RatLabGuy

Have an '89 4Runner (1st gen) w/ 1.5 BJ spacers and 26 mm torsion bar.
hard to say but w/ the t-bar tight, I'm proba around 2.5-3" lift w/ teh spacers.

What shocks (specifically, model) are you guys with similar lift running?

I ordered some Bilstein 5100s, ones speced here for "3-4" lift"
http://www.bilstein.com/suvs_5100.php

and they are clearly way to loong. Even at full droop, I cannot compress them enough by hand to fit into place - resting (at full droop) they look like they'd only have about 1/2 the potential travel at most, all of about 4-5 inches - would def bottom out on hard drops (using them for an ametuer 4x4Cross).

I can't find a 5100 series for less lift - aside from what is listed for 90-95 models as "torsoin bar lift" 2" - it's an odd model # and only available in yellow/blue (fugly).

RatLabGuy

I guess the magic question is - is there a reason that 2" shock speced for 90-95 4Runners might not work for earlier models?

Or is there a similar quality shock that is easily avialable?

elripster

Bilstiens won't work with spacers unless you shim the stock version. I called one of their techs a while back and they only make a stock replacement and one for the 4" bracket lifts. You need a shock with around 10" compressed and 15" extended lengths.

OME makes a good shock. I run Doetsch Tech 8000's (see exact model on our site) which ride like complete crap but are excellent off road.

Frank

RatLabGuy

Thanks Frank

so what about added a spacer or extension onto the "stock replacement" one?
Is that the one that is the "2" torsion bar lift" listed under the 5100 series?

elripster

You can just slip a stack of washers under the shock's upper bushing to make a 5100 series work with ball joint spacers. That said, a longer shock will typically handle more heat and dissipate it faster so there are good reasons to look into other brands.

The thing about the torsion bar lift is that the window of travel remains the same, you are just setting the suspension to rest in a different spot within that window. That is why the 5100 series is said to work with a torsion bar lift.

Spacers increase that window of travel so the shock needs to be spaced downwards about .5" with washers or similar, or you need a longer shock. The longer shock is really the best solution if you are going to wheel the fast stuff.

Frank