Guys,

I picked up my Bilsteins from Performance Products (live close by) and met up w/ Dbui (Dave) in San Jose last nite. Had to do some business up here so I met w/ Dave in the evening. Dave taught me everything and all the cool little install tricks on how to install the Bilsteins. We hammered it out (ok, mostly him!) in less than 3 hours. We made one mistake which cost us another hour or so but now everything is kosher.

My impressions of the Bils: definitely firms up the ride. I drove a TRD equipped Tacoma Doublecab a few months ago and the Bils we installed are so much better than the TRD Bils. They must be different. In anycase, it firms up the ride. Its not as cushy as the stock shocks but not uncomfy either. It also significantly dampens the rebound effect. Great on big bumps but more "chattery" on the small, freeway-type bumps.

Handling: now this one surprised me, even though I heard it from several other peeps. The handling is much better. I imagine its b/c the shocks don't compress as much. I"m sure its nothing like putting on Addcos, but a good surprise nonetheless.

Overall, I'm pretty happy but I will give it 30 days b/f I give my final opinion.

THANKS, DAVE!

Bob

 

No problem bro... anytime...

So I'll see you again in a couple of weeks and we can install the TV/DVD player and lift?? I know it'll be hard to sneak the TV/DVD by the commander, but I don't think the 1" lift will be a problem. Better do it soon before she get's use to the height of the 98.
Let me know.....


dave

 

Dave,

Man, I checked out the DVD players at Frys. My mistake. the eBay price was around $1000, not Frys.

The Bils are rocking!

Bob

 

That's kool getting help from a forum bro... I see the mods are comin' eh Bob? Sweet.
butnut

 

Brian,

Yeah, the mods are slowly coming together! There are some cheap, easy mods that I need to do:

- Deckplate
- Xterra tube steps (a la RandyM style)
- Dynomax muffler swap (remember that bolt on thing they did? We'll see if its truly bolt-on/bolt-off!)
- FIAMM air horns (no more Hella BMW horns)

That's my short list for the month!

Bob

 

Bob...The Bilsteins FIRMED up the ride? Hmmm I am looking for a smotther plusher ride for my 4Runner. I was told the Bilstein would improve that over stock harshness. After reading your post, the Bilsteins don't? Do you have any other shock recommendations then. I would hate to go FIRMER on the ride..

 

bob did you ever install the pp 1 in springs??

What do you mean by bolt on/off muffler. I want a new muffler but don't want to pay for install...

 

RC51: If you're looking for a more plush, Lexus/Caddy/ sedan-like ride, Bilsteins aren't a good choice. Now I'm not saying that your ride will become like a military jeep, but it firms up the ride. The most noticeable improvement was that the rebound effect is significantly dampened. On small continuous freeway bumps, you will feel the chattering. On large bumps, you'll notice that you won't feel it as much as compared to stock.

I've *heard* that OME standard shocks are soft. I can't confirm that b/c I've never ridden in an OME standard shock-equipped 4runner. I'm guessing that in combo w/ the standard springs, you're in good shape. ODW has a good suspension page.

SLC: Hey man, good to hear from you. The PP 1" springs are on the way right now from Eddie in NY. I won't install them until I wear out the current Wrangler tires and buy/install BFGs. DBui recommended that I wait and I'll heed his advice until then. A 1" lift is good enough for me as I just want to keep that stock look.

I did check out more carefully Dbui's ride. He has a 2" lift. From the outside you can't tell but if you sit it next to another 4runner, you can DEFINTELY tell! He's got a pretty sweet 4runner---S/C'd and best of all, DVD player!

Oh, about the "bolt on" comment: the muffler shop I had my Dynomax installed actually fab'd new pipes on so that I could bolt on and off the Dynomax. Now I'm gonna take that from the 99 and put it on my 98. I am going to do that on Saturday to see if it is truly as they say it is.

I bumped the pictorial up (go back to the thread list) for you. Or click here:

http://www.4runners.org/images/exhau...omax/index.htm

Bob


Bob

 

Oh i see what you are talking about. Looks good, what did that run you parts/labor?

 

SLC:

Check your email.

Bob