Attn: Anyone running OEM Black Tokico 80 Series LC SHOCKS in the rear

[BigFishAllDay]

I've been looking high and low for an answer to this question, but I can't find the info posted anywhere.

This question is regarding ONLY the OEM Toyota 80-Series Land Cruiser Shocks, Toyota Part # 48531-69417. Please see the pictures @ the bottom of this post for further clarification...

My questions is this:

I have heard that the shaft on these shock absorbers is of a larger diameter than the shaft on a stock (and I would assume aftermarket) shock designed to fit a 3rd Gen 4Runner. I am considering installing these shocks on the rear of my '01 and I want to know if they require any modifications to the chassis prior to install. Specifically, I have been told that the upper shock mount must be enlarged (drilled out) to allow for the extra diameter of the larger shaft on the OEM LC Shock. In addition, I have been told that I must obtain the hardware to accompany the LC shock (upper and lower retaining washers + the centering washer that sits between the lower rubber bushing and the vehicle's chassis... you can see these parts @ the top of the shock in the 2nd picture below.... the shocks include all the rubber bushings top & bottom).

I guess I could go out to the garage, pull one of my 5100's, take some measurements, and know for sure. However, I'm hoping someone will have an answer to this question and save me a little work.

..............................

I did my homework and visited the dealer to check out the LC shock in person, and I took some measurements with a caliper:

Shaft Diameter: 9/16"

Thread Diameter: 15/32", and based on this measurement, I would assume the threads on the shaft are M14 x ??? pitch.

Size of top nut on Shock: 17mm

Included with Pt. # 48531-69417: 1 shock absorber, two upper rubber bushings, two lower rubber bushings, top nut.

..............................

I am currently running Bilstein 5100's in the rear that were included w/the SS 1.2 lift kit. I have the plain old SS 1.2 kit, NOT the 1.2A, which now includes the shocks in question. I want to swap to the black OEM LC shocks to stiffen up the rear a little bit.

(These photos are courtesy of Rockdawg84's thread, you can see the original post here > Rockdawg84's '99 4Runner Build)

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!!

 

[GSPRunner]

I ran them for awhile. Didn't have to make any modifications to fit anywhere but you do need the LC shock hardware/bushings to go along.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

GSP, thanks for the quick reply man.

Good to know that I won't have to drill out the mount. I was concerned about that because if I don't like the shock I didn't want to be stuck with a bored out hole on the upper mount.

RE the hardware, you're referring to the upper/lower retaining washers & the centering washer, correct?

One more question: since I see in your signature that you're running Bilstien 5125's currently, did you by chance see if the Bilstien hardware would fit/work on the LC shock? I'm wondering if I can re-use the hardware on the existing 5100's. Also, why did you ditch the Black Tokico LC shocks?

 

[GSPRunner]

Yeah, retainers, washer and nut. If you're looking for a stiffer ride the LCs will stiffen it a bit, but honestly I am so much happier with the 5125s in my opinion. I got my Billies from Toytec and the mounts are different than the ones SS sells, so I'm not really sure if the billies washers and hardware would fit. If I were to guess I'd say no.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Thanks for the review, but from the description on Toytec's Site:

Bilstein 5125's FS on Toytec's Site

4R96-BIL ---

These are a longer rear Bilstein 5125 series shock for improved flex off road.

Comes with proper bushings and eye to stud adaptors as shown.

These are an off road soft ride shock.

Fits 96-02 4Runner with 3" rear lift only.

I'd imagine the 5125's that Toytec sells will be very similar in ride quality to the 5100's I'm running now. What I definitely do not want is a shock that is designed to be soft.

The problem is that w/the CBI back there, when I go over large bumps I've got all this weight coming down and compressing the 861's. When the 861's rebound the shocks can't keep up w/them and I get just a little bounce in the rear.

@ the same time, I'm not looking for a super stiff ride, so I think the OEM LC shocks will fit the bill nicely, and split the difference.

 

[GSPRunner]

Def. a lot cheaper too. I think you'll be happy with them especially with the extra weight you have. I don't have an AM rear bumper and don't really see myself getting one anytime soon.

 

[NachoPitt]

BFAD - I just ordered a set of Black LC shocks today from Toyota of Dallas (my diff repair turned into a full build-build thread to be updated soon)- totally unrelated from your post. I should have them this weekend of you want to check them out. I am going to run the tundra/5100 in the front and the LC Springs/Black shocks in the rear - really the same setup as SS1.2 (all the accessories from Steve).

 

[BigFishAllDay]

NachoPitt,

I appreciate the offer man, and glad to hear the news about your rig. It always starts innocently enough... "It's just a repair.... but while I'm down here....."

