Bilstein HD coilovers/shocks

<96 Runner> · 01-05-2006, 11:41 AM

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.

FilthyRich · 01-05-2006, 11:43 AM

My wife loves her PP springs and HD billies. No complaints here

lee · 01-06-2006, 07:45 AM

Quote:

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.

i bought from the same exact guy... good seller, great price.

awesome shocks.

<96 Runner> · 01-06-2006, 04:58 PM

Yeah, I was happy they quickly gave me credit for those two nuts ($3). That was the right thing to do. I would buy from them again.

01-05-2006, 11:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
<96 Runner> Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 10,690	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. __________________ Christian <>< My SC'd 4Runner's Profile My YouTube vids Last edited by <96 Runner> : 01-05-2006 at 11:47 AM.

01-06-2006, 04:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
<96 Runner> Contributing Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 10,690	Yeah, I was happy they quickly gave me credit for those two nuts ($3). That was the right thing to do. I would buy from them again. __________________ Christian <>< My SC'd 4Runner's Profile My YouTube vids

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