With Bilstein truck shocks, the lift height decides the part number more than anything else. Bilstein makes its B8 5100 and 5160 in several lengths for the same truck, and each one is listed for a specific lift range, such as "Fits Vehicles With 2-2.5" Front Lift." Pick by series alone and you can end up with a shock that is too short or too long for the way your truck actually sits. Here is how to read Bilstein's lift ranges and match them to your truck.
Why lift height matters to a shock
Every shock has a fixed collapsed and extended length; Bilstein prints both on each part's spec sheet. Lifting the truck moves the axle further from the frame, so the mounts sit further apart at ride height and at full droop. A shock built for stock height then runs short of travel and can top out, while one built for a big lift on a stock truck can bottom out. That is why Bilstein sells the 5100 "in various lift heights" and tunes each one for its application.
Step 1: know your lift at each axle
- If you bought a lift or leveling kit, use the front and rear heights the kit maker states.
- If you don't know, measure from the center of the wheel hub straight up to the fender lip at each corner, on level ground, and compare with a stock truck of the same model and trim, or with your own numbers from before the lift.
- Treat front and rear separately. A leveled truck is often raised 2 in or so at the front and not at all at the rear. Bilstein lists front and rear parts with their own lift ranges.
Step 2: find the band you are in
| Your height at that axle | What Bilstein offers |
|---|---|
| Stock | B6 4600, "performance upgrade for stock ride-height applications"; or a 5100 listed for 0 to 1 in |
| Front leveled, roughly 0 to 3 in (mid-size and half-ton trucks with a front coilover) | B8 5100 (Ride Height Adjustable), B8 6112 kit, or 8112 on some Toyotas; the height is set on the shock's spring seat |
| Front leveled about 2 in (3/4- and 1-ton trucks) | B8 5112 or 5162 kits with matched springs, or a 5100/5160 listed for that height |
| Lifted 2 to 6 in | B8 5100, 5160 or 8100 in the length listed for your lift |
| Beyond Bilstein's direct-fit ranges | B8 5125 or 5165, which Bilstein sells by length and valving for custom builds |
Step 3: read the lift range on the part
Here is how the steps look on three trucks we sell a lot of Bilstein for. Every range below is from Bilstein's application data.
Ram 2500, 2014-2026
| Front height | Bilstein front |
|---|---|
| Stock, 2WD | B6 4600 24-269421 |
| Stock, 4WD 2014-2018 | B6 4600 24-240390 |
| 2 to 2.5 in, 4WD | B8 5100 24-268639 or B8 5160 25-311907 |
| 4 in, 4WD | B8 5100 24-285674 or B8 5160 25-331912 |
| 6 in, 4WD | B8 5100 24-285704 or B8 5160 25-331936 |
At the rear of a 2014-2018 4WD Ram 2500 without air leveling, 5100 24-239455 is listed for 0 to 1 in of rear lift. The Ram 2500 also has a front leveling kit, 5112 46-302137, which Bilstein lists for 4WD trucks with the 6.7L diesel: 2.3 in of front lift for 2014-2018 and 2 in for 2019-2026, with an adjustable track bar recommended.
Ford F-250 / F-350 Super Duty, 2005-2016
| Height | Bilstein part |
|---|---|
| Front 2 in, 4WD | B8 5100 24-186018 |
| Front 2 to 2.5 in, 4WD | B8 5160 25-311792 |
| Front 4 to 6 in, 4WD | B8 5160 25-311815 |
| Front 6 in, 4WD | B8 5100 24-186681 |
| Rear 0 to 1 in, 4WD | B8 5100 24-186025 |
| Rear 0 to 1 in, 2WD | B8 5100 24-065276 |
| Rear 2 to 4 in | B8 5100 24-062466 |
A 4WD truck leveled 2 in at the front with the rear left stock would pair a 2 in front with the 0 to 1 in rear, or use the 5112 kit F4-SE5-C765-H0, which Bilstein lists for 2 in of front lift on 4WD trucks.
Toyota Tundra, 2007-2021
| Height | Bilstein part |
|---|---|
| Front, stock | B6 4600 24-186230 |
| Front 0.875 to 2.3 in (adjustable) | B8 5100 (Ride Height Adjustable) 24-232173 |
| Rear, stock | B6 4600 24-186247 |
| Rear 0 to 1 in | B8 5100 24-321150 |
| Rear 2 in | B8 5100 24-286244 |
| Rear 4 in | B8 5100 24-286251 |
Step 4: check the other notes
Lift is the first filter, not the only one. Bilstein's notes also restrict parts by:
- Drive type: many fronts are 4WD only or 2WD only.
- Air or adaptive suspension: for example, several 2022-on Tundra parts are listed for trucks without Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), and many rears for trucks without rear air.
- Cab, package or trim: such as Power Wagon parts for the Ram 2500, or "Without Tremor Off-Road Package" on some F-250 2017-on fronts.
Lifts also change geometry. Bilstein makes B8 upper control arms that it says correct suspension geometry on lifted trucks, designed to pair with its ride-height-adjustable 5100 and 6100, 6112 and 8112. On a Jeep, the lift range drives everything; our answer Bilstein 5100 or 5160 for a lifted 4-door JL lists the parts by lift.
Leveling vs lifting
Leveling raises the front to match the rear, which usually sits higher from the factory. On coilover-front trucks, Bilstein's 5100 (Ride Height Adjustable) does this on the factory spring, and the 6112 does it with its own springs; see 5100 vs 6112 for leveling. Lifting raises both ends with new springs, blocks or a kit, and both ends then need shocks built for their new height. For stock-height trucks, read Bilstein 4600 vs 5100.
Use the Bilstein Shock Fitment Finder to see every part we carry for your truck, with its lift notes, or browse the Bilstein collection and the vehicle pages for the Ram 2500, F-250/F-350, Tundra and Tacoma. Found it cheaper? We'll beat it.
FAQ
My lift is between two Bilstein ranges. Which do I pick?
Measure again at ride height with your normal load. If it still falls between, ask us with your measured heights and kit details before ordering; Bilstein's ranges are specific for a reason.
Does a 2 in level need new rear shocks?
Not for height. If the rear is still stock, a stock-height or 0 to 1 in rear is the right length. Replace the rears if they are worn.
Are 5160s sold by lift height too?
Yes. On the Ram 2500 and F-250, for example, Bilstein lists 5160 fronts for 2 to 2.5 in, 4 in and 6 in or 4 to 6 in.
Can I adjust a 5100 to a different lift later?
Only the 5100 (Ride Height Adjustable), which has snap-ring grooves for the spring seat. A standard 5100 is a fixed length.