Another Bilstein 5100 question

[SoFloT4Run]

Just installed last week using stock arms. Total gain over a stock 4runner is 2 inches all around with 275 ko2s when measured floor to top wheel well. I probably pushed my caster quite a bit and had to trim the driver side bumper. Very happy with lift. Front is stiffer with reduced nose dive and rides stock since I kept the rear oem soft shocks.

1.75 Bilstein 5100 front


and 1.5 daystar FJ spacer with OEM shocks


Alignment report:

If you don't mind, can you please share your floor to fender measurements on the front and the rear?

Thanks

 

[KP Texan]

Ok, my 5100s were all delivered yesterday and I’ve got some questions about the parts that are supposed to come with the front struts.

They just came with the strut, circlip, spring seat, and nut. No other bushings or washers for mounting the top of the strut were there. Does this sound right? Also, one of the struts has a slotted plastic retaining washer which slides over the shaft to sort of keep the boot in place. This is missing on my other strut. Is that part just to keep the boot from sliding off the shaft during shipping, or do I actually need it? I can post pics if needed. Thanks for the help!

 

[KP Texan]

Here’s a photo that shows the plastic washer on one of them. I’m thinking it doesn’t need to be there?

 

[arehman11]

I left those plastic washers on mine after speaking with wheelers. Supposedly they are there to keep the dust boot in place. Also, you’ll need to either resume your upper washers and cushions and top hat or purchase the KYB kit from amazon or rock auto.

 

[KP Texan]

I left those plastic washers on mine after speaking with wheelers. Supposedly they are there to keep the dust boot in place. Also, you’ll need to either resume your upper washers and cushions and top hat or purchase the KYB kit from amazon or rock auto.

Ok, thanks! Looks like I need to give Bilstein a call and let them know I didn't get one of those plastic clips. My current washers and cushions only have 2500 miles on them, so I'm thinking they'll be in good enough shape to reuse; just wanted to make sure those weren't missing from my struts too!

 

[KP Texan]

Ok, thanks! Looks like I need to give Bilstein a call and let them know I didn't get one of those plastic clips. My current washers and cushions only have 2500 miles on them, so I'm thinking they'll be in good enough shape to reuse; just wanted to make sure those weren't missing from my struts too!

Just got off the line with Bilstein technical, and they said the plastic retainer is just there for shipping to help the boot stay on and keep from getting damaged in the box. The guy said if you were to leave that retainer on, it would just get destroyed since it would end up being sandwiched between the steel boot grommet and the steel top washer during installation.

 

[arehman11]

Just got off the line with Bilstein technical, and they said the plastic retainer is just there for shipping to help the boot stay on and keep from getting damaged in the box. The guy said if you were to leave that retainer on, it would just get destroyed since it would end up being sandwiched between the steel boot grommet and the steel top washer during installation.

So, I shouldn't have any issues with it being left in there?

 

[2014-4R]

So, I shouldn't have any issues with it being left in there?

Heres my thought: if the plastic retainer was taking up a 1/4" or 3/8" whatever thickness it is, when it breaks or smashes, you will end up with a gap causing the shock to be loose. Anyone else thinking the same?

 

[arehman11]

Heres my thought: if the plastic retainer was taking up a 1/4" or 3/8" whatever thickness it is, when it breaks or smashes, you will end up with a gap causing the shock to be loose. Anyone else thinking the same?

Bilstein technical said it would just be destroyed the second there is any load on the shock and the retainer would come out in little pieces immediately. There shouldn't be a gap if something is pushing down on it, I mean it's literally the thickness of 2 business cards.

 

[KP Texan]

Bilstein technical said it would just be destroyed the second there is any load on the shock and the retainer would come out in little pieces immediately. There shouldn't be a gap if something is pushing down on it, I mean it's literally the thickness of 2 business cards.

I'd venture to say the same. The rubber isolators compress more than the thickness of that, so it wouldn't really technically be loose. Worst case, just stick a wrench up there on the top nut and make sure it's still relatively close to 18 ft-lbs. of torque.

