Bilstein 5100s

[Lowcaljeepin]

Hey guys I’m new to the forum I’ve been reading all of your threads for the past month or so since I’ve got my gladiator I just ordered a set of Bilstein 5100s and I wanted to know how you all are enjoying yours (please don’t start a debate of Bilstein vs…) I can’t seem to find any information about them actually off-road it seems everyone is too concerned of the road ride in their all terrain vehicle so some of your guys input or comments regarding these would be great to hear! Thanks!

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[Andy29847]

Shocks are almost like personal items. What one guy loves is torture to the next. That said, Bilsteins have a reputation (for Jeeps) of being stiff, resulting in a little rougher ride. Over on the TJ forum it was characterized that if you were running Bilstein shocks, and you ran over a quarter, you could tell if it was heads of tails. That said. different spring and tire combination good give different results. I kinda believe that a shock is a shock.

 

[Lowcaljeepin]

Shocks are almost like personal items. What one guy loves is torture to the next. That said, Bilsteins have a reputation (for Jeeps) of being stiff resulting in a little rougher ride. Over on the TJ forum it was characterized that if you were running Bilstein shocks, and you ran over a quarter, you could tell if it was heads of tails. That said. different spring and tire combination good give different results. I kinda believe that a shock is a shock.

Thanks for the reply! Hopefully that isn’t the case for my scenario lol

 

[Zachanadandy]

The digressive valving makes them stiff on initial impacts, which is why they can feel stiff to some. They are fantastic off road, especially for the price. Much better travel than the stock shocks and do a much better job of dampening the suspension on big hits to keep you out of the bump stops. On road the digressive valving is a massive benefit if you do drive on the aggressive side. Less body roll, less brake dive, better handling. It's a trade off.

 

[pcrawfordpt]

Some say they are “stiff” but I prefer that over “boaty”. Additionally I prefer the feedback of a stiffer shock on the highway for that reason. Off road they are amazing. Different suspensions will also work differently with whatever shock you buy. Spring stiffness, Anti-Rocks, etc. all have an effect.

 

[tysongladiator]

I went from Fox to the Bilstein 5100s. Like everyone else has mentioned, they are stiff. But for me, the positives outweigh the negative. The negative is that they ride rougher. But I offroad and rock crawl, so they don't bottom out on the trails. I also tow a lot, so they handle the load better and keeps the jeep from going all over the road. And they react a lot quicker to bumps. I'm happy with them.

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

I went from factory rubicon fox to the 5100’s a year or so ago. They work great. Washboard roads they do fine. I purchased based on length vs lift- so I get the articulation I was looking for.

The shock body looks like hell after a year ??‍?? if I really cared I could run them across a polishing wheel and spray clear- but I don’t… Bang for the buck and how they function- would be a tough one to beat for the price. Much more happy in comparison to factory pogo sticks.

 

[jc1986]

I have had 5100s on since I put my lift on 2 years ago. On and off road, I love them. They are paired with eibach springs and I think it’s a great combo. Firm on the road and compliant offroad.

 

[Lowcaljeepin]

Just wanted to do a jeep gladiator Bilstein 5100 review. Just for other people that may look back on this thread so hopefully they get the information they came for. So my truck sees about 70/30 highway to off road so if you’re solely concerned of how your pavement princess rides kick rocks! Literally come on it’s a jeep. So on the road I noticed it is a little bit stiffer it’s almost comparable to driving a 2500 which personally doesn’t bother me because I’ve had plenty of time in a Cummins so I’m used to it. The sayings of you’ll feel every penny are not true at all but you do feel little bumps a little more than you normally would but not a jarring amount. Now Off-road it is a total 100% upgrade my woman and I were getting tossed around like a rag doll on rough truck trails and what not I couldn’t go past 15 miles an hour down any trail without concern of a concussion. Now with the Bilstein 5100 upgrade with no lift I was coming down the same roads at 20-30mph without a problem so heck yeah to that! One thing I also noticed regarding the shock swap is I actually lost shock absorption by airing down my tires to 22psi it wasn’t quite as bad as the foxes but it wasn’t as good as 36 pounds in there. I would definitely recommend them as a factory upgrade for moderate driving on trails they’re nothing crazy I would not try and jump my truck or anything but they definitely will let you go a little faster a little more comfortably off-road. Thanks guys!

 

[Rusty PW]

I have a 4" lift with them. On road is fine. But I find them on the soft side off roading with a diesel.

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