Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Juday · Post by **Juday** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:39 am

I've been riding around on some blown shocks for awhile now, so I think it's time for a change. As much as I'd love to have the Kings, or other high end shocks, I don't have the money and I don't have the time/patience for maintenance on them. The two options I've mentioned seem to be the closest competitors. I'm getting some annoying front end play/wheel bounce at highway speeds, that I'm pretty sure is attributed to my blown driver's side, front shock. The truck sees slow off road, washboard type roads (on the construction site) and highway driving. There's no high speed desert racing where I am and I don't see it in my near future. I want a soft, yet controlled ride at highway speeds. If possible, I'd like to try and eliminate the "crab walk" from the expansion joints in the road, too.

So, those of you who have experience, please chime in. Thanks.

Juday · Post by **Juday** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:56 am

Quick note, I also discovered the Bilstein 5160 series of shocks w/ remote reservoir. That's another option...

azracer · Post by **azracer** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 10:26 am

I think you may want to consider these...
http://www.straptperformance.com/THUREN ... n-olsp.htm

In my research the Overland kit from Thuren gives a compliant and controlled ride with more wheel travel (droop) than OEM.

IMHO... With what you describe as your goals/needs I think the Thuren Overland shock kit is your best choice.

Reviews.
http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/4wd-s ... hocks.html
http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/4wd-s ... rland.html

The fox 2.0 is not a bad choice either as it has just a bit more control and fade resistance.

phpBB [video]

Clickable link for Tapatalk

.

azracer · Post by **azracer** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 10:42 am

I should also note that our factory PW springs are close to Dons kit and the ride height is similar too. With the winch our weight in the front is close too. So the shock valving is very close to spot on for our trucks. A better match than the crappy OEM shocks that came on our trucks. Just call Don and I'm sure he will not steer you wrong. While Carli shock systems work awesome they are more tuned for overall performance than for they are for ride, compliance and wheel travel. The Thuren overland shocks are for those who want better ride and control but understand that high speed off road performance will be limited. They also will not be the last shock you ever buy!

Mr.Smith · Post by **Mr.Smith** » Sun Feb 08, 2015 2:14 pm

I noticed the rear end kicking out at bridge seams stopped when I put on Deaver springs...

adeluca73 · Post by **adeluca73** » Sun Feb 08, 2015 5:53 pm

Hey JUDAY,

What did you find the major difference was between the 5100 & 5160's? I had the Bilstein equivalent on my Xterra when I lifted it 2", way better that the stocks, but two began seeping after some serious rock jumping in the Appalachians & I replaced them with Fox shocks & they worked well.

2011RPW · Post by **2011RPW** » Sun Feb 08, 2015 9:42 pm

I ha e the Overlands and love them. I also put them on my girlfriend's truck too. They both ride great.

BlkWgn · Post by **BlkWgn** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 12:20 pm

I have the Thuren Overland shocks, and while they are not the high end super shocks, they are certainly better than stock. Been happy with them so far

Juday · Post by **Juday** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:36 am

adeluca73 wrote:Hey JUDAY,

What did you find the major difference was between the 5100 & 5160's? I had the Bilstein equivalent on my Xterra when I lifted it 2", way better that the stocks, but two began seeping after some serious rock jumping in the Appalachians & I replaced them with Fox shocks & they worked well.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/suspe ... es-shocks/

It looks like the 5160 is the remote reservoir version on the 5100 series shock. My guess is that it has a bit more travel, too, since the oil is moved out of the main body.

Here is where I found them:

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm ... _year=2012

2wagons1driveway · Post by **2wagons1driveway** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:52 pm

Buy a shock set up that's tuned by either Carli or Thuren. Trust me. No ducking around with bushing sizes valving stroke length shock lengths. Ask beryl. Save a dollar here Nd spend it tomorrow looking for bushings and mounts etc. highly recommend Thuren stuff you could always just buy a Carli shock package with the bilstein 5160's that backcountry kit is valved for a diesel but very affordable the diesel valving with our winch out front and maybe a large bumper is great on our trucks....3" will give you more travel than stock as well. I think a shock package comes with towers (depending what u want) straps and bushings...) Thuren fox 2.0 is a great shock too and he can make them work awsome offroad!!! He moves pretty good with a 2.0 and a full size down their in Oregon. I doubt any of us would ever overheat one

Sent from somewhere your not

Juday · Post by **Juday** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 7:50 am

2wagons1driveway wrote:Buy a shock set up that's tuned by either Carli or Thuren. Trust me. No ducking around with bushing sizes valving stroke length shock lengths. Ask beryl. Save a dollar here Nd spend it tomorrow looking for bushings and mounts etc. highly recommend Thuren stuff you could always just buy a Carli shock package with the bilstein 5160's that backcountry kit is valved for a diesel but very affordable the diesel valving with our winch out front and maybe a large bumper is great on our trucks....3" will give you more travel than stock as well. I think a shock package comes with towers (depending what u want) straps and bushings...) Thuren fox 2.0 is a great shock too and he can make them work awsome offroad!!! He moves pretty good with a 2.0 and a full size down their in Oregon. I doubt any of us would ever overheat one

Sent from somewhere your not

While I would love to have a setup from Thuren, or Carli, I am not going to drop that kind of cash. The 5160's should work fine in the stock location, as indicated in the Four Wheeler article that I listed. The Thuren Fox 2.0's are almost $500 more than the Bilstein 5160s! I'm not looking to spend anymore than about $700 on the shocks, total and OTD. I don't race in the desert and I don't drive around like a maniac, therefore, I don't see the need to drop thousands on shocks from either one of them.