 

[1000MPH]

Here’s a photo that shows the plastic washer on one of them. I’m thinking it doesn’t need to be there?

The plastic washer needs to be removed. If you go "bootless" you need to press out that metal washer and reuse from what I've read.

 

[arehman11]

The plastic washer needs to be removed. If you go "bootless" you need to press out that metal washer and reuse from what I've read.

I am going to go ahead and install mine with it in place, worst case scenario I have little plastic pieces fly out when I put the truck back on the ground.

 

[ZacD24]

I put the 5100's all the way around with the front setting at 1.75. It set my 2016 perfectly level. Took about 4 hours by myself on the install of all 4 shocks.

Did you install any spacers in the back?

 

[tacoyota]

If you don't mind, can you please share your floor to fender measurements on the front and the rear?

Thanks

36in front. 37.9in. Rear. You can probably get away with not trimming if you lower the caster a bit. I didn’t mind trimming a little off...can’t even tell lol.

 

[Lambinator]

I am new to this forum, so forgive me if I am not doing this correctly. I just bought a 2011 Limited 4WD. the Xreas shock are all leaking. after going through this forum as much as I can, I have discovered the for a TFR that is used primarily on pavement, that the Bilstein 5100's are the best replacement (Or at least very common) for Xreas. but I can not find an answer to this question. Can I use the stock springs and simply remove the Xreas, and Install Bilstein 5100's? I am thinking I can, and I also would use the 5100's to lift the front by using the second setting on the holstein 5100. Can you help a newbie out?

 

[TEujunga]

I am new to this forum, so forgive me if I am not doing this correctly. I just bought a 2011 Limited 4WD. the Xreas shock are all leaking. after going through this forum as much as I can, I have discovered the for a TFR that is used primarily on pavement, that the Bilstein 5100's are the best replacement (Or at least very common) for Xreas. but I can not find an answer to this question. Can I use the stock springs and simply remove the Xreas, and Install Bilstein 5100's? I am thinking I can, and I also would use the 5100's to lift the front by using the second setting on the holstein 5100. Can you help a newbie out?

Are you using the search function at the top of the page? If you do a search for "XREAS replacement" or the like, I think you'll find that your exact question has been addressed many times before.

 

[SoFloT4Run]

36in front. 37.9in. Rear. You can probably get away with not trimming if you lower the caster a bit. I didn’t mind trimming a little off...can’t even tell lol.

Thanks!! The truck looks great! U mentioned that you used a daystar 1.5 spacer for an FJ Cruiser in the rear?

Is the FJ Cruiser spacer different from the 4runner?

Also, do you have more side pics of the whole truck?

Thanks again

 

[KP Texan]

For the .85 setting, how urgent do you guys think it would be to get an alignment? Ideally, I’d like to head straight to the shop after the install, but I’m wondering what if I do it on say Saturday and then have to drive somewhere on Sunday when a shop isn’t open? Or what if the shop can’t get me in for a day or two? Just trying to plan ahead so I’d like to hear your thoughts!

 

[jamesq]

For the .85 setting, how urgent do you guys think it would be to get an alignment? Ideally, I’d like to head straight to the shop after the install, but I’m wondering what if I do it on say Saturday and then have to drive somewhere on Sunday? Or what if the shop can get me in for a day or two? Just trying to plan ahead so I’d like to hear your thoughts!

I have it installed at a shop. The initial alignment reading is not far from spec at all.


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[oljedi11950]

I am new to this forum, so forgive me if I am not doing this correctly. I just bought a 2011 Limited 4WD. the Xreas shock are all leaking. after going through this forum as much as I can, I have discovered the for a TFR that is used primarily on pavement, that the Bilstein 5100's are the best replacement (Or at least very common) for Xreas. but I can not find an answer to this question. Can I use the stock springs and simply remove the Xreas, and Install Bilstein 5100's? I am thinking I can, and I also would use the 5100's to lift the front by using the second setting on the holstein 5100. Can you help a newbie out?

Yes !! Also goggle search bar :cheers: