Hello!
I am building a 4x4 '85 and am wanting to put Bilstein 5100's on it. I have these shocks on my 1st gen taco and really like them. Searching a couple websites I cannot seem to find them anywhere, do they not make these for solid front axle pickups? I am seeing them available for '86- Toyotas. Any help would be appreciated, if there is a comparable 2-4" lift shock available I would interested as well. Thanks!

 

I put Bilstein 5100 Series on my 84 a few years ago when I did a small lift. It was a little tricky to wade through all the options to find what worked. Here's what I'm running:

Front: 2"- 2 3/8" (added relocation plate see below) of lift:
2" Old Man Emu lift springs (Cs008fa)
3 1/2" (stock length) OME shackles
Bilstein 24-185684 shock absorbers (but you have to change the axle side bushing to: Bilstein 2202G)

Rear: 3" of lift:
2" Old Man Emu lift springs (Cs009r)
5 1/2" Trail Gear lift shackles (2" longer than stock nets approximately 1" lift)
Bilstein 33-186542 shock absorbers

The front shocks were maybe close to bottoming out at full stuff. But I'm not quite sure as it was really hard to tell with the boots still on and I never tested it with them off.
Depending on how you use your truck this could be no problem or could be fixed by adding a little something to the bump pads but I would test first.
I ended up using an axle relocation plate to move the front axle 1" forward and the added 3/8" thickness of the plate removed any worries I had about it.
Regardless, they have been on the truck for a few years now and have been put through many hard wheeling trips in both configurations with no issues at all.
And the ride is fantastic compared to other shocks I've tried.

Hope that helps!

Regards,
Sam

 

Thank you so much!

 

You're most welcome. Feel free to holler with any questions.

Here are some pics for reference. This is with the relocation plates up front and about 200 - 300lbs of gear in the bed (plus the shell, spare, heavy duty bumper, can swingout, and sliders). Without the gear in it, it rides a little ass end up. On very worn down 33s.

 

Hey I think your set up is going to be almost perfect for my tuck is there anyway you can tell me the distance between the from bump stops and axle at ride height ?

Thanks

 

Glad to hear the info is helpful.

I assume you mean the distance between the bump stops (rubber mounted to the top u bolt plates) to the bump stop pads (steel plate welded to frame for the bump stops to contact at full bump)? If so, the measurements are as follows:

Front: 3.75" (from the very tip of the bump stop to the pad)
Rear: 6.5" (same as above and with the bed empty)

Remember, I have 3/8" thick axle relocation plates installed on the front. So without those, the front spacing would be about 4.125". If you are also considering using relocation plates, there are a few other factors that will be affected (steering linkage, shock alignment, drive shaft, etc). I'm happy to elaborate on those if you're considering going that route.

Hope that helps,

Sam

 

That’s perfect for my set up my distance is almost exactly 4 inches. I just ordered the shocks and the narrow bushing kit. Can’t wait to get the junk shocks I have off and put something better on there. Thank you !!

 

Awesome. Sounds like they should work well for you. What are you running on the rear?

 

Probably going to go Bilsteins in the rear too. Just going to do a little at a time. My wife thinks I’m nuts doing all this work on my hunting truck. lol
I’ve just finished the 1 inch master cylinder upgrade and replacing all the rear brakes and the right front caliper. The parts store had to order the left one. I also ordered the Yota 1 adjustable rear prop valve kit to ditch that stupid load sensing valve. I think I’m going to do the dual diaphragm brake booster as well. I’ll make that decision once I do the new adjust prop valve. Also ordered a new ignition tumbler and switch someone tried to steal it a while back and it’s been a little wonky so I want to get it dialed back in good working order. It’s been used and abused and I’m just showing the old dawg a little love.

 

Finally got the front shocks and they sent me only one of the bushings for the lower mounts. Very frustrated with this supplier. Hopefully they send the second one 2 day shipping or faster at least. Before I give them a bad review for everyone to see lol Gonna set one side done this weekend while I wait for the second bushing and new ignition tumbler to come in.

 

Installed and work very well !!! Truck feels awesome on road for a 41 year old truck. Haven’t been off road yet. Now to tackle the rears. But first I’m going reseal the front axle from the inner axle seals to the locking hubs. Getting gear oil in the hubs. Im going to order the Yukon axle seals and all the gaskets and seals for the hubs from Yotamasters.com plus a new dual stage thermostat as mine is stuck open right now. Which is better then stick ˟˟˟˟ I guess lol

 

I like my Eibach's.