I did a small upgrade to Bilsteins on a car once and it made the ride uncomfortable for daily driving. I like the soft, boat-like ride of the 4runner.

If you can hammer the LCA bolt from the rear to the forward, you may be able to get away without cutting. I got lucky and had just enough wiggle (pry curse yank) room to get the LCA out with the bolt mostly hammered towards the front of each front bolt. The rear bolts hammered all the way out. And by hammer I mean BFH

Ive heard good things about the Eibach pro truck shocks. They are a little more expensive than the 5100s but the ride is better.

Thanks to Mike at Exit Offroad, I got a great lesson in the (not exactly inconsequential) differences between the Dobinsons and the Bilsteins..

“The Dobinsons twin tube shocks have a much stronger build construction (twin tubes vs mono (single) tube), better quality pistons, better quality seals, much stronger lower mounts and welds, a fixed coil seat mount that's welded and can't fail, and they come with all the bushings you'll need as well. Google image search "broken bilstein" and you'll see where they fail.

Bilstein also uses digressive valving, meaning it's the firmest at ride height (harsh) then it gets softer when it compresses, so when you need it to absorb a bump better, it gets softer instead of firmer, which is backwards for how a shock would give the best ride quality. Dobinsons shocks have linear valving and are not firmer or softer at any position during the stroke.”

That told me everything that I shoulda known thirty-plus years ago. I trust it, and I trust Mike at Exit Offroad.. he is Dobinson’s (ex) Specialist now off doing his own thing, thankfully.

On road only with no lift means you should be looking at Bilstein 4600s and not 5100s. If you want to have the option to eventually lift and go off-road then consider 5100s. I’m in a similar boat with what I want. Ride quality is of higher priority than lifting or going off-road. I’ll hit some gravel and a fire road a few times a year, but that’s it.

I’d add the Eibach Pro Kit to your list. If you’ve not bought from Wheelers Off-road before, you can get 10% off your first order. No tax. Free shipping.

PRO-TRUCK LIFT SYSTEM (Stage 1)


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