However, I've already seen the shocks in person. I went up to Karl Malone Toyota (the one on Eubank) and had them pull a set from the warehouse so I could look them over. Those guys give me a discount on parts, so they're usually only a couple bucks more than the online vendors prices once you factor in shipping.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I run them too. GSP was dead on.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Thanks for posting P.B.R.

I was hoping that someone else w/experience running these shocks would chime in as well. (No offense GSP, but when I'm getting advice on the web it's always nice to hear a second opinion, or more, that confirms the info)

Speaking of second opinions, anyone else? Reviews and side by side comparisons are also welcome.

 

[rickashay]

BFAD, I'll be interested to hear your review once/if you make the swap. I'm probably going to be in the same boat once I get a swing-out made.

FWIW "Victor" on the forum who is often seen in the Millenium Silver 3rd gen. in my wheeling pics - has the LC 9 wraps (not the 861's...), the OEM Tokico blacks, and the same CBI swing out as you. We swapped vehicles in the summer as I wanted to compare the Tokico's to my Bilsteins in the rear. Keep in mind he had a swing-out and my truck does not, obviously, so it's not apples to apples (his is heavier back there...). My initial impression was that the Tokico's were noticeably stiffer even with the CBI + swing out. But it was noticeable in a good way. I felt they were valved more appropriately for the heavier load and the ride was not unpleasant in the slightest - just stiffer than my Billy's and yet, not even CLOSE to as stiff as when I was running OME 60027's with the LC coils. A good middle ground. Not that it matters, but I would not hesitate to run that shock setup in the future, and probably will when the time comes.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

Rickashay! Thanks for the side by side comparison man. It's great to hear about first hand experience w/different setups.

That being said, I called my guy @ Toyota and had him order in the parts...

2 x LC Shocks w/bushings & top nut
2 x centering washers
4 x upper/lower retaining washers

They'll be in by Weds, hopefully on the 4Runner by the end of next weekend. I'll let you guys know how they work out, and I'll be sure to post some side by side pics w/the 5100's.

 

[BigFishAllDay]

I figured I'd post this here as well, just to follow up on this thread. This is a copy & paste from my build thread.

I decided to install the new OEM Black Tokico 80 Series LC Shocks I picked up. The Toyota part number on these is 48531-69417, and if you were going to order by application you would ask for a REAR shock absorber for a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser.

The LC shocks include the RUBBER BUSHINGS and TOP NUT ONLY!!!. The OEM part diagrams online and at your local dealer will show that the shocks include the rubber bushings AND all the hardware, but that is not correct.

The additional hardware you need is:

4 x Toyota Part # 90948-02144.... Bend over, because these washers are $10... EACH.

I also picked up the LC centering washers, but it turns out they cannot be used on 3rd Gen 4Runners. Just for reference, they are part # 90948-02141, and cost about $7 each.

The first task was to remove my Bilstein 5100's, which was relatively uneventful thanks to the design of the Bilstein shocks. The shaft on the Billies has a 5mm hex shaped hole on the end, so I used a hex key socket and my ratchet, along with a 17mm wrench to hold the top nut, and they spun right off. These 5100's were included with my Sonoran Steel 1.2 lift kit when I purchased it 2 years ago. I would have liked to compare the LC shocks to a factory 4Runner shock as well, but none of my 4Runners have OEM shocks on them and the ones I removed were discarded long ago.

Once off the truck I started comparing the 5100's to the OEM LC shocks. Some things you might notice in this picture:

- The 5100's and the OEM LC shocks are almost the exact same length uncompressed.
- The size of the tube (and I would assume the piston inside) is about the same.
- The lower eye mount is the same size
- The OEM LC shocks have little skid plates welded onto the front of the shock, see bottom RH side of LC shock in pic below
- Metal dust cover on the OEM LC shock, versus a rubber boot on the 5100

Moving up to the top of the shock, there are some big differences between the two:

-The upper mounting shaft is much larger on the LC shock. IIRC, I measured it @ 9/16" OD. The top of the Bilstein shaft was maybe 3/8" OD. The inner diameters of the upper/lower retaining washers and rubber bushings had corresponding measurements.
- The bushings used on the LC shock are much thicker and wider, and the hardware (upper & lower retaining washers) are much thicker.

Pictured below are the centering washers for the LC shock (LH side), an aftermarket OEM replacement Rancho shock (middle), and an OEM shock that came off my wife's 2000 (thank goodness I keep every last piece of hardware that comes off my vehicles). These washers sit above the lower rubber bushing, between the bushing and the bottom of the upper shock mount. They are a critical part because without them, the shock's upper shaft will move around inside the mounting hole on the shock mount, and slowly widen and stretch the hole. The centering washers on my 5100's didn't have much of a lip to them and when I removed the 5100's I noticed a slight enlargement of the upper shock mounting hole @ one edge on both sides.

