Choosing the right suspension components significantly affects the ride quality and performance capabilities of any vehicle, both on and off the road.

In this article, we'll be covering the Bilstein 5100 and Bilstein 4600 shocks. We'll compare these two shock absorbers, their advantages, and disadvantages. After reading this comparison guide, you'll hopefully have all the answers you need to make an informed decision about purchasing the next set of shocks for your trucks.

Before we start comparing Bilstein 4600 vs 5100, let's go through what makes a high-quality shock absorber, and let's see are Bilstein shocks good or not.

What Makes a High-Quality Shock Absorber

Shock absorbers come in different sizes, with different features, and at different price points. No matter which shock absorber you're looking at, it will have the same goal as any other shock absorber - to absorb impacts and vibrations the vehicle is subjected to from the road. The way shock absorbers are designed and built makes them suitable for different types of driving and terrain.

High-quality shock absorbers are made from durable materials. Although most shocks are made from high-quality steel, the main difference is how well the shocks are welded. These welds directly affect the durability of the shocks in extreme driving conditions.

Contrary to popular belief, the shock absorbers' features or price aren't the most important part of your choice. What affects the quality is whether you'll pick the right type of shock absorbers. When it comes to the question are Bilstein shocks good, they're considered one of the best shock absorbers on the market. But even if you get the most expensive set for your truck, it doesn't mean they'll do the job as they should if you pick the wrong type.

When it comes to how long do Bilstein shocks last - they can last up to 150,000 miles, or even more, depending on how you use them and how well they're maintained.

Bilstein 5100 Deep Dive

The Bilstein 5100 shock absorbers are best used as a replacement for factory-fitted shock absorbers if you're looking to improve your truck's performance off-road. The Bilstein 5100 shocks are height adjustable, meaning that they're the ideal option if you're planning on fitting them to your truck or SUV that you're using for off-road adventures.

Bilstein 5100 shocks utilize a monotube design, and they're more focused on providing better off-road capabilities compared to the Bilstein 4600 shocks. They're best used with lifted trucks and SUVs, and surprisingly, they're firmer when used on regular roads.

Another great feature of the Bilstein 5100 shock absorbers is the fact that they're made specifically for each vehicle. This means that you'll be able to choose your truck's year, make, and model, and the Bilstein 5100 shock absorbers will fit perfectly!

Because Bilstein 5100 shocks are made for off-road use, these shocks are extremely durable and can withstand all types of driving and weather. Another thing that improves the durability of the Bilstein 5100 is the zinc plating compared to most other merely painted shocks.

Bilstein 4600 Deep Dive

The Bilstein 4600 shocks were designed to replace OEM shock absorbers. They're made to improve handling and stability in both day-to-day driving conditions, but also when you take your truck or SUV off the road.

The Bilstein 4600 shock absorbers will give your truck or SUV stock height while improving the overall driving experience. Comparing Bilstein 4600 vs 5100 shocks, it's clear that the Bilstein 4600 shock absorbers are a better choice for day-to-day driving. Although the Bilstein 4600 shocks aren't as advanced as the 5100 series, they still provide amazing on and off-road capabilities and handling.

An important feature of the Bilstein 4600 shocks is the fact that you can use your OE springs without losing any of the advantages these shocks have to offer. Just like the Bilstein 5100 shocks, the Bilstein 4600 are made specifically for every car they're compatible with, so as long as you choose Bilstein shocks by your truck's year, make, and model, you'll have no issues in replacing the stock shocks with your new Bilstein ones.

Main Differences Bilstein 4600 vs 5100

There's no need to ask are Bilstein shocks good, especially when it comes to the 4600 and 5100 series. These two types are Bilstein's most popular models currently on the market.

Looking at the design, both the 4600 and 5100 series use a monotube design. When it comes to the question of how long do Bilstein shocks last, it's likely that the 5100 series would outlast the 4600 series, only because of the zinc plating it has. Other than that, both models should last a long time if properly used and maintained.

Installation of both of these shock absorber models is the same, given that they're made specifically based on the year, make, and model of each truck, however, the 5100 series can be fitted to already lifted trucks or SUVs, while the 4600 cannot. This is why the 5100 series is recommended for more challenging off-road driving.

Lastly, and probably the biggest difference is the price. Comparing Bilstein 4600 vs 5100, the latter is understandably more expensive, no matter what make and model they're made for.

Conclusion

If it's time to replace your stock shock absorbers, or you're looking for an upgrade, the Bilstein 4600 and Bilstein 5100 are amazing choices. Each of these models has its advantages and disadvantages, but what they do have in common is the fact that they offer improved handling and stability compared to stock suspension, and that they'll last a very long time.

If you're looking for improved performance, but you'll use your truck or SUV mostly for day-to-day driving, the Bilstein 4600 shocks are a better choice. However, if you're going to take your truck or SUV off-roading, or you already had it lifted, the Bilstein 5100 will be a better choice.

Either way you go, make sure you've selected the year, make, and model of your vehicle before ordering these shocks, and you'll have no trouble installing them on your own. And of course, you'll find them available for most makes and models right here at 4 Wheel Parts!