TRC51

OK, so I have been driving myself nuts reading all the threads in my search about Bilstein 5100's and which ones I would need for my 2006 stock ride height truck (no leveling kit). All the part numbers flying around and the "nickel plated" vs. "blue and yellow" started to really confuse me. So I called Bilstein in NC. Here's the deal from what they told me:

5100’s (nickel plated) are designed for trucks with a minimum of a 2” leveling kit in the front and will work with most all lift kits. They are also valved specifically for these applications. Therefore, they may work with a stock ride height truck, but may not perform optimally.

Currently Bilstein does not have a direct OEM replacement for the 03 – 05 trucks… let alone the 06’s. I was told that the true OEM replacement for stock ride height trucks (no leveling kit) would be available late this month (August). These shocks will be the traditional yellow/blue combination and will provide the improved ride and handling that the Gen 2 buyers speak highly of.

Bilstein could not confirm if the shocks up to 05 will be the same for the 06’s, but I cannot see where they would be different based on history of other shocks. Below are the part numbers I was given for these OEM replacements that are quoted to work up to 05:

Front: BE5-C604-H0
Rear: BE5-C614-H0

While the 5100’s seem to be working for some of the 3rd Gen owners, there seems to be mixed reviews about the ride quality. I think a lot of this has to do with whether or not they have a leveling or lift kit in the truck. My guess is that those who complain of poor performance are using the 5100’s in the stock ride height configuration… but again, that is just a guess.

I am looking for improved ride quality while maintain stock ride height, so it looks like the part numbers above are what I need. I would like to have the nickel plated version on the truck for looks, but I think the ride is more important to me at this point. The only question I forgot to ask was… are these designed for the diesel 2500’s. That one is still open ended.

Hope this helps to clear the air a little. Input welcome.

djcheez

ok so these shocks are now available. has anyone purchased these? if so, how much and where? i only found one place on the interent and they were 96 bucks each. ouch

4x4not

I think I'm going to call Bilstein tomorrow. I've been looking for some rear 5100s that will fit my truck ('05 2500 but with a 2" block). I found some I think might work but I think I'll call them anyway to see what they think for valving.

djcheez

i talked to bilstein today. these new shocks are made just for the 03-07 rams. they are not available yet but are supposed to be better then the previous genral 5100's. should be out any time

raychem

Bilstein just released there HD seires shocks. I have the part numbers at work and will post later. I have recieved the new rear shocks...the problem is the fronts won't ship till oct.15 so I will have to wait. The new shocks are not revalved 5100 but a new line



Richard.


Edit...
front part # BE5-C603-H0
rear part # BE5-C605-H0

4x4not

Any idea where to buy them at?

djcheez

that is interesting becasue the part numbers i was told by bilstein the other day were as follows. if you already got yours and bilstein told me on thurs they didnt have em yet. what si the deal? It appears your part numbers might be the same line but a lil different

front BE5-C604-H0
Rear: BE5-C614-H0

4x4not

What I'd really like is a spec sheet for the Bilstein shock numbers. compressed/extended lengths, rates, etc.

raychem

Your right on your part numbers too....the thing is I messed up in not noticing your your truck is a 4x4 and mine is 4x2...there is our diffences in the part numbers.

Richard

djcheez

i see, where did you order yours from?

TRC51

Yup, same as I mentioned in my first post. Are these available now? I haven't called to check on them, but after a bumpy ride down the T-way tonight, I am ready to drop some coin. Will Geno's have them?

raychem

I ordered mine from off road warehouse. Google it to get the link.
Richard

Nitro71455

Went to their site and they are not listing the new shocks as of yet. Did you phone in the order or just order the 5100's?

raychem

no...go ahead and call them and talk to Jay I believe but don't quote me I having a senior moment right now. And no to your second question, I ordered the new HD shocks they just released. I have been waiting for these shocks since april.

Richard

moss2904

I called up and ordered from ORW. They said it would be a couple of weeks before they would ship.
I have a '03 2wd dually.
I ordered them with the part numbers Richard gave the C603 & C605. I just assumed they were for my truck. I told the guy who took the order what they were for and he didn't correct me on part #'s.