2wagons1driveway · Post by **2wagons1driveway** » Wed Feb 11, 2015 1:22 pm

Good shocks help you stop better turn with more confidence and tow all day with no fade. Valving is a big issue though your stock billies are tuned to your rig that's why I'm recommending you pay for the extra r and d for shocks with decent valving so you'll benifit everywhere from new shocks not just driving like a maniac like me lol key is in the valving.

Sent from somewhere your not

Juday · Post by **Juday** » Tue Mar 17, 2015 8:18 am

I still can't decide....

Bilstein 5100 - $350
Fox 2.0 Monotube - $500
Bilstein 5160 - $697
Fox 2.0 Reservoir - $1,100

leo72987 · Post by **leo72987** » Tue Mar 17, 2015 8:26 am

2wagons1driveway wrote:Good shocks help you stop better turn with more confidence and tow all day with no fade. Valving is a big issue though your stock billies are tuned to your rig that's why I'm recommending you pay for the extra r and d for shocks with decent valving so you'll benifit everywhere from new shocks not just driving like a maniac like me lol key is in the valving.

Sent from somewhere your not

I run 5100's on my 2005 Power Wagon. The truck sees fire roads and low speed rock crawling... They do great! Honestly for the money I don' t think you can get any better. Like you I will not spend $1000 on shocks. I just don't need to based on what the truck sees.The guys that spend the big bux usually are out playing in the desert at highspeed.

2wagons1driveway · Post by **2wagons1driveway** » Tue Mar 17, 2015 12:00 pm

Ya I hear ya. A good bump stop is key to getting a lot more performance from your rig. I do like my bilstein 9100/9300's they were expensive but appear very serviceable and their materials are good. They ride firmer at low speeds until I ditched my swaybar and once they heat up to operating temps they honestly ride much better even just krawlin. The big benifit for the 2.65's were the ability to mount the reservoir out of harms way for the rears. Unlike kings. I would save some money on shocks and put some good front bumps on your truck at the same time. Something for the "o shit" moments. I guess over lands are out of the question?

Sent from somewhere your not

coder · Post by **coder** » Tue Mar 17, 2015 12:35 pm

Juday wrote:I've been riding around on some blown shocks for awhile now, so I think it's time for a change. As much as I'd love to have the Kings, or other high end shocks, I don't have the money and I don't have the time/patience for maintenance on them. The two options I've mentioned seem to be the closest competitors. I'm getting some annoying front end play/wheel bounce at highway speeds, that I'm pretty sure is attributed to my blown driver's side, front shock. The truck sees slow off road, washboard type roads (on the construction site) and highway driving. There's no high speed desert racing where I am and I don't see it in my near future. I want a soft, yet controlled ride at highway speeds. If possible, I'd like to try and eliminate the "crab walk" from the expansion joints in the road, too.

So, those of you who have experience, please chime in. Thanks.

Though I don't have any of Thurens shocks from all I've heard and read they are softer than Carli shocks. The overlands seem like they would be the bang for the buck. However I am a firm believer in building your suspension around the best shocks and springs you can and adding other items later...

2wagons1driveway · Post by **2wagons1driveway** » Tue Mar 17, 2015 3:29 pm

^x2 have you talked to don Thuren yet juday? He will steer u in the right direction and he's always open for questioning!

Sent from somewhere your not

old sole mopar · Post by **old sole mopar** » Tue Mar 17, 2015 8:03 pm

I was happy with rancho 5000 on my 04 Cummins single wheel one ton. Cheap and made a way nicer ride. They are oil not gas so they don't pump up like a cheaper gas shock Will on washboard. They are known to leak in realy cold climates like -40 c So the northern guys don't like them. Might be a decent idea for you or completely not what your looking for. Lol!!!

Juday · Post by **Juday** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 8:11 am

2wagons1driveway wrote:^x2 have you talked to don Thuren yet juday? He will steer u in the right direction and he's always open for questioning!

Sent from somewhere your not

I sent an email off to Aaron, at Thuren. Gave me the options of the Overland shocks, the Fox 2.0 w/ reservoir and the KINGs. He said the Fox 2.0 would work best with the Power Wagon's abilities. Problem for me is, they're $1,100....

I just don't know, yet. Buying shocks is about as hard as buying tires for me. I'm going to research the hell out of them and eventually just say "F$*# it" and buy a set.

