Note from Author: So i am writing this because Bilstein seems to be the most trusted brand when it comes to needing new shocks. There seems to be alot of confusion when it comes down to choosing the 4600s or 5100s. There was some copypasta from other threads. If there is any misinformation in my own post, please help me correct it. If you see any problems with the chart help me fix that too!
Or just let me know if i should remove my own comments completely
EDIT: Ok finished doublechecking the chart and all the part #s are good for the corresponding applications. Can someone help me clear up the confusion with the EDGE/TRAILHEAD models and later SPORT models with torsion bars. I dont want to add sport on the title because then people will assume since they have a sport vinyl on their older truck theyre going to follow a wrong part# even though it says torsion bar.
Step 1: Decide Wether you want 4600s or 5100s, Keep reading below..
4600s are designed for STOCK HEIGHT applications
5100s are designed for LIFTED applications
Step 2:Lookup up yourDrivetrain
Step 3:Find the model year of your truck
Step 4:Find the part # that is listed for your model year
Step 5:Read the note (if any) and make sure that applies to you.
If it does: thats the right part for you.
If it doesnt: you problably shouldnt be running that shock.
4600 Series Front Shock Applications:
2wd (Coil Spring Suspension)
Ranger 2wd 1983-1989
Part#
N/A
Ranger 2wd 1990-1997
Part#24-022361
Ranger 2wd 1998-2012
Part#24-196260
2wd Edge/Trailhead Models(Torsion Bar Suspension)
2wd Edge/Trailhead 1999-2009
Part#24-188241
Note:Use on stock height trucks, or trucks that have a 3-inch Spindle Lift Kit installed.
4wd
Ranger 4wd 1983-1989
Part#
N/A
Ranger 4wd 1990-1997
Part#24-022361
Ranger 4wd 1998-2011
Part#24-188241
4600 Series Rear Shock Applications:
2wd (Coil Spring Suspension)
Ranger 2wd 1983-1989
Part#24-010184
Ranger 2wd 1990-2012
Part#24-196277
2wd Edge/Trailhead Models(Torsion Bar Suspension)
2wd Edge/Trailhead 1998-2011
Part#24-188258
4wd
Ranger 4wd 1983-1997
Part#24-184984
Ranger 4wd 1998-2011
Part#24-188258
5100 Series Front Shock Applications:
2wd (Coil Spring Suspension)
Ranger 2wd 1983-1997
Part#24-185493
Note:Use on models with 4 to 5-inches of suspension lift.
Ranger 2wd 1983-1997
Part#24-185684
Note:Use on models with 6-inches of suspension lift. Compression bumpstop on chassis may need to be modified to prevent damage to the shock absorber. This is standard procedure when placing longer shocks in the stock location.
Ranger 2wd 1998-2012
Part#24-187107
Note:Use on trucks with a 3 to 6-inch suspension lift. Applies to upper A-arm type lift kits only.
2wd Edge/Trailhead Models(Torsion Bar Suspension)
2wd Edge/Trailhead 1999-2009
Part#
N/A
4wd
Ranger 4wd 1983-1997
Part#24-185493
Note:Use with 4 - 5 inches of suspension lift
Ranger 4wd 1983-1997
Part#24-185684
Note:Use with 6 inches of suspension lift
Ranger 4wd 1998-2011
Part#
N/A
5100 Series Rear Shock Applications:
2wd (Coil Spring Suspension)
Ranger 2wd 1983-2012
Part#24-185509
Note:1983-1997 - Use on models with 1 to 3-inches of suspension lift.
Note:1998-2007 - Use on trucks with 2 to 3-inches of suspension lift.
Note:2007+Models - Call Bilstein
Ranger 2wd 1983-1997
Part#24-065276
Note:Use on models with 4 to 6-inches of suspension lift. Compression bumpstop on chassis may need to be modified to prevent damage to the shock absorber. This is standard procedure when placing longer shocks in the stock location.
