cdre

I’m looking to put together my ’96 4runner’s suspension when I get back from Iraq next month.

I don’t want to lift it right away, but I know it needs struts immediately. I was considering Bilstein 5100 adjustables for now, as I can increase the lift up front later and match with new rear coils when I’m ready. I’ve heard, however, that those shocks don’t dampen particularly well compared to other options.

Can anyone confirm that a set of Bilstein 5100’s for a Tundra would work? Would they still work with the factory coils and top plates? Would they dampen the bounce a little more (a bit more of a firm ride I’d imagine)?

rjaudi

I heard they are very good shocks to use, but they need to be used with Tundra TRD springs. You then need a special top plate bushing from Wheelers for 13 dollars.

M threezy

im running the tundra 5100's with tundra springs. they work great for daily driven. but you cannot set the setting higher than the middle setting. i've tried it and the truck doesnt ride nice. too harsh imo. not sure if it make a difference that i have a arb bumper up front.

what is the wheelers special top plate bushing??

cdre

M threezy, what kind of lift are you getting with the "middle setting?"

Did you have to change out the top-plate to a 4runner top-plate?

Will these shocks work with the factory 4runner coils?

Thanks

Mauzer

I have the Tundra 5100's with Tundra TRD coils, I have mine set above the "middle setting" and mine ride fine. Your suppose to use the Tundra coil isolator b/c the inner diameter of the tundra coils is different then the inner diameter of the 4Runner coil, but I know people who are using the 4Runner isolator (but not sure how "hard" they wheel). I ASSUME they will work with factory 4Runner coils b/c you use the stock top hat, so I ASSUME since the 4Runner top hat fits on the Tundra coil that the coil bucket on the Tundra shock will fit a 4Runner coil.

cdre

Mauzer, how do the struts feel to you? I know this is totally subjective, but do they feel like they dampen such that they are stiffer or less stiff than the OEM shocks? The complaint I've read about the Tacoma version is that they are too soft and that you get a Cadillac float instead of a firm ride... reason I'm considering the Tundra struts.

4byrunner

What i have: 1999 4runner 4wd that is nothing but a pavement pounder, i am not an offroader.

With that said, I know this topic has been sitting for a couple months but i'm considering the same setup as CDRE is asking about. I want to get the Tundra Bilstein 5100's for my front end becuase i hear they won't bounce as much as the struts Bilstein makes for the Tacoma's.

What i'd really like to know is can i just get the Tundra adj Billy's and use my factory coils with them or is it highly recommended to get OME or TRD coils in conjunction????

I also heard that if you use aftermarket coils that provide lift all by themselves with the bilstein adjustable shocks that you can't (or shouldn't) adjust the strut to increase height or it will throw your alignment out of whack or make it a very uncomfortable ride. If so, what's the point of combining the adj billy's with anything other than OEM factory coils?

98 Runner

Just to confirm 4byrunner's last post.

The valving and length numbers on the 5100 series shocks are as follows:

Tacoma Reb 228, Comp 73, Ext 473, Comp 352 (4.76" travel)

Tundra Reb 303, Comp 96, Ext 474, Comp 335 (5.47" travel)

I just put the Tundra 5100's on my 98 4runner with an arb bar and a winch and they work great. Not stiff at all, but really soft and controlled....drives like a new truck!

Used the factory springs however with 1 clip up on the height increase. I would like to go to the TRD tundra springs next, but I don't know which height clip to put the shocks on....anyone know?

4byrunner

98 runner,

I don't speak from experience however with a lot of research I've found that trd coils from 2005 4wd tundras and older you will get +/- 2" of lift. So if you put those coils on billy 5100's i would suggest the lowest setting for the collar. Let me know how it works if you do it.

KZN185W

iTrader: (1)

Hi, what is the part number of the Bilstein 5100 for the Tundra? Thanks!

ALBPM

These guys show the Bilstein 5100 series part #s for the Toyota models.

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...es_toyota.html

98 Runner

Thanks 4byrunner. That confirms what I thought must be going on with the TRD Tundra coils on the 4runner.

I put my Tundra shocks on with my stock 4runner front springs and tried to put them on the 3rd setting, but couldn't even get them back into place! The 2nd setting was even a squeeze.

The mounting point itself for the ring is higher than the stock 4runner shock, so that plus the extra 2" for the TRD springs probably gives 2.5"

I'll figure it out and post when I put the TRD's in.

KZN185W,

The new Bilstein part number for the shocks is 24-188265.

Motohead

What do you guys suggest for the rear to match the Tundra front 5100s? 0-2 inches of lift only.

Thanks,

Drew

Mauzer

LC stock rear shocks or Bilstein F4-BE5-A014-H7 are what I have on mine, they are 5125's meant for a Tundra

Motohead

Thanks Mauzer. What springs are you running in the back?

Ron Helmuth

wow never seen so many hijacks all on the same thread!

cdre-thanks for your military service sir. Curious what you ended up with?

cdre

I put the 5100's on with original springs. Works great. I think I set them on the lowest setting or maybe second lowest and gained about an inch. Ride is dramatically better than the worn out ones I had on before. Not too stiff either. I'm happy. Now I'm going to throw 1.5" spacers in the rear just to level things back out and I'll be good.

Mauzer

Oops, didn't see this...I have 9 wrap LC coils in the rear

98 Runner

Mauzer,

Do you have the part number for the 9 wrap LC coils? How much lift do you get on the rear then?

binhsterbinh

I just picked up a set of '99 Tall Coils for my 2000 SR5 V6 4x4. I'm think I'm going to try to pair them with Tundra Bilstein 5100 shocks in the front and 4runner specific rear Bilstein HD. Also plan on using OME 10mm trim packer on each side of the rear coils.

This should hopefully yield the following results:
99 Front Tall Coil + Tundra Bilstein 5100 on lowest perch= 1" lift or 1.5" lift on second perch
99 Rear Tall Coil + OME 10mm Trim packers / Bilstein HD Shocks = 1.4" Lift

I think it would sit perfectly level leaving the Tundra 5100's on the second perch and using the 10mm rear trim packers considering the 99 Tall coils typically give a rear rake anyways without trim packers. Anyone care to add any thoughts to this setup? Advice would be greatly appreciated - Thanks!