Are upgraded shocks worth it?
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StRanger7032
New member
I just had Bilstein 5100s installed and they are worth it in my opinion. The front is leveled at the .85" setting, and the nose dive is reduced to what you would have with any other SUV. The ride is not noticeably harsher than the stock shocks, just slightly firmer. Shocks, installation, and alignment cost me around $550. Well worth it in my opinion if you don't need a true lift.
YES - Considering this mod only costs $300 for 4 new Bilsteins, if you do your own labor. You will need an alignment if you lift it.
Best thing you can do in addition to new LT tires.
bofa
New member
That's a pretty good price - where?
homeyclaus
New member
I paid $340 shipped from ajusa.com.
Agreed with everyone on the huge ride improvement.
When the vehicle isn't fully loaded it cuts down on the head toss.
When loaded or unloaded, it cuts down on nose dive and freeway wallowing.
And when fully loaded it feels a good deal more stable.
Agreed with everyone on the huge ride improvement.
When the vehicle isn't fully loaded it cuts down on the head toss.
When loaded or unloaded, it cuts down on nose dive and freeway wallowing.
And when fully loaded it feels a good deal more stable.
bofa
New member
Thx for the link homeyclaus - that's one of the best prices I've seen so far with free shipping.
Esp the SR5.
Esp the SR5.
Yeah AJUSA with Coupon Code TOY10 gets them delivered for right at $300
bofa
New member
TOY10 expired :moping:
icsa
New member
SR5 with Bilstein versus KDSS
Doc, how would you compare the SR5 with Bilstein and the Trail with KDSS, on road handling, lean in corners? Are they similar?
Thanks
Doc, how would you compare the SR5 with Bilstein and the Trail with KDSS, on road handling, lean in corners? Are they similar?
Thanks
For fair comparison, when I put The Bilsteins on, I added Toytec coils for some added rear lift.
My stock TE had less body roll than my SR5 with Bilsteins (and much less than a stock SR5), but nose dive was less with the SR5 with Bilsteins versus the stock TE I'd say the stock TE had slightly better road handling, but it sat 2.5 inches lower and that is substantial affect on ride characteristics.
Overall, the Bilsteins on an SR5 made a big difference. Much better on and off road handling, better feedback from the road, more enjoyable to drive. The stock TE and the stock SR5 are really quite different and FOR ME, the difference is worth in for on road use alone (off road is obviously a big bonus).
I'd happily own an SR5 again (I think it is a great value), but with new shocks for sure.
eddiebx
New member
Sorry for the mild thread jack, but I was wondering would there be any difference (ride quality, handling, etc.) at all between getting the 5100s and setting the perch higher vs. installing spacers on top of the struts? Assuming the same struts were used in both situations.
And also what are the benefits of leveling the front and back besides aesthetics?
I figured I'd ask here while we're kind of on the topic, instead of starting a new thread and then having everyone tell me to search
tacobill
New member
I guess it's personal preference. I changed out the stock Tokiko shocks in the SR5 for the Bilstein HD series. As firm as 5100 but no adjustments on the fronts. Ride is still comfy but firmed up in the corners and less dive.
Shocks were $321.80 from Allshocks.com.....free shipping. WELL worth it.
Shocks were $321.80 from Allshocks.com.....free shipping. WELL worth it.
gadgetguy1288
New member
I'm looking to put some 5100's on my SR5 in the next few weeks, but saw that on the AJUSA site they have two different 5100's, I assume that I need two of each for the front and rear? They also dont list any for the 2012 model year, only 2011, Any difference between the 2012 and the 2011 that would prevent the 2011's from working on my 2012?
Also is $337 the best price around or is there somewhere cheaper to order them from?
Also is $337 the best price around or is there somewhere cheaper to order them from?
From what I've found online, it seems that the HD's and 5100's set at 0 are basically the same and both given 1/2" lift. The 5100's are also nickel plated and will have reduced corrosion properties. Additionally the 5100's should be used if you're looking to lift and the HD's if you're just wanting to upgrade the stock shocks.
Is this accurate?
I'd prefer not to get any lift, level it out a touch and get rid of the head toss in my SR5.
Is this accurate?
I'd prefer not to get any lift, level it out a touch and get rid of the head toss in my SR5.
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