2wd Edge/Trailhead Models(Torsion Bar Suspension)
2wd Edge/Trailhead 1998-2011
Part#
N/A
4wd
Ranger 4wd 1983-1997
Part#24-185509
Note: Use with stock height or up to 1 inch of suspension lift.
Ranger 4wd 1983-1997
Part#24-065276
Note:Use with 2 to 3 inches of suspension lift.
Ranger 4wd 1998-2011
Part#
N/A
MY OWN "RESEARCH/OPINION"... Bilstein 4600 vs 5100
Ive been looking through several forums regarding the two series. One thing that ive found is that people who ran both seem to notice there is an obvious difference in dampening between the two. Most of the people mentioning the 5100 is the softer of the two. Almost every website/retailer i visited seemed to contradict that statement. Alot of the websites said they are the same shock, same valving, just under a different length and shock body color. The 4600 seems to be recommended for stock height applications whilst the 5100 is recommended for lifted applications-hence the added length. Some sites also recommend the 5100 for offroad use.
Note: These descriptions are for 2000 Ford Ranger 2WD 3.0L Flex Fuel
Part#24-196260
Collapsed Length (IN): 9.80
Extended Length (IN): 14.02
Travel Length (IN): 4.22
Internal Design: Monotube
Body Design: 46mm ID
Shaft Diameter: 14mm
Part #24-187107
The 5100 Series
Collapsed Length (IN): 10.15
Extended Length (IN): 15.43
Travel Length (IN): 5.28
Internal Design: Monotube
Body Design: 46mm ID
Shaft Diameter: 14mm
Heres what i found out
directly from Bilstein. Not from a retailer. First and foremost they are not the exact same shock internally. These are specific to my part #s.
The 4600s valving is 210/66
The 5100s valving is 196/74
Numbers correlate to rebound/compression. The higher the number the firmer the dampening force.
Bilstein said i need not be concerned about valving. They recommended I go with the 4600 for a stock application. He said not to get the 5100 for a stock application. He said if i have a lift to go with the 5100. But the determining factor would be on the type of lift i do. If i went with a plain spindle lift it wouldnt alter the length of shock travel, It just lowers the knuckle. So if i went that route the 4600 would still be applicable. Im a bit confused.
To my understanding:
Stock=same geometry =4600 length
Body lift=same geometry=4600 length
Spindle lift=same geometry=4600 length
Torsion bar lift=different geometry=5100 length
Coil spacer lift=different geometry=5100 length
CAN YOU INSTALL THE 5100S ON A STOCK SUSPENSION: YES, if it could fit.
SHOULD YOU INSTALL THE 5100S ON STOCK SUSPENSION: NO
I was skeptical about running the 5100s. I dont think the problem is that they dont fit. I think the problem is they have a slightly longer shock body and it is going to have less travel before the shock bottoms out(on a stock height application). When i did my measurements i ended up with 14"static ride height on the shock mounts minus 3" for total LCA travel before disaster frame on frame contact. That leaves me with a compressed distance of 11 on the shock mounts. The shock body for the 4600 collapses to 9.80". Which means I have a 1.20" safe zone before the shock would implode. Now if i were to run the longer body 5100 with a collapsed length of 10.15 inches, then id have 0.85 inches of "safe zone" before the shock would implode.
Not only is there the issue about the shock imploding but i believe it will have a shorter lifespan as well being compressed under maximum pressure more frequently.
Now these numbers are for bottoming/compressing the 4600/5100s out under a heavy impact with a stock suspension. Im no engineer but from a safety standpoint id feel safer with the 4600 over the 5100 on a stock application. Which is problably the reason they dont reccomend the 51s for stock height.
I dont think topping out/expanding the shocks is really an issue because the only way that would happen is by your suspension maxing out its downtravel aka lifting your wheels off the ground/making you car fly. Topping out the shocks in midair would not cause you to lose control in midair. But bottoming out the shocks when you hit the ground sure would.
Atleast this is how i see things...