Ordered Bilstein 5100 shocks - did I make a mistake?

I have a bone stock 2021 SR5 Crewmax, came with factory 'black' shocks since it's not a TRD or Pro. Wanted to upgrade shocks since I'll be tearing apart the back end anyway since I'm adding Sumo springs and CB shackles.

Ordered the 5100 shocks for front and rear. But then I saw this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D1P6dF87D4

The guys says that the yellow 4600 is internally identical to the 5100 except the 5100 is a little longer and has a softer feel due to larger diameter (ie. easier fluid flow.)

My application:
- City driving 95% of the timing
- Camping about once a month, max out payload

I'm planning on keeping the stock geometry, no lift. CB shackles are the +1 (ie. 0.65 lift)

Should I have gone with 4600 instead?

 

5100's albeit modestly, are an improvement over stock so i wouldn't say anything is wrong with what you did.

 

Either will be an improvement over the stock black shocks. The 5100s will allow you to adjust and lift the front if you ever want to. And I believe, installing the 5100s, even at the lowest setting is going to lift the truck about an inch. 5100s will ride firmer the higher they are set and have 3 adjustment settings.

I have they yellow 4600s, part of the TRD OR package. They are better than the toyota black shocks but can't say they are anything special. One thing however, 4600s often show up for sale here or other places and can usually be purchased really cheap when people upgrade to a new lifted suspension. So, 4600s are likely the cheaper option. May not be cheaper for you since you already purchased 5100s.

 

I put 5100s on my platinum on the middle setting and raised the front end. The ride is firm but a little too harsh on the bumps for my liking. I did it primarily to get the lift in the front. If that is not what you’re after I guess it’s a slight improvement over the stock black shocks. I myself ordered the TRD pro suspension and I’m waiting for it to arrive. I want the best of both worlds some lift and a great ride

 

You will be fine with the 5100’s. The 4600’s are excellent shocks but I will say they are geared a LITTLE more towards people who use their trucks as trucks and not grocery getters. The are awesome with bed weight and during towing. With AT tires they can be a bit much with potholes.

Unfortunately there is a main stream misconception that 4600’s come spec’d on the TRD Offroad package. Toyota OEM Bilstein shocks have much different valving and in many models are a smaller diameter (Meaning vehicle models). The 4600’s and 5100’s have a much stiffer ride than factory as per Bilstein. While the stock factory Bilstein’s are geared for comfort.

 

Are you saying I got Bilsteins even with the non-TRD truck? (I don't think so)

And you also say the 4600 is a good shock for towing - is the same true of 5100?

 

No I believe the Bilstein shocks only came on the TRD Offroad packages...or at least that was the way the Tacoma’s came. I towed with both 4600’s and 5100’s. I honestly couldn’t tell much of a difference if at all. But it was a night and day difference coming from Toyota factory installed Bilstein’s.

Truthfully after having Eibach shocks on my 5th gen 4Runner, I don’t know if I will ever buy Bilsteins again. IMHO Eibach nailed the balance between comfort and firmness...notice I didn’t say stiffer. Their valving is spot on and I will only use my Tundra to half capacity so I don’t need HD shocks which is what the 4600’s are marketed as.

Sorry to confuse you OP, just wanted to be honest.

 

So I believe you're saying this:
- No idea how the non-TRD black shocks behave (this is what I have)
- TRD 'stock' Bilsteins are "meh"
- Either the 4600 or 5100 are an upgrade from the TRD shocks

 

Yes, no idea about the non-TRD shocks

I am fine with stock Bilsteins because ANY aftermarket shock stiffens the ride and in NYC that ain’t fun.

Yes, either will be an upgrade but with a decrease in comfort.

 

Someone asks in the comments section of the video:

The video guy replies:

So I guess I'm GTG...

 

I am sorry but they are not the same shock... I spoke with Bilstein years back and the gentleman made it very clear that the valving was different. The factory OME are valved in some part according to the vehicle manufacturers specs. He also advised me that the 4600’s are a better shock for me because I towed and carried an ATV in the bed.

There is a noticeable ride quality difference.

