Bilstein 5100 alternatives?

Seems there a global backorder on the 5100 struts for the fronts, despite being the go-to for this forum based on all the searching I've done. Is there another shock that's a good alternative for it or should I just wait to have them replaced until they're back in stock at some point?

 

Eibach Pro-Truck Sport Shocks.
https://eibach.com/us/c-56-car-truck-suv.html

 

FWIW , I'm very happy with the KYB 'Gas-A-Just' shocks that the previous owner put on my 2006 DC Rwd just before I bought it.
I'm 99% city slicker driving, but I do tow a small boat and travel some windy/rolly, semi-rough-ish highway and they perform well.
I've seen a few members on here agree that they are a 'good' shock (maybe not a GREAT shock) compared to Bilsteins.
For my needs they're great, I call the ride 'medium' in terms of stiffness, not too 'boaty', but def. not a tooth breaker either.
I'm not an off-road guy, but it seems the Bilsteins are the gold standard for any 4WD / Off-Roading.

 

Appreciate that and mine won't see much in the way of off-roading either, save for a gravel parking lot/driveway/etc. But will be doing a little towing and plowing (single driveway) so wanted something solid I wouldn't have to worry about.

 

Experience with these? Given I'm after something mainly dedicated to weekend chores/light towing and light plowing I'm thinking these may be overkill.

 

I mean, if you're not lifting the truck, just replacing, why not just get Bilstein 4600s?

I see people piss on them all the time - mostly people who are dogmatic about and/or purchased 5100s and/or hardcore offroad crawler types - but every single person I've actually seen post on here with 4600s for at least 10k-20k miles rants and raves about how awesome, comfortable, responsive, quality they are.

 

Thanks and is there a real difference between the two? (4600/5100) As you're right I've no interest in lifting it, but could deal with a 1-2" lift if it was cost effective (was looking at fully built coils that I could save on labor with installing myself).

 

Basic difference - and someone can correct me if I'm wrong, this is just my understanding from research when I got the truck a couple years back - is the 5100 is height-adjustable (edit: up front, at least), thus lift-capable by 1-2" and the Bilstein 4600 is not.

I was told if I ever intended to lift, and intend to all of the proper misc upgrades to get there the right way - to go 5100. If I have no future of a lift in current sight and I need to replace what I've got, go 4600.

One is definitely cheaper than the other, I think it was 20-30% less for the 4600?

 

Id suggest the 4600s also, if you dont want to lift. And if you did want to lift, I would choose something other than 5100s, like the eibach pro truck setup.

 

Thanks, seeing that as I look more into it. I will be running 17" wheels which will be a size up from what mine came with (as I just got a set cheap) but otherwise I plan to keep the truck stock. Though I guess having the option to adjust/lift it at some point would be nice too.

 

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

 

Haha was literally just reading this, appreciate you sharing it.

 

Check the whole thread here too, but look at reply # 11: https://www.tundras.com/threads/bilstein-4600s.25525/

Other info here, which suggests the rear is basically the same from 4600 to 5100, it's the front that offers 1.8" lift. https://www.tundras.com/threads/5100s-or-4600s-for-street-performance.51012/

 

I have been running the 4600's front and back on factory springs for 5 years/60k miles on an old truck and they have been great! Still going strong but I am upgrading anyway.

 

Curious what you're upgrading to?

 

Bilstein 6112 and 5160. Just ordered them last night. Both on serious back order.

 

I didn't really realize this until today. Too bad my shocks just got worse.
Guess there gonna have to keep on working for now. Got to put in an order for the 5100s and hope they'll come in early next year.

 

6112 for the front and 5160 for the back then?

 

I've been waiting on my 5100 fronts since May. My wheels, tires and 5100 rears are at the shop.

 

You can add longer coils like the Old Man Emu coils to a 4600 and still get a lift with less expensive shocks.

 

Yeah that all sounds right. The 5100's have 3 differst spots to put the lower spring perch on and the 4600's are just their OE replacement option.

 

hate to break it to you shock surplus doesn't have shit for best gens just second.

 

If you are looking for a lift , ELKA/ Toytec or Eibach are good lower cost options. I have Toytecs on my front and rear and they are great for the price. I finally have the budget and use case to invest in some fox adjustable shocks and UCA's. So if you can't find anything I'd be willing to sell you my coilovers for a good price.

 

I looked up the Elka front/rear kit and it was $1,700+. Is there a cheaper option out there?

 

Wasnt suggesting them as a vendor, just posted the article so OP could better understand the difference in 4600 and 5100s

 

Another option to get you by until then is to just order the bushing from Bilstein for $20 and get a shop with a 10-20 ton press to press out the old and press in the new for another $20.

I've done this once before myself. Had a semi-truck repair shop do the work for me.

 

Hey there new best friend!

 

Well hello.

 

If OP doesn't take you up on that offer I will.

 

I am planning on going the Fox 2.5 route. I'll make sure to post my 5100's here first. It's the Toytech Ultimate setup.