Notice the LC centering washer is much wider, and thicker than the 4Runner parts. Most importantly, notice the size of the center hole on the LC washer... it's HUGE.

The raised centering section of the LC centering washer WILL NOT fit into the hole on the upper shock mount of a 3rd gen 4Runner. You cannot use the LC centering washers without drilling out the hole on your 4Runner to accommodate the larger raised center section.

Both the aftermarket & OEM 4Runner centering washers fit nicely over the shaft of the LC shock, and fit the hole on the upper shock mount of the vehicle, so I decided to use them instead.

LC centering washer on LC upper mounting shaft. The mounting holes on the rear upper shock mounts on 80 series LC's must be quite a bit bigger than the ones on a 4Runner.

4Runner centering washer on LC upper mounting shaft... a much better fit. Notice how the centering washer is the same diameter as the LC bushing... more on this later.

Just for the sake of comparison, this shot shows a LC upper/lower retaining washer next to one of the 5100's upper/lower retaining washers.

On the Driver's side I decided to use the aftermarket (Rancho) OEM replacement centering washer, along with the LC upper/lower retaining washers. The Rancho washer had a little bit taller lip than the OEM washers and it was a tighter fit in the upper mounting hole. I would have used these washers on both sides, but I could only find one.

This is how parts that sit BELOW the shock mount look when assembled onto the shock's mounting shaft.

And with the top bushing, retaining washer, & top nut...

Driver's side installed!! On the bottom of the shock you use the two bushings that are included w/the LC shocks, and the OEM 4Runner mounting bolt & washers.

Compared to the old 5100 on the passenger side...

On the passenger side, I had to re-use one of the OEM 4Runner centering washers. I just chose the one that was in the best shape w/mimimal corrosion.

Remember earlier I mentioned that the LC bushings were the same diameter as the 4Runner centering washers? Well, the only problem with that is when you tighten down the top nut and compress the bushings, they flare out past the edge of the centering washer on the top side. This causes the edge of the washer to sort of "dig into" the bushing. I'm not sure if this will result in premature bushing wear, but I'd rather replace some bushings now and then than drill out my frame to accept the LC centering washer.

That's about it... Done...

... And done...

ONE FINAL NOTE.... I spoke with NachoPitt today, who happened to be doing this same install on his 4Runner. He advised that the upper lower retaining washers from a 4Runner will NOT fit over the shaft of the LC shock. This means you either MUST purchase the LC hardware, or you MUST drill out the center bores on the OEM 4Runner hardware. I prefer to use the LC upper/lower washers because they are wider and do a better job of supporting the taller/wider LC rubber bushings.

Tomorrow I'll take some pictures of some OEM 4Runner upper/lower retaining washers, and compare their center bores to that of the OEM 4Runner centering washers to see if there is a difference, then edit in the info.

 

[GX4SEVEND]

I ran those on my 97 when I had it and didn't have to drill anything. Not sure if it's different between years but it bolted right in on mine. I now have a 2000 and I'm running the extended billed for a 4th gen/fj from Toytec and those fit just fine as well. I loved the way the oem LC shocks rode. I didnt have a rear bumper or any weight in the back though so that could have been why.

 

[AZTOY]

I have SS 1.2A, rear only. I like the ride, they are stiff but off road they are awesome. SS does provide alternate instructions for modifying the upper shock mount. He says to modify for heavy rock crawling use. I did not modify mine. I off road about 1 to 2 times per month in AZ. All we have is rock and mine have worked great.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Im also running the LC shocks, and have been for about 6 months. I initially had them installed with LC 7.5 wraps. Now Im running 890s. Ive had three different rear set ups now, and this current one is my favorite. My first set up with PP coils and KYB gas shocks was way too stiff. Then the LC 7.5s matched to the LC Tokico shocks was really bouncy. My theory is that with no added weight and the truck sitting really really high, the shocks were extended into their softest range. So I had too much spring rate and not enough rebound control. The 890s lowered me a good 1.5", and now the ride is awesome, even without any extra weight. Granted its stiff, but always feels planted. I do alot of highway driving, and the ride is very controlled. Im sure the LC shocks will feel even better on your truck with your extra weight.

 

[TNRunner99]

Just picked up my LC shocks from Toyota this week.
Quick question, do the bushings for the lower eye mount have to be pressed in? I thought they would already be on there.

 

[downpour11]

Just picked up my LC shocks from Toyota this week.
Quick question, do the bushings for the lower eye mount have to be pressed in? I thought they would already be on there.

Yeah you have to press them in. No biggie.

 

[Bryan1]

I've got a pair of these shocks on the way, thanks for the extra information BigFishAllDay!:thumb3:

 

[seoulstice]

What would happen if I installed these on a vehicle with stock springs?

I plan on lifting in the future but one of my rear shocks just went and I need a replacement asap.