5100's with OEM

[jheight84]

Im sure this has come up in other threads, but how would 5100's with OEM coils work out?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Absolutely love mine, awesome setup? If you are going to be at stock weight, I'd recommend Toytec super flex rear coils instead of omes.

 

[jheight84]

I ment stock springs with the 5100's?

 

[sonerick]

OEM (original equipment) or OME (old man emu) coils? Haha. I think either would work out well.

 

[jheight84]

Would I be able to use the 5100's to level the front of the runner still? Using OE springs that is...

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Opps, my bad, that's what I get for surfing at work. Still a great setup, I'd consider it a nice upgrade over stock, non xreas shocks.

 

[sonerick]

Yes, absolutely. If you use the adjustable 5100's, you will be able to raise the front with whichever coils you choose to use--stock, FJ, etc.

 

[borgzman]

Would I be able to use the 5100's to level the front of the runner still? Using OE springs that is...

Yes.

Whatever height you'll get out of the adjustment(since its height adjustable) using OE springs, swapping it with say FJC spring will give you another .5" lift I think. The 5100 can be paired with OME springs, but bilstein only recommend the OEMs unless lowest configuration is set. Since 4th gen 4runner and FJC share same bilstein 5100 part nos., FJC springs should also be a compatible setup.

and I only use my factory springs...
5100 Front/OE springs:

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr134/borgzman/IMG_0460.jpg

 

[Snesley Wipes]

Absolutely love mine, awesome setup? If you are going to be at stock weight, I'd recommend Toytec super flex rear coils instead of omes.

So how would you describe the difference in ride with the Bilsteins vs stock?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Its more firm, but in a g oodway. Overall much smoother than stock, especially over bumps. Do you have xreas currently?

 

[Snesley Wipes]

Its more firm, but in a g oodway. Overall much smoother than stock, especially over bumps. Do you have xreas currently?

Me? No Xreas in mine. I was thinking about doing the same setup as the OP, stock springs with some Bilsteins.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Before my current setup, I had 5100's with OEM FJ coils. I loved that setup, it had a little more body roll and nose dive than the xreas system it replaced. That was my only complaint. Going from a stock non-xreas system to the 5100's I think will be a very nice/noticeable improvement. I think the FJ coils are a worthwhile mod while you're doing the swap, it's a little added cost but worth it IMO.

 

[empty403]

So how would you describe the difference in ride with the Bilsteins vs stock?

This is assuming you'll be using the 2nd setting or higher and comparing to a non X-REAS suspension. The ride will be both plush and stiff because the shock had a different valving for low speed and high speed for rebound and compression. If the road is smooth with smooth bumps the vehicle will be plush but if the road has a lot of pot holes/sharp bumps it will feel stiff. It will have a lot less nose dive during braking and less body roll in turns. If you want to balance the front and rear ride height you will need to use either the 2nd or 3rd setting. I found the 3rd setting made the front look just a bit higher so put it back to the 2nd setting - I ended up with about a 1.5" lift in the front. Currently the rear is about 1" higher, (I also have airbags in the rear). Bilstein says the 2nd setting is about 0.85", though. Others on the forum say they were even using the 3rd setting.