I have a 2001 XJ (135k miles) and I'm going to replace the front and rear shocks, no lift. I am thinking about going with either Rancho RS5000 or Bilstein 4600 series.

Are the Bilstein 5100 series worth the extra money?

I drive mainly on streets but I also spend a lot of time on Vermont forest roads, etc. I will also be taking a very long road trip to Labrador next year and that will be at least 1500 miles on dirt and gravel roads. I will also replace the steering stabilizer in the near future.

Thanks,

 

From shock warehouse.

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.

 

Thanks for the info

 

With that said. If your not planning on lifting it go with the 4600, but if a lift is a future plan go with the 5100. With the 5100 and something like the Detours USA shock relocation bracket you could go up around 3 inches with the same shock.