 

So what's best for 95% daily city driving and 5% towing, with no off-roading?
- Stock 'black' non-TRD shocks
- Bilstein 4600
- Bilstein 5100 (set to 0" lift, or stock height)

What are you running? And what is the "noticeable ride quality difference" you experience? (Better, worse, softer, harder...)

 

again, 5100's are better in every way than the black shocks.
shackles are going to work against your goal of improving ride quality if you plan on carrying a load in the bed (atv) or adding tongue weight (camper)

 

Since you’re raising the rear I would definitely go with the 5100 (or upgrade to 6112). These trucks come with plenty of rake from the factory and I don’t think you’d want to increase it by raising the rear and leaving the front stock height.
What made you buy the CB shackle?
FWIW, my truck came with the yellow TRD OR Bilsteins and the 6112s I put on give a significantly better ride over the rough stuff. Ride is firm but certainly not jarring...

 

Yes, even Bilstein says the HD 4600 is the best and smoothest riding shock they make for these trucks.

 

How would a CB shackle negatively impact ride quality? First I’ve heard that... my CB+2 certainly has not had a negative impact when I tow/haul.

 

Sorry I should have clarified, I was responding to Tundyfundy post. Additionally I am running stock suspension on my 2020 Tundra. I am speaking of shocks and experiences from the different Toyota’s I have had over the years.

The bottom line is that suspension “upgrades” is simply of a game of give and take.

I personally prefer softer rides which many people don’t. I don’t Offroad but I do tow about 3 to 5k ATV trailers for long distances. I bought more truck than I need to make towing as safe and as comfortable as possible. The Tacoma and 4Runners I had handled it but did require a stiffer suspension.

The Bilsteins in general will make cornering, higher speed driving, and off-roading much better than any of the factory shocks. But being that aftermarket shock are firmer in general...your are definitely going to feel more through the steering wheel. Smaller bumps are amplified especially with LT tires hence the give and take.

The Bilsteins are excellent shocks but it’s going to feel more responsive and not as plush.

Honestly OP, you should give Bilstein a call. I bought the 4600’s before I had any lifts and they we topping out with a lift so I had to go to 5100’s.

 

Why are they working against it? It's only a good half-inch "lift." Stock rake is about 2", so I'll be at 2.5"

I'm expecting that the shackles will reduce slop in the back end since they're much more rigid than the stock.

I don't consider the +1 CB shackle a lift. Do I really need to compensate for a half inch 'lift' in the rear? My trailer will press down the back and I'll need to level things out with my WDH anyway.

I picked CB since that's what I had before and I was happy with them. My goal is to keep the stock geometry if possible while adding some lateral stiffness.

Crap. Return the 5100s and get 4600 instead? On the fence.

Yes, never heard anyone complains that shackles made the ride worse. Quite the opposite. Indeed the shackles were part of the recipe to get rid of the dreaded "Bed Bounce" in my 2008.

I don't have LT tires yet, just the stock Goodyear Duratracs. Eventually I'll get a stronger tire once these wear out.

 

i think my mind took a little friday break. what i meant is taller shackles paired with a load often result in the back end dipping more. probably won't affect ride so much but its a reason why a lot of guys that tow regularly also add bags to the rear.

 

Why not get the Eibach?

 

My old tundra came with the TRD off road Bilstein blue and yellow shocks. I swap them with 5100. The ride was a bit firmer but in a good way. It felt more controlled and less floaty. On my Tundra I have now came with the stock black shocks. I upgraded to the bilstein 6112 and happy with them also. In my opinion they ride better than 5100. But I wouldn't hesitate to get either one again. In fact I have the Bilstein 5100 on my Sequoia, I'm happy with both.

Fwiw... you mentioned that you don't want any lift. But keep in mind the Bilstein 5100 will lift, even at the lowest setting it's aprox .75" lift.

 

0.75" lift is not a big deal. The first time I tow a full load everything will get beat up and broken in pretty good, expect that 0.75 to get flattened out LOL

But thanks for the 5100 review, I guess I'll hang on to them (my last truck had 4600 all around.)

