The Bilstein B8 5160 rear shock (MPN 25-311891) is a monotube damper with an external remote reservoir, built for lifted Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD trucks with a 0-2 inch rear lift. The remote reservoir adds cooling capacity and wheel travel compared with a traditional shock absorber. A 360 degree swivel banjo hose fitting and billet reservoir mount keep the reservoir routing low and clean. Its velocity-sensitive digressive valve settings are tuned to the application.
Compared with factory rear shocks, the 5160 is a step up for loaded work trucks. Owners on user forums describe a clear improvement in control over stock units, though one owner reports slight underdamping and rear pogoing at highway speed on expansion joints under heavy loads, so results vary. Other forum members have reported oil leaks from 5160 units, so inspect the reservoir hoses and seals periodically. The B8 5160 series carries a limited 2-year warranty. Search terms: Bilstein 5160 25-311891, 2011 Silverado 2500HD rear reservoir shock, 0-2 inch rear lift shock.
The manufacturer's B8 5160 instructions say these reservoir shocks fit the original shock mounts with no modifications, and apart from reservoir placement they are installed the same way as a standard replacement shock.
Details vary. The manufacturer's mounting instructions describe B8 5160 reservoir shocks as corner specific, while owners on user forums report that newer billet-mounted units no longer need to be side-specific and say Bilstein confirmed a rolling change. Confirm with the manufacturer before swapping sides.
Yes. The manufacturer states that caster and camber must be checked and adjusted to vehicle specifications after installing any Bilstein product, and that the brake compensator and ABS should be checked or reset.
The manufacturer's instructions for this series call for professional installation by a suspension technician, and the procedure is largely a standard rear shock swap with the reservoir mounted separately. Tighten the upper and lower fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer's service-manual torque values rather than guessing. Because these shocks are gas-filled and highly pressurized, never heat, puncture, or disassemble them. Owners on user forums say the manufacturer's instructions are thorough and include torque specs. Label each unit as you remove it, since the reservoirs are corner specific, and plan on an alignment and brake/ABS check afterward.
