Downey/Bilstein Coilovers
12-06-2003, 06:02 PM
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Downey/Bilstein Coilovers (Pics)
Went down to Toyota Carlsbad today to get a 70k service done. I went ahead and bought the Downey/Bilstein coil-overs and they got around to installing them but the spacer part, I think, was for a Tundra! 
So somehow the the parts got mixed up at Downey, that's what Toyota says...who knows.
Anyway, I know some people here are going to yell at me and tell me to get SAWs but I figured for a first try this would be cool and I got 15% off the price so I got them for 600. Maybe not the best deal but for a little piece of mind that they would be installed correctly since I don't have the tools or know-how I figured I'd go for it.
Now they have to order them from Downey and hopefully yhey'll be in next week. I asked what kind of shock was in the coil-over and they said it wasn't a standard TRD shock or an HD but something Bilstein made specially for Downey's application. Any ideas what that might boil down to? I assume they're special made since they're threaded for the coil-overs.
So somehow the the parts got mixed up at Downey, that's what Toyota says...who knows.Anyway, I know some people here are going to yell at me and tell me to get SAWs but I figured for a first try this would be cool and I got 15% off the price so I got them for 600. Maybe not the best deal but for a little piece of mind that they would be installed correctly since I don't have the tools or know-how I figured I'd go for it.
Now they have to order them from Downey and hopefully yhey'll be in next week. I asked what kind of shock was in the coil-over and they said it wasn't a standard TRD shock or an HD but something Bilstein made specially for Downey's application. Any ideas what that might boil down to? I assume they're special made since they're threaded for the coil-overs.
Last edited by Darx; 12-11-2003 at 01:30 PM.
12-07-2003, 10:55 AM
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For like $25 more you could have SAWs!!
My buddy had the downey/bilstein coilovers and just replaced them after only 9 months! They're not worth the price, especially that close to SAW price. He might be selling his, and I think you can replace the shock on those to make them like new. It's only a collar around a bilstein shock. Install is no problem, if you come out to east county we could do it in a couple hours and still have time to test them on some trails! Can you cancel your order?
My buddy had the downey/bilstein coilovers and just replaced them after only 9 months! They're not worth the price, especially that close to SAW price. He might be selling his, and I think you can replace the shock on those to make them like new. It's only a collar around a bilstein shock. Install is no problem, if you come out to east county we could do it in a couple hours and still have time to test them on some trails! Can you cancel your order?
12-07-2003, 11:08 AM
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I don't know about cancelling the order but I think I'm just going to go for it this once with that option. Not knocking your advice but I'll have someone to scream at if something goes wrong. Maybe in a year or so when my warranties is up I'll try something else and get some of you wrenchers to show me what's really going on!
12-07-2003, 11:17 AM
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Ok so when can you go wheelin' to test them out? Me and a few others are available (especially for 4x4 action) most any day. You can run the trails we tested my new stuff on, great range of terrain. 
12-07-2003, 12:37 PM
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Yeh i have the jack and a socket set. I'm just going to feel more comfortable with letting Toyota do this. Come March though things will be different and I'll start doing things on my own or witt help from people here who offer to assist.
12-07-2003, 01:58 PM
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It's easier to do it than you think. I have very little experience when it comes to wrenching and was able to install the saws with just the basic tools.
I'm sure the so cal members are more than happy to lend a hand
And test it out afterwards at the local trails.
Should've gone with the saws.
I'm sure the so cal members are more than happy to lend a hand
And test it out afterwards at the local trails.
Should've gone with the saws.
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12-07-2003, 03:29 PM
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Darx...
Provide the tools/hardward/location and some grub and I"ll drive down to Carlsbad to help ya install em. I'm sure the SD members will want to come and help too... (HINT HINT!!)
Cheapest install ever! Free well sort of (aside from the grub!).
My weekends are pretty open (aside from xmas shopping... but I wouldn't mind taking a short trip down to the Carlsbad shopping center (off the 5!). So, if you want some help, I'll be more than happy to give you a lending hand.
Lance
Provide the tools/hardward/location and some grub and I"ll drive down to Carlsbad to help ya install em. I'm sure the SD members will want to come and help too... (HINT HINT!!)
Cheapest install ever! Free well sort of (aside from the grub!).
My weekends are pretty open (aside from xmas shopping... but I wouldn't mind taking a short trip down to the Carlsbad shopping center (off the 5!). So, if you want some help, I'll be more than happy to give you a lending hand.
Lance
12-07-2003, 04:00 PM
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Originally posted by Good Times
Darx...
Provide the tools/hardward/location and some grub and I"ll drive down to Carlsbad to help ya install em. I'm sure the SD members will want to come and help too... (HINT HINT!!)