 

Yes you're right, it's not much lift. Might not even be that noticable. With the 5100 at lowest .75" setting in front and the CB+1 rear shackle, it should keep close to the factory rake.

 

Interesting topic.

When my 2015 rear shock (black) sprang a leak. I replaced both of the rears with a TRD blue/yellow shocks I purchased on here from a JTaco. I could tell the difference in the ride with the replacements. I am interested in leveling the truck eventually, but I would like a few payments under the rubber. So, I am following this thread.

Of course, take that for what it is worth.

 

Ok found another review of the 5100 series, based on a 4Runner but it's a close cousin of the Tundra.

What I like:
- More roll/dive resistance than the stock black shocks
- Can be left at stock height if desired.
- Shock travel increased over stock
- Negligible price difference vs 4600 (less than $100/corner, shipped)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjc1ZcE0YpA

 

I’m here because I plan to put 5100s on my ‘15 Tundra next week. No 6112s available.

CB +3 Shackles on my ‘17 Pro Tundra and they have only improved ride, handling, and towing my 9k boat.

 

Post up some more pics of the boat here! We are planning to kick off our 2021 boating season in 4 weeks!! Can’t wait!
https://www.tundras.com/threads/post-up-those-water-toys-your-gas-piggie-hauls.63973/

 

I just did an upgrade from the 4600 TRD Offroad front shocks to the 5100’s on the middle setting.

I need to note- I did this when it was time to purchase new tires, so in the same day I switched from stock 4600’s and 32” factory tires to now, 5100’s and 33” Cooper XLT’s

...gratuitous truck pictures (before/after)



I do a TON of highway/freeway/city. I do drive into rock quarries and in farmland (wet, soft, uneven) at times.

Switching from the 4600 to 5100 just last week, I observe that the 5100’s better absorb bumps and potholes with far less jarring than the 4600’s. The body seems to roll less when cornering and taking turns.

I am really enjoying the leveled stance. I measured that the truck is now 3.5” taller in the front wheelwells. I can still climb aboard without a grab handle or a step.

I see the 5100’s as an improvement from the 4600’s, and it sounds like my driving environment is similar to yours. Hope it helps!

 

Thanks everyone!

Didn't install my 5100 shocks yet (still waiting for the tools to allow installation of my CB shackles at the same time.) I guess I'm looking at 0.8" lift to the front with the 5100 at the lowest setting, and 0.6" lift to the rear with the +1 CB shackle. Truck should maintain factory rake which is what I'm aiming for.

Some more objective information from a shock vendor:
https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/bilstein-5100-vs-bilstein-heavy-duty.cfm


"Although they are different brands and may appear to be very different from each other the Bilstein 5100 and Heavy Duty actually share many of the same components and ride characteristics.

The main difference between the Bilstein Heavy Duty vs Bilstein 5100s is that the Heavy Duty or 4600 series is designed for stock height trucks and the 5100 Series is built for lifted trucks. The other major difference between the Heavy Duty and 5100 is that the Bilstein 5100 Series shocks have a zinc coating with a brushed metal shock body and a black boot while the Heavy Duty uses a painted yellow body with a blue dust boot.

The Similarities: The 5100 series and the Heavy Duty shocks use the same technology internally. Both use the same internal valving and at stock height will ride the same (shocks for lifted trucks may use different valving settings in order to accommodate the extra weight of larger tires). Both shocks are pressurized with 360 psi of nitrogen to prevent shock fade and foaming of the shock oil. The outer construction of both shocks is identical as well with an extruded metal body rather for maximum strength and top of the line seals. The 5100 series and Heavy Duty 4600 series are both covered under Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty that protects against any manufacturer defects for the life of the shock.

For stock height trucks, the Bilstein Heavy Duty yellow and blue shocks are the most popular choice, because they typically cost a few dollars less than the 5100 shocks and provide excellent performance for towing, light offroading or normal driving. Many customers do prefer the 5100 Series even on stock trucks because the shortest 5100s are typically built for 0 to 2 inches of suspension lift, meaning they can run the 5100 on their stock height truck but leave the option open for a lift later on down the road."