tntempest

Ok well here goes the results of my 2002 Limited to 99 spring install, with Bilstein
shocks. I have learned that I was correct that Bilstein Part #BE5-2450 with the spring perches installed correctly will net almost 2" of extra articulation in the down direction. If you look in the pic and compare it to the factory Tokico shock you will see how much longer it really is. This also expalins why when I installed the Bilsteins originally on the 2002 springs it felt like the car bounced more, and it did because the spring had less pretension. in fact it had so little spring tension I did not have to use a spring compressor to remove or install the spring. However with the taller 99 spring you have to use a compressor. So it is my conclusion that these front shocks were designed to fit the taller 96-99 spring heights. And if you install them on 2000-2002 you will loose spring tension and you will float, but you will gain the articulation.

Before Heights from floor to Limited Flare.

DF 34 5/8"
PF 34 7/8"
DR 34 1/2"
PR 34 3/16"


After heights from floor to Limited Flare

DF 36"
PF 36 1/8"
DR 35 3/8
PR 35 7/8"

tntempest

Here are some after photos showing the 2002 to 99 spring lift. Also some shots of Toyo Open Countrys in 275-70-16 That is not easy to find on here. In fact I used a GPS in my car today and my speedo was only 1mph off at 70 miles per hour. More than likely now more accurate than it was new. Took her off road today at Printice Cooper State Park outside Chattanooga through some mixed medium trails, I will have some shots later, only slammed the trailer hitch once hard on a rock, kicked a 2006 Durango with 285's. If you have the correct tools you should be able to do this in 2-3 hours for all 4 springs and front shocks, add another hour for rear shocks since the upper mount sucks.

johnw999

That's good info about the bilstein shocks. I too just installed the 99 springs, but I used the KYB shocks. Like mine, your left rear tire measures the lowest. I'm going to install a 10mm ome trim packer to lift the left rear a little.

tntempest

gpartners

Hello,

Looks like I've run into this exact issue of purchasing Bilstein HD shocks (designed for 1999 or earlier 4Runner) and installing on a 2001 4Runner. Bilstein vendor said it would be fine, but based on this posting (and photos), the "shorter" 2001 Coil Spring (than 1999 OEM Coil Spring) is an issue for this Bilstein shock.

I just had new 2001 Toyota OEM coil springs (front and rear) + OEM sway bar bushings and end-link bushings (front and rear), replaced to try and resolve "residual bouncing" issue. This helped a bit in "tightness of feel" of certain aspects of ride, but "residual bouncing" (side-to-side) issue still remains. (Shocks are Bilstein Front and Rear shocks BE5-2451-H0 + BE5-F332-H0)

Based on this posting (and on other forums) I understand the Bilsteins shocks are about 2" longer than the 2001 Toyota 4Runner OEM shocks, resulting in "not enough pretension on the factory spring" problem. This problem may be exacerbated further by a spring seat installed in reverse, increasing height by another 1.5". (Total would then = 3.5" difference)

So, looks like I have two options:

1. "Check the aluminum seat of the spring of the front shocks. Make sure the front strut spring seat is installed correctly, the rounded part faces upward. The seat can be installed in reverse resulting in exactly a 1.5" lift in the front. Flat end of the spring seat should be on the bottom. Curved side up." If this was not done properly for the shocks (previously), this would eliminate additional 1.5" lift, and perhaps reduce the bounce enough (going from the total 3.5" to 2" difference from factory shocks). Then perhaps I can keep the Bilstein HD shocks.

OR

2. Remove the Bilsteins and install Toyota OEM shocks.

Thanks for your insights on the above.

Glen