The Bilstein 5160 is a rear shock built around a gas-charged monotube body with a remote reservoir, designed for trucks that see rough roads or off-road use. The 25-311280 is the version listed for the 2009-2013 Ford F-150 range, and that is the application this page covers. Owners on enthusiast forums describe the 5160 as a clear step up from a standard 5100 when a truck is worked harder than a stock-style shock is built for, and the remote reservoir is the feature most often cited for keeping the shock from overheating under sustained use. Because the reservoir sits away from the shock body, it also gives the piston more room to travel than a conventional single-tube unit of similar length. This is a rear-only replacement, so it suits a buyer who wants better rear control without the cost of a full coilover conversion, or who is already running rear add-a-leafs or blocks. Confirm your drive configuration and lift height against the manufacturer's fitment guide before ordering, since the 4WD and lift details for this number should be verified with Bilstein. Search terms this part answers include Bilstein 5160 F150 remote reservoir rear shock, 25-311280 rear shock, 2009-2013 F150 4WD rear monotube shock, and Bilstein B8 5160 reservoir install.
Owners on user forums report that Bilstein 5160 shocks are application specific, with different bushing inner diameters at the top and bottom, so each shock mounts only one way. Owners recommend checking that the sticker reads right side up in the intended orientation before tightening the hardware.
Owners on user forums suggest mounting the reservoirs to the shock first, holding the shock in place with a strap, and leaving the reservoir clamps snug but loose enough to rotate. Positioning the reservoir before lifting the shock into place avoids wrestling it under the truck.
Owners on user forums who run their trucks beyond light daily use describe the 5160 as the better fit for that workload, while still rating the 5100 as adequate for standard driving. Owners who want a remote reservoir without moving to a 2.5-inch shock often point to the 5160 as the middle option.
Owners on user forums describe rear replacement as a manageable driveway job with a jack, jack stands, and basic hand tools, with the factory mounting hardware typically reused. Mount the reservoirs first, keep the clamps loose, and confirm the shock orientation before final torque. Check that the reservoir hoses have room to move through full suspension travel and are not pinched against the frame or the spare tire area. Confirm all torque values in the manufacturer's installation instructions, which were not located during research for this listing.