2wagons1driveway · Post by **2wagons1driveway** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 11:29 am

That's a good idea. R the foxes rebuildable? That's one thing that kept me away from the 5160's is they weren't rebuildable ! If your gunna spend that doh would be benifit if you could have any small shock shop rebuild them for you for virtually nothing !

Sent from somewhere your not

2wagons1driveway · Post by **2wagons1driveway** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 11:32 am

I know kings are really expensive but have you considered them? Don could valve them to make your stock suspension ride even better and I'm guessing he could pick up a few inches of travel for articulation...it's a lot more
Money but you could always resell them for 1/2 of what you paid even in a few years ?? You won't have that option with ranchos or 5100's ! Just throwing it out there in told the 2.5 king is an amazing shock for the power wagon. Not to mention rebuildable on the cheap and you can always have revalved etc! Just saying! Might be worth it to save up another few months!

Sent from somewhere your not

adeluca73 · Post by **adeluca73** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 12:52 pm

To me shocks are one of those tough commodites to settle on ONE single best answer. I see guys labor over the decision between the cost vs the performance, and agonize over which is a priority. I think a big reason is shocks, well face it, aren't a sexy mod, they're very utilitarin , and it's one of those things that you don't really notice when they ARE doing their job, you only notice when they shit the bed. Lifts, tires, engine mods, exhaust mods, etc--have a tangible feel to them. You can see them/feel them daily. Shocks are one of those mods you may feel in extremem off road cases, but if you're using your PW for a DD, and an occasional off-road/camping/hunting rig, then you WILL NOT see the tangible benefit of an $1000+ set of resoivrs most of the time, hence, the confliction.

BUT, unfortunately shocks are one of your most vital undercarriage components. THey tie the weight of your vehicle to the frame to the road, and I would make my decision on the 1 sigma (1 std dev) answer instead of the 2 or 3 std dev answer for how you're going to use your truck. For me, I'll probably go with the 5100 or 5160 when it's time. My 1 std dev doesn't include enough off-road time to warrant the cost. Good luck.

Juday · Post by **Juday** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 1:28 pm

adeluca73 wrote:To me shocks are one of those tough commodites to settle on ONE single best answer. I see guys labor over the decision between the cost vs the performance, and agonize over which is a priority. I think a big reason is shocks, well face it, aren't a sexy mod, they're very utilitarin , and it's one of those things that you don't really notice when they ARE doing their job, you only notice when they shit the bed. Lifts, tires, engine mods, exhaust mods, etc--have a tangible feel to them. You can see them/feel them daily. Shocks are one of those mods you may feel in extremem off road cases, but if you're using your PW for a DD, and an occasional off-road/camping/hunting rig, then you WILL NOT see the tangible benefit of an $1000+ set of resoivrs most of the time, hence, the confliction.

BUT, unfortunately shocks are one of your most vital undercarriage components. THey tie the weight of your vehicle to the frame to the road, and I would make my decision on the 1 sigma (1 std dev) answer instead of the 2 or 3 std dev answer for how you're going to use your truck. For me, I'll probably go with the 5100 or 5160 when it's time. My 1 std dev doesn't include enough off-road time to warrant the cost. Good luck.

You bring up many valid points and the Power Wagon is my daily driver. I can buy 3 complete sets of Bilstein 5100 shocks, for the price of one complete set of the Fox 2.0s.....

That being said, what are the opinions of the Carli 5100 shocks from 8 Lug?

chromedragon · Post by **chromedragon** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 4:01 pm

There have been several shock threads here and in other places. I agree with everything I'm reading. There are tons of options King and Fox seem to be the upper end options. There is a nice over view of the higher end updates and how they ride elsewhere. I am surprised to learn of those Thuren overland sets that would have been an interesting option to the decision i made. I went with the Rancho 9000xl adjustable shocks based on some review and test done from the Overland Journal. Got them for 92 each plus install so i think I'm near 600 for the shocks and install ( have to check as it bundled with all the other work being done soon). Id be interested to see how people like their various shocks in comparison to how they use the truck, Daily Driver, Daily work, weekend warrior, Purpose built off-road, over-lander etc.

Ill write up in my build thread what I find or learn and what i like and don't after April 3 when things get installed.

coder · Post by **coder** » Wed Mar 18, 2015 4:51 pm

chromedragon wrote:Id be interested to see how people like their various shocks in comparison to how they use the truck, Daily Driver, Daily work, weekend warrior, Purpose built off-road, over-lander etc.

Ill write up in my build thread what I find or learn and what i like and don't after April 3 when things get installed.

I posted this some time ago, it's my side-by-side comparison of the various shocks I've had, my truck has been my daily driver and everything else vehicle for the last 8 years and over 120k miles. If you've already seen it please ignore:

http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =112#p1724

Power Wagon Registry

Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?

Re: Bilstein 5100, or Fox 2.0 Shocks?