5100 Question

[cgv69]

I know the 5100's are really popular here, especially for the fronts because of their adjustability but I have to wonder, what's the down side of that adjustability?

I can't help but think there must be some down side to running these at their highest settings? I can't imagine that they could perform exactly the same at all 4 settings?

 

[Speedy Gomez]

 

[cgv69]

Thanks for the vid but (and maybe I'm just being dumb here), I don't think that video answered my question?

As you use the higher lift points, doesn't that introduce some of the same issues as with a spacer, i.e. pre loading the strut which in turn will limit wheel travel?

Probably a moot point as I don't plan to run them in their upper positions but I am curious

 

[cgv69]

Another question... Are 5100's still the way to go even if you don't plan on using them to achieve any additional lift (i.e. running them in the "zero" setting)?

 

[gaterose]

The downside is that travel is limited by moving the the perch up. It isn't limited AS much as a preload spacer on OEM shock due to the extra length of the 5100 but it's still limited some compared a non-adjustable setup.

There are people running 5100s with factory height, as far as I know they're about the best option for new shocks. KYB & Rancho also makes some. From what I've seen people (the very few who've ran them) haven't been happy with the Ranchos on 4Rs. I haven't seen any complaints about the KYBs, I think it's just a cheaper shock.

edit - I'm sure there are some other mfgs out there making street shocks that will fit the FJ/4R but those are the only ones I've seen anyone using in my almost 4 years here.

 

[cgv69]

gaterose - Thanks, that's exactly the information I was looking for! :cheers:

 

[JacksonRally]

Travel is not limited in any way shape or form. Any setting other than stock will change the range of bump/droop travel. (just an example) Lets say we have 8'' of travel, and stock ride height is right in the middle. This will give us 4'' up and 4'' down. You lift 1'' and now you have 5'' up and 3'' down. There would only be one extreme that would screw this up and that is coil bind. However this is not possible with stock springs and the available lift positions that bolt in replacement shocks offer. Same goes with a spacer, you are just changing the range of travel because you are changing your ride height. Travel is not limited. It is possible to over angulate the uppper ball joint but again with the available bolt in shocks this is not possible. Even preloaded beyond any suggested setting the shock will internally stop the suspension from drooping out.