What rear shocks has anyone used on there truck? I pull trailers and am hesitant to just to put any old shock on. My truck currently has a red and white shock that I assume is a Rancho but all of the markings have worn off. Recommendations are appreciated.

 

Bilstein 5100. It's the only way to go.

 

What he said They've made a noticeable difference in towing my 8K enclosed car trailer.

 

Good to hear I don't need any lift so I'll use the 4600's

 

The 5100's are valved a touch more firm than the 4600's to account for bigger tires and taller center of gravity. If you tow, 5100's are better. They are for 0-2" lift, you are fine installing them on a stock height truck.

If your tows are heavy and/or long, I'd suggest an adjustable rebound shock like Rancho RS9000XL.

 

I have a 16' trailer I haul firewood on a few times a year. Other than that it is just misc loads from time to time. Nothing heavy. Are the 5100s worth it for that? Will they lift the back of the truck up? I have to use an 8" drop hitch already because my trailer is so low.

 

B6 4600 Versus B8 5100 (bilsteinus.com) 4600 would be a better choice

 

No, 5100's do not change the height of the rear of a truck, they are for truck that have between zero and two inches of rear lift. There's also a setting for zero lift for the front 5100's.

MikeD134~ I'll argue that the stiffer valving in the front helps as well if you're towing anything of significant weight or length. For me personally, the slightly harsher road feel is more comfortable for my damaged spine than the leans that would toss me around.

If you want the ride softness closer to oem and regularly tow light and short, 4600's won't do you wrong.

 

As MikeD134 pointed out, the 4600s are most appropriate in this case. That's straight from the horse's mouth. I can only guess that so many people go with the 5100s because they are far easier on the eye than those 4600s. I understand yellow and baby blue are Bilstein's trademark colors, but surely they know they are losing out on sales with that look. Then again maybe it's their way of selling more 5100s. The 4600s are a little less expensive.

 

There are multiple horses talking, so how do you determine which one is correct?

I'd never tow a 6000lb 28ft travel trailer with 4600's, they are too soft. Whatever the OP needs is what he needs, not what you or I or anyone else may need.