4byrunner

I have a 1999 4Runner that is stock height at the moment. My plan is to install:
front- Bilstein 5100's (for Tundra) with my stock springs
rear- Bilstein 5125's with OME 906 springs.

My question is what clip height should i set the front shocks to so i retain the factory type rake? I know the OME springs typically give about 2" of lift but will it settle down or stay at that height? The front height adjustable shocks go 0", .65", 1.3", 2" & 2.5".

Any help is appreciated, i'd hate to have to pull the front shocks and reset the height so i'm hoping for the best information before hand. I'm leaning toward the 2" so if the rear settles a little bit my truck will at least be level. Thanks!!

IanB

I'm not sure the Tundra billstein's work with the 4runner springs, I think they are a different diameter and the perches won't work properly. Not 100% sure, but something to look into.

I've heard the more pre-load you set the front struts up with, the rougher the ride, and not to go beyond the 3/5 setting unless you are willing to live with that. I'm also using '99 talls and 906 rears, and have just a bit of rake with the rear taller by 1/2" or so, I'd set those struts to 1/5 or 2/5 and you should be just fine.

4byrunner

I've read some posts from people that used the Tundra 5100's paired with the stock 4R coils and it works, they even used the 4R isolator although i'm sure it's best to use the Tundra isolator.

I'm getting mixed opinions but so far nobody has said for sure it will or will not work, they just do like you and think off the top of their head that it won't work. I guess i'll find out this Saturday what the truth is when i take one off and attempt the assembly.

Thanks for your input.

4byrunner

Your comment about the diameter got me doing more reading (as if I haven't done enough) and I think your right. The Tundra shock is a larger diameter and I have a strong feeling the factory 4R coil isn't going to slip over. I got lucky today and scored a set of 04 Tundra TRD 4x4 struts with blue/ yellow and yellow/ yellow markings. Ill use those and most likely return the 5100s.

Ill repost my results.

4byrunner

Instead of going with the 5100 shocks up front I scored some 04' tundra trd struts with low mileage. They are they coveted yellow/ yellow and blue/ yellow coils with the yellow billies.

Can anyone tell me why "bamachems" thread says not to use the yellow bilsteins p#48510-AF030? Are they too stiff or soft?

jrm

Ive been back and forth with many people who have just used the OE y/b bilsteins and really like the ride due to the longer stroke and damping of the tundra strut for heavier weights combined with the progressive TRD coils. Based on the degree of research and consultation the tundra strut/coil with 906s in back is still a very cost effective way to get 2's of lift with better on and off road handling.

4byrunner

I have to agree with you. I can speak from experience now that the yellow shock with blue sleeve that comes with the 2004 4x4 Tundra TRD springs (y/y & b/y) are a good combo. It's a nice firm ride to match the rear with my Bilstein 5125/OME 906 setup. The ride is great and the struts i got from the junkyard had only 43k miles on them.

Overall after install and a few days of settling and driving i have gained 1.5" front and rear. The front measures 37" and the rear is 37.5" from ground to center of my fender well.

Now I just need to find some nice 33" tires to put on my Tundra rims and i'll be sitting pretty.

jrm

about .25 to .5" BUT after an alignment it seem as if i got some of it back???. IDK. I really like the ride though.

millerad1651

I just bought a set of Tundra struts to install...are they direct bolt on, or will I have to switch some parts out with the 4Runner struts? And how are you guys liking the 906s? I was thinking them or 890s....I want a level stance so I'm leaning towards 906s...and looking to get the Rough Country Nitro 9000 shocks...what are you guys using?

4byrunner

Like I posted about I have the Bilstein 5125 shocks with 906 in the rear and got 1.5" of lift after settling and alignment. The ride is great and I have almost level stance with just a bit of rake in the back which is fine becuase I tow a small utility trailer occasionally. It's a nice ride, more firm than stock yet not stiff.

I cannot speak about 890's or nitro's since I have no experience with them. I'll post a pic of how my truck sits a little later.

As far as putting Tundra shocks and coils up front what you will need is the 4RUNNER TOP HAT. It has the 3 studs that bolt to your top perch. The Tundra top hat's studs will not bolt up because they are a larger overall diameter and the studs won't fit correctly into the holes in the perch. You use EVERYTHING else on the Tundra struts, the shock, coil, the rubber coil seat and then the 4runner top hat.

Good luck!

4byrunner

@ miller,

also I migh add that it is totally worth going and buying the 4runner top hats from wheelers or elsewhere and I think they are $13 each. It's a pain in the butt to break apart the stock shocks just to pry the top hats off of each strut assembly. Unless you're a penny pincher like me and put in the extra effort. I have spring compressors and used my air impact gun to compact them and it was somewhat quick for me but others may just pay to take an easier way out and it's less time consuming. Another tip, taller coil is always the DRIVER SIDE COIL.

millerad1651

Awesome, thanks for the info. I'm pretty sure the 906s are what I'm going to use...like I said I want level or 1/2" or so rake, and thats what you ended up with. Did you add a diff drop since your lift is under 2"? Looking forward to a pic.

jrm

with the 906s consider buying some 10mm trim packs. I have um matched with the TRD coils and OE bils and have about a .5" rake.

4byrunner

I did not do a diff drop since I'm under 2.5" of lift. I don't plan on doing any more lift on my truck since it already has decent clearance for what i want to do with it.

Here is a pic.


Uploaded with ImageShack.us


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

4byrunner

@JRM,

got a good pic of your truck to see how your truck sits with the TPers?