Background: 4Runner 1999 Limited with 1" BL, and rear Bilstein 5100 # 24-249966 and 906 OME, 17" 2015 4runner trail rims.

Putting together some Bilstein 5100 #24-248730 for my 99' and reusing my 99 coils(they are mint with no rust), these 4R specific Bilsteins don't come with the bushing kit #B4-Z219A00 for whatever reason like my Tundra Bilsteins did on my other 4R, also bought KYB #SM5184 top plates, then bought Toyota #90948-01056 top cushions, and Toyota #90948-A2003 Cushion retainer, now looking at the Bilstein retainers and cushions I noted the Bilstein Bushings/cushions (top and bottom) have the sleeves to protect the shock shaft where it passes through the top plate and are stiffer and the bilstein came with a small thinner retainer top and bottom, whereas the Toyota Cushion #90948-01056 has no rubber sleeves and is much softer and the Toyota retainer #90948-A2003 is a larger dia and thickness retainer than the Bilsteins, I also noted the KYB top plate does include the lower cushion/bushing with a sleeve that protrudes through the top plate offering protection for the shock where it passes through the top plate, not sure if I will use the KYB bushing/cushion and plan to use the Bilstein lower Cushion and Bilstein lower retainer if the sleeve passes through the entire top plate, I have a set of Bilstein Bushings left over from a replacement Tundra 5100 shock I had to swap due to a leak. SO I was wondering what others think of my combination below and if I'm on the right track, opinions please for those who have this setup. I am aware of Left and right coils and proper coil clocking/orientation and upper control arm static bushing setting, I am waiting for my top plates to assemble accordingly so perhaps they will set the pace for what I need to do with the bushings to make it right. Anyone here running this exact setup.

Planned order of assembly:

Toyota Retainer # 90948-A2003
Toyota Cushion # 90948-01056
Top plate #KYB SM5184 (but sub Bilstein lower bushing if it fits)
Bilstein Lower bushing
Bilstein lower Retainer
99' Original tall Coils
Bilstein 5100 # 24-248730 shock at setting #4 (2.3" lift)

 

Well that combination of parts worked, didn't use the Bilstein bushing though as the KYB cushion was pressed in place, and on snap ring location #4 I gained a full 3" of lift or more on my old 99 tall coils with 250,000Km on them after setting it back on the ground and tightening the upper control arm and lower shock bolts static bushings, BEFORE alignment, so I will have to install a 1" diff drop now, not sure where Bilstein gets there lift height numbers from, I assumed I would get MAX 2.3" of lift as most exaggerate "typical lift height". So with the rear on 24-249966 and OME 906, my front fender is a full inch higher than the rear, hoping the bushings will settle down a bit after some abuse and alignment, it looks good at the window lines, but now I am considering a 1" rear coil spacer from a 80 series Land cruiser to level out the fender gaps. So in conclusion if anyone is going to try this combination, snap ring setting #3 would be perfect with 99' tall coils, if my spring compressor wasn't trashed after compressing the hell out of the front driver coil I'd probably redo it on #3 setting. I'll let everyone know if it settles/levels out after alignment and some time, if not I'll be adding the 1" rear spacer and will update with a pic. right now at the front I'm 23" from hub centre to fender lip in the front (24" with 1" BL)

I was amazed with the amount of info on these shocks and combination of parts front and back that none had tried this snap ring location and reported back there outcome, so here it is.