Cheapest install ever! Free well sort of (aside from the grub!).
My weekends are pretty open (aside from xmas shopping... but I wouldn't mind taking a short trip down to the Carlsbad shopping center (off the 5!). So, if you want some help, I'll be more than happy to give you a lending hand.
Lance
Darx...
Provide the tools/hardward/location and some grub and I"ll drive down to Carlsbad to help ya install em. I'm sure the SD members will want to come and help too... (HINT HINT!!)
Cheapest install ever! Free well sort of (aside from the grub!).
My weekends are pretty open (aside from xmas shopping... but I wouldn't mind taking a short trip down to the Carlsbad shopping center (off the 5!). So, if you want some help, I'll be more than happy to give you a lending hand.
Lance
12-07-2003, 04:59 PM
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Darx-
Just got back from wheelin, too bad you couldn't make it. Then you'd have something to compare your new suspension against when you get it. All those other guys cancelled so they missed out too. So it was just the normal IFS core crew that always goes plus an XJ thrown in for kicks. You got to get those tires dirty and get a pic out of the driveway.
Just got back from wheelin, too bad you couldn't make it. Then you'd have something to compare your new suspension against when you get it. All those other guys cancelled so they missed out too. So it was just the normal IFS core crew that always goes plus an XJ thrown in for kicks. You got to get those tires dirty and get a pic out of the driveway.
12-10-2003, 11:45 AM
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Originally posted by RobT2k
He might be selling his, and I think you can replace the shock on those to make them like new. It's only a collar around a bilstein shock.
He might be selling his, and I think you can replace the shock on those to make them like new. It's only a collar around a bilstein shock.
12-11-2003, 01:35 PM
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Pics
Front Right Coilover:
Left Side View:
Nice ride compared to TRD shocks, on-road at least, and I definately notice the 2" when getting in and driving. I like!
After all was said and done I got the install and alignment for $165. This is about 3X cheaper than what they were supposed to charge but I called them out on the sign they had on the wall for this setup which stated the install price as $165.00 and the alignment at $0.00.
Left Side View:
Nice ride compared to TRD shocks, on-road at least, and I definately notice the 2" when getting in and driving. I like!
After all was said and done I got the install and alignment for $165. This is about 3X cheaper than what they were supposed to charge but I called them out on the sign they had on the wall for this setup which stated the install price as $165.00 and the alignment at $0.00.
12-11-2003, 04:42 PM
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Hey Darx, what part of Carlsbad do you live in? I might live just a few miles from you, depending on what part of the city you're in. Give me an intersection near you.
12-11-2003, 05:11 PM
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Originally posted by tenfourtyeight
Hey Darx, what part of Carlsbad do you live in? I might live just a few miles from you, depending on what part of the city you're in. Give me an intersection near you.
Hey Darx, what part of Carlsbad do you live in? I might live just a few miles from you, depending on what part of the city you're in. Give me an intersection near you.
12-11-2003, 05:12 PM
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Originally posted by SpdRcr
Hey Darx,
Looks great! You say your Tacoma got a 2 inch lift? Thats just for the front end, right?
Speed Racer
Hey Darx,
Looks great! You say your Tacoma got a 2 inch lift? Thats just for the front end, right?
Speed Racer
12-11-2003, 05:58 PM
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Originally posted by Darx
I'm off of Paseo Del Norte and Palomar Airport Road.
I'm off of Paseo Del Norte and Palomar Airport Road.
12-11-2003, 09:03 PM
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Originally posted by Darx
I foiund out today that the Bilsteins are also rebuildable. Just a side note.
I foiund out today that the Bilsteins are also rebuildable. Just a side note.
Let me know!
Mike
12-11-2003, 09:18 PM
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Originally posted by XtremeOff-Road
Not knocking you, however, who told you that? From the looks of it, those shocks seem sealed. I could be wrong, however, I just want you to be aware.
Let me know!
Mike
Not knocking you, however, who told you that? From the looks of it, those shocks seem sealed. I could be wrong, however, I just want you to be aware.
Let me know!
Mike
On this page: http://www.downeyoff-road.com/Suspen...ents/index.htm
Go to "‘95-03 TACOMA & ‘96-02 4 RUNNER SUSPENSION
(ALSO NON-USA FJ-90 LANDCRUISER)" and click on the "Tech Talk" image link.
Or just go to http://www.downeyoff-road.com/Techni...nical_Talk.htm if that works. it's a pop-up window.
Under " DOWNEY FEATURES" it says
Custom machined Bilstein Shocks - these are tear-apart, revalvable, rebuildable, high precision shock absorbers with a world wide reputation among hard core racers.
