Bilstein HD coilovers/shocks
01-05-2006, 10:41 AM
#1
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Bilstein HD coilovers/shocks
Part #'s
Front: BE5-2450
Rear: BE5-2451
At 90K miles, 9 years, and numerous harsh summers and off-roading trips, I could tell the stock front struts were on their way out. I did the old push down on the front end and release trick. If the front end bobs up and down, it is a pretty good indication the front struts are shot, or on their way out. Mine bobbed a bit more than I like. It was time to upgrade.
Cost: $269 shipped from "Techdeals1" on ebay. I also took advantage of the 10% deal that was being offered by ebay and Paypal (max $25). Final cost was $244 for all 4 shipped.
Installation: Removal was an absolute breeze with air tools. Simply jack up the rig by the frame, support it, pull the wheel(s), loosen and remove the 3 top nuts, and remove the big bottom nut and bolt. Use the Toyota jack to lower the upper and lower control arm by turning it upside down and bracing it between the fender and the upper arm at the ball joint. Then, jack it "out" by hand. Once the pressure is off the coilover, the lower bolt will come out easily. I then reached an under the table agreement with the guys at Midas to use their spring compressor for $10 each spring.
Problems: The self-locking top nuts included with the Bilstein kit do not fit over the shaft of the front struts. Nice. I went down to NAPA and bought the correct nuts for $3. I emailed Techdeals1 and asked for a $3 refund, which they gladly issued.
First impression: Huge difference. It tracks so much better! Body roll has been reduced and it feels more solid. I have also noticed that the front end does not lift under hard acceleration like it used to. I don't have a review on their off-road performance yet, but I will add to this thread once I get a chance to try them out. I already had rear Bilsteins in place, which I was also very happy with. I highly recommend this upgrade if you are looking to replace your struts/shocks.
Total cost: $264 installed.
Front: BE5-2450
Rear: BE5-2451
At 90K miles, 9 years, and numerous harsh summers and off-roading trips, I could tell the stock front struts were on their way out. I did the old push down on the front end and release trick. If the front end bobs up and down, it is a pretty good indication the front struts are shot, or on their way out. Mine bobbed a bit more than I like. It was time to upgrade.
Cost: $269 shipped from "Techdeals1" on ebay. I also took advantage of the 10% deal that was being offered by ebay and Paypal (max $25). Final cost was $244 for all 4 shipped.
Installation: Removal was an absolute breeze with air tools. Simply jack up the rig by the frame, support it, pull the wheel(s), loosen and remove the 3 top nuts, and remove the big bottom nut and bolt. Use the Toyota jack to lower the upper and lower control arm by turning it upside down and bracing it between the fender and the upper arm at the ball joint. Then, jack it "out" by hand. Once the pressure is off the coilover, the lower bolt will come out easily. I then reached an under the table agreement with the guys at Midas to use their spring compressor for $10 each spring.
Problems: The self-locking top nuts included with the Bilstein kit do not fit over the shaft of the front struts. Nice. I went down to NAPA and bought the correct nuts for $3. I emailed Techdeals1 and asked for a $3 refund, which they gladly issued.
First impression: Huge difference. It tracks so much better! Body roll has been reduced and it feels more solid. I have also noticed that the front end does not lift under hard acceleration like it used to. I don't have a review on their off-road performance yet, but I will add to this thread once I get a chance to try them out. I already had rear Bilsteins in place, which I was also very happy with. I highly recommend this upgrade if you are looking to replace your struts/shocks.
Total cost: $264 installed.
Last edited by rimpainter.com; 01-05-2006 at 10:47 AM.
01-06-2006, 06:45 AM
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Originally Posted by <96 Runner>
Part #'s
Front: BE5-2450
Rear: BE5-2451
Cost: $269 shipped from "Techdeals1" on ebay. I also took advantage of the 10% deal that was being offered by ebay and Paypal (max $25). Final cost was $244 for all 4 shipped.
Front: BE5-2450
Rear: BE5-2451
Cost: $269 shipped from "Techdeals1" on ebay. I also took advantage of the 10% deal that was being offered by ebay and Paypal (max $25). Final cost was $244 for all 4 shipped.
awesome shocks.
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