ynot is running dual 5150's on the front and single 5150's on the rear with a reworked spring pack and air bags, he may have a different outlook than me

Jared

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Great input you guys. OK I won't bother with the 5150s, they are probably a lot more expensive anyway.



I wonder what the OEM variety generally sell for? I just missed getting a good used set of 4 for $100 on NW Bombers. But with a lifetime guarantee that is honored without too much hassle then initial cost won't be as much of a concern.



JJW-ND it sounds like you are pretty happy with yours. A drive to AK is certainly a good "test track. "



Any suggestions on where to buy?



Another thing I need to see about replacing is the front axle suspension links, I want to go aftermarket and with stock height units. Open to suggestions on these too. I hope they come with better bushings than the stockers and greasable. The stockers are pretty shot after 353,000 miles. I want to get those replaced and DSS installed as well as new shocks before hitting the road for the east coast in a few weeks.



Vaughn

 

[jrobinson2]

Offroad warehouse has a TDR discount, $57. 95 + shipping

offroadwarehouse TDR discounts page



The 5150's seem to be going for just under $100 each.

Jared

 

[Chipstien]

Hey Vaughn, I love my 5100's front and rear. Good looking too. Same as the 5150 without the external res. Plus they are valved for the Dodge.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Chipstien, I see the 5100 Series is the "OEM" version for lifted trucks. I'll just go with the standard variety since I don't want to lift my truck or add a level kit.



My only question is which weight range to go with. My truck weighs 6900 lbs with the tool box.



B46-2129 for 6400 - 7500 lbs GVR

BE5-2549 for 8400+ GVR



Jared thanks for the link man



Vaughn

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Well I found my answer, go with the 8400+ units