Which Bilstein 5100 fits a leveled 2011-on Silverado or Sierra 2500 HD?

Answered by RV Parts Giant · Upland, CA · October 5, 2026

Short answer: On a 2011-on Silverado or Sierra 2500 HD or 3500 HD the shock does not set the height: these trucks use torsion bars, so you level with torsion keys and then match the shock length to the lift. Bilstein lists 5100 front 24-253161 for 1.5 inches of front lift and 24-218023 for 4-6 inches; at stock height the B6 4600 front is 24-196437.

Unlike a half-ton, the 2011-on GM 2500 HD and 3500 HD use torsion bars at the front, so there is no ride-height-adjustable coilover 5100 for them. The front height comes from the torsion keys (stock keys cranked, or aftermarket leveling keys), and the shock's job is to match the new height. Pick the shock by how much lift the truck has.

Truck height Front Rear
Stock B6 4600 24-196437 B6 4600 24-196444
Leveled, about 1.5 in front B8 5100 24-253161 B8 5100 24-196468 (0-1 in rear)
Lifted 4-6 in B8 5100 24-218023 B8 5100 24-218030 (3-4 in rear)

Bilstein also makes 5160 remote-reservoir fronts for the same heights, 25-311884 for 0-1.5 inches and 25-312027 for 4-6 inches, if the truck works hard off pavement.

Towing a fifth wheel or travel trailer

A truck that tows mostly at stock height is the case the B6 4600 is built for. If you have leveled the front, use the 5100 matched to that height: a shock that is too short for a lifted truck tops out on rebound, and that is what owners describe as a harsh, clunky ride after leveling.

Steering

Bilstein's steering stabilizer 33-196619 is listed for the 2011-on GM 2500.

Check the years on each product page: Bilstein's application notes say 2011-2019 for some of these and 2011-on for others. The Bilstein Shock Fitment Finder lists every option for your exact year.

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