SOhappy

Replaced my stock shocks with the yellow & blue Bilsteins (part #s F4-BE5-C604-H0 & F4-BE5-C614-H0) at 80k, the stock passenger front was blown out. Based on all the good things I'd heard about the HDs I had pretty high expectations, but I really don't notice any difference than before. In fact, they may be worse than stock. I don't recall ever hitting the front stops when crossing cattle guards or speed bumps before- but now I do. Maybe I should've gone with the 5100s instead of the HDs?

As for the replacement- it was pretty easy after reading posts on here on how to do it without removing the driver's side battery- or anything else for that matter. Only hiccup was I had to crawl under there and tighten the lower bolts on the fronts twice more after driving some, and I mean REALLY tighten them with a cheater bar or they'd knock. I pity the poor sucker who's going to have to change them next time.....

cbrahs

5100's are the ones getting praise. HD's are a lower more economical version

Grit Dog

Had the yel/blue Bilsteins on my DMax, night and day difference (stockers were completly blown though) excellent ride.
Bought 5100's for the Mega, thought shocks were blown. They weren't! In fact they were still pretty stiff. Put 5100's on and only a marginal difference in front end bounce.
I think it has to do with the coil springs more than anything. Leaf springs and torsion bars don't bounce near as much as coils and coil over struts. IMO.
Bottom line the front end of these trucks are probably the heaviest light duty vehicle on the road and given that weight, Dodge needed to have a front suspension that was compliant enough to not ride like a lumber wagon. Tradeoff to the coil springs with a relatively soft initial spring rate is bouncing.

zfort001

I put a set of KYB gas adjust on my old 01 and it was like WTH is wrong was bouncing like crazy. Found out they gave me a set for the gasser and the valving was way too soft. 2 days later and the correct set made a world of difference. I would check to make sure they gave you the right shocks.

mdbrown

I'm really surprised to hear that you aren't happy with the Bilstein HDs. Not long ago I put a set on my '04.5 CTD 3500 2wd and think they are great. I only have 60K miles on the truck and the OEM shocks were finished. Shocks is one of a list of inferior factory parts installed on these trucks with the intent of saving a few dollars per unit by the mfg. $ here, $ there multiplied by 100K units or so per year adds up to real money for the company. When buying a new truck I usually come home and have after-market shocks ready to install the same day.

Argo

I was not happy with the bilstein HDs either. I changed them to the 5100s within a week.... a little better.... the nices change in ride for comfort was putting on a lift though.... the new springs matched with the new 5100s was outstanding, along with the extra sidewall flex going to 35s from 33s.....

Highway 4x4

Put the HD's on mine a month ago. Rides better even when towing. If you want a stiffer ride go with something else.

spooled05

I put the 5100's on mine and there was hardly any dif. in ride,im extremly disapointed.

1985cucv

i put the black and silver ones on 6100 and they are awesome!

MoparNut

If your looking for some firm shocks, try the KYB Monomax. I put these on at about 20k miles and they made a huge difference, almost too stiff without any weight on the truck. Eliminated front bottoming on mine. Now at 51k miles they feel really good, still firm.