4 New Bilstein HD's for the SR5.....

tacobill

tacobill

New member
First off, thanks to the forum for all the posts which helped make my decision much easier. Learned a few things at the shop too:

1) 4Runners are far from aligned correctly when sold new-at least mine was. My camber was way off, such that both tires were "leaning right" by -0.7 and +1.0 if I remember the figures correctly. Caster was not even either. Align your vehicle and the steering feel will improve a lot. My mechanic was able to get the caster to 2.9" (and have it even on both sides)......he couldn't go higher.

2) Bilstein HD shocks made a huge difference in the loose bobbing feeling; that side to side motion that I hated. New HD's tightened the SR5 up to where I am very happy with the difference. Not exactly my Miata, but very enjoyable to drive now--less nose dive for sure. Factory Tokico shocks = crap.

I contemplated going with the 5100's up front, but decided to go with the exact same shock all around. Glad I did! Hope this helps answer the ongoing "nose dive" and SR5 handling questions.
 
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Thanks for the info. I am getting ready to do something like that with mine. Do you mind me asking how much you paid for the shocks and installation? Where did you buy the shocks?
 
runnaz--I bought them here:
AllShocks.com | 2012 TOYOTA 4Runner Bilstein Shocks

Could have saved a few bucks elsewhere perhaps, but the phone help was super and the guys knew their Bilsteins, so I gave them the business. $320 for the set. Installation and alignment was another $380. Shop figured 2.8 hours for the fronts and 1.2 hours for the rears.

It's like driving a totally different truck now.
 
Melodog--yes I did. Figured I'd take a step at a time, even though it would be cheaper to change the front springs while changing shocks.

Very happy with the change and can't believe Toyota would put such soft shocks on the SR5.
 
Bilstein Shocks

Stating that new 4Runner's are badly aligned when new is a misstatement. I have a 2011 with Michelin LTX MS2's and it tracks perfectly. My previous 4 Runner was the same. I have owned 12 Toyota's and 3 Lexus vehicles and alignment was never an issue on either one. Do not make blanket statements when you do not have the facts to back you up. Just because yours is out of whack does not mean all are the same way.
 
What? There are three of us on here with 5th gen SR5s and Miatas? Good info tacobill. I actually have the Billys on my Miata, so can relate somewhat to your description. You may have swayed me to look at the HDs for the T4R. How is the ride regarding to comfort with the HDs? Are you getting more feedback from the road? I don't like the nose dive and floaty feeling, but I do appreciate the comfort. Are you still on stock tires?
 
desertred--the ride is quite comfortable. That's cool that others have Miatas-nice change of pace. (I have Bilsteins on my 93LE too.) Everything just fell into place with these shocks; on-road feel, turn in etc., and no sacrifice in comfort level. Unfortunately I'm on the stock Dunlop tires........I'll live.

Barry694--Relax. Not meaning to get anyone upset. If you read carefully I said ".....at least mine was". I'm simply stating what my mechanic told me--it wasn't horrible, but it wasn't perfectly in spec either. I trust this guy as he is one of the best front end guys around. My T4R tracked fine and drove great despite the alignment not being perfect. If it makes you feel better, then my T4R is the only new car in history to not be perfect off the assembly line.
 
Very helpful!

tacobill said:
First off, thanks to the forum for all the posts which helped make my decision much easier. Learned a few things at the shop too:

1) 4Runners are far from aligned correctly when sold new-at least mine was. My camber was way off, such that both tires were "leaning right" by -0.7 and +1.0 if I remember the figures correctly. Caster was not even either. Align your vehicle and the steering feel will improve a lot. My mechanic was able to get the caster to 2.9" (and have it even on both sides)......he couldn't go higher.

2) Bilstein HD shocks made a huge difference in the loose bobbing feeling; that side to side motion that I hated. New HD's tightened the SR5 up to where I am very happy with the difference. Not exactly my Miata, but very enjoyable to drive now--less nose dive for sure. Factory Tokico shocks = crap.

I contemplated going with the 5100's up front, but decided to go with the exact same shock all around. Glad I did! Hope this helps answer the ongoing "nose dive" and SR5 handling questions.
Click to expand...

Very helpful. thanks for taking the time to post. your plan is exactly what I was contemplating.
 
James--the guy at Turner Motorsports (all shocks.com) called Bilstein and spoke with a company rep. His answer was that the HD series was virtually identical in firmness to the 5100's aside from the front adjustments and length for lift kits.

I was concerned after my order and wondered if I should have ordered the 5100's for the front as I could adjust them. Worried that the HD's in the front might not help enough.

In the end I decided to go with the matched set and I'm more than happy that I did. It's sure footed now. Besides, Toyota could never point a finger at me for any "mods" that caused problems with warranty.
 
westwind77 said:
Well "we" have one too (wife's summer car that barely moves now) 02' LS 6 speed with a rear LSD. I have to admit, it is fun to drive.
Click to expand...

IIRC, you live fairly close to my parents on the Cape. They are in N. Eastham. Who knows, I might see you driving around next time I'm up there.
 
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