Frogstar7055
Wheeling
- Location
- Jacksonville FL
4600 and 5100
What's the difference?
One better than the other?
What's the difference?
One better than the other?
Bilstien shocks?
- Thread starter Frogstar7055
- Start date
Rammer'sX
First Fill-Up (of many)
- Location
- Sylvan Lake, MI
4600 is the stock height, 5100 is the adjustable height, up to 2"
- Location
- Probably in class..
Either one can be used for the lift, the 4600 has a sleeve that slides over the lower portion, where the 5100 uses a compressing boot.
*edit* in doing some research, I see that the 4600 has a compressible boot when they get larger. I would say that the 5100 is just an overall upgrade. I am planning on doing those when I replace my shocks all around.
Photos to show what I am talking about below.
4600:
5100:
*edit* in doing some research, I see that the 4600 has a compressible boot when they get larger. I would say that the 5100 is just an overall upgrade. I am planning on doing those when I replace my shocks all around.
Photos to show what I am talking about below.
4600:
5100:
Essentially, the 4600 is Bilstein's OEM replacement shock for stock rigs, and the 5100 is the aftermarket shock for modified rigs.
What the kit makers do (AC, etc) is sometimes find a larger truck that has a STOCK shock that can work as a lift kit shock on a SMALLER truck...so they can save a few bucks by using an OEM shock AS a lift kit shock.
That's the same thing they did with the HD series and 5100 shocks...found a larger truck's stock shock (HD) and use that instead of the 5100.
The key is to find a larger stock truck that uses a shock with the right valving, compressed and extended lengths...to work as the lift kit shock on the smaller truck.
After that, its about how long it holds up under off road abuse, etc. Internally, the HD and 5100 were close enough that most people were fine with either version. I have yet to MEASURE a 4600, but, I suspect that it too will be like the 5100 internally.
The exteriors are different, paint vs treated metal, etc, and eye/stud options...but if the valving and lengths work, its probably OK. Until I measure a set though, I don't know that for a fact.
What the kit makers do (AC, etc) is sometimes find a larger truck that has a STOCK shock that can work as a lift kit shock on a SMALLER truck...so they can save a few bucks by using an OEM shock AS a lift kit shock.
That's the same thing they did with the HD series and 5100 shocks...found a larger truck's stock shock (HD) and use that instead of the 5100.
The key is to find a larger stock truck that uses a shock with the right valving, compressed and extended lengths...to work as the lift kit shock on the smaller truck.
After that, its about how long it holds up under off road abuse, etc. Internally, the HD and 5100 were close enough that most people were fine with either version. I have yet to MEASURE a 4600, but, I suspect that it too will be like the 5100 internally.
The exteriors are different, paint vs treated metal, etc, and eye/stud options...but if the valving and lengths work, its probably OK. Until I measure a set though, I don't know that for a fact.
Frogstar7055
Wheeling
- Location
- Jacksonville FL
OK anybody know the Bilstien part #'s for the 5100's for 1st gen?
Need a quick answer here.
Need a quick answer here.
- Location
- Carlisle, Iowa
Call Danny at xterra performance
Borrowed this:
I have the older number for the articulator shocks. Pick of the part numbers, fronts on the left rears on the right.
march490
Bought an X
- Location
- NWA, United States
A lot of good info here. So if you have a PML and 2" BL... you need the 5100??
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
No. It's not a need. But if you get the 5100s that are made for the 3" lift, you don't need longer shocks later.
march490
Bought an X
- Location
- NWA, United States
Okay! ..... So the 4600 are fine with PML and 2" BL?
But the 5100s will work with a PML and 2" BL okay?
But the 5100s will work with a PML and 2" BL okay?
Last edited:
- Location
- Denver Adjacent
Well, the difference between the 5100s and 4600s has nothing to do with length. Both series are available in the stock and 3" lift length. The difference is the construction and valving of the shocks. I'd still go for the 3" lift shocks regardless of what series you get. That way you bases are covered if you want to go taller. And it ensures that the shocks aren't the limiting factor of your rear suspension.
march490
Bought an X
- Location
- NWA, United States
Solid information. Thanks Prime! I have been wondering if the longer shocks would fit okay even if I dont have a 3" lift. Incase in the future I would like to.
Frogstar7055
Wheeling
- Location
- Jacksonville FL
Have UCA's and shackles and 5100's will be here monday.
They key is a short enough compressed length. For a 2000 - 2004 X, the 3" Lift shocks are 16" when compressed and 26" when extended (10" of shock travel). This allows it to be short enough to fit a stock truck with a compressed suspension, and also to be long enough to not limit droop on the stock rig, or on a PML or 3" SL kit.