therealmattryun
New member
Hey everyone, I'm looking to swap out my tired XREAS suspension for a set of Bilstein 5100 shocks. Can I reuse my stock springs and just swap in the Bilsteins or do I need to buy new springs as well?
Bilstein 5100 and XREAS
- Thread starter therealmattryun
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riceandpho
Elite Member
aftermarket springs are only 100 to 120 bucks, lots of us use the moogs fj crusier 4wd springs. if you want to check out craigslist, might be able to get a used set of oem springs.
if the truck has alot of miles, i replace the springs too.
if the truck has alot of miles, i replace the springs too.
therealmattryun
New member
I ended up finding a guy with a full trail teams suspension that I'll probably just end up pulling the springs off of to pair with the 5100's. I've heard a lot about 5100's with FJ springs, are the trail teams springs any different?
Bumbo
New member
I am not familiar with trail team suspension... whatever it is just make sure ur buying something that is going to benefit you.
Personally I didn't have a problem with my stock springs, but I changed them was because I wanted a lift.
If you like the ride/spring rate, and don't need the height, you might as well give them a go.
Only advise with 5100s is they have lift range but they don't really like being jacked to the sky. They work best with a stock to medium lift heights.
If you are considering new springs, I would at least consider pricing out the 6112 which comes with springs. It may cost you a couple hundred more but if you can afford it, you get a much nicer setup (large body shock).
Some will argue that the 6112 is more of an off-road upgrade, and I will agree it is, but I find the ride in the city much more plush with a 6112 than the 5100.
You can also maintain a stock height with the 6112 if you wanted since it is also adjustable but in preset increments.
Might not be for you, but at least you know you have some options.
Personally I didn't have a problem with my stock springs, but I changed them was because I wanted a lift.
If you like the ride/spring rate, and don't need the height, you might as well give them a go.
Only advise with 5100s is they have lift range but they don't really like being jacked to the sky. They work best with a stock to medium lift heights.
If you are considering new springs, I would at least consider pricing out the 6112 which comes with springs. It may cost you a couple hundred more but if you can afford it, you get a much nicer setup (large body shock).
Some will argue that the 6112 is more of an off-road upgrade, and I will agree it is, but I find the ride in the city much more plush with a 6112 than the 5100.
You can also maintain a stock height with the 6112 if you wanted since it is also adjustable but in preset increments.
Might not be for you, but at least you know you have some options.
therealmattryun
New member
6112's and 5160's were actually what I was looking at until I starting seeing a ton of mixed opinions on them. The Trail Teams suspension is more of an immediate solution to swap out my old XREAS suspension and fit 33's with a daystar lift if needed. I need tires very soon, and would like to be able to fit 33's right off the bat on my stock limited 18's. Do you currently have the 6112's then? My end game is to have a well equipped rig that can take me on some more basic trails and backwoods hiking spots, while still being plenty comfortable on my 70 mile a day commute.
riceandpho
Elite Member
still better than stock 4runner springs.
i think it give the truck a little firmer ride, since on the stock x reas, it almost rides on the bump stops, with the new suspension parts, its what the 4runner need. low miles on the fj springs?
Bumbo
New member
Yes, I have the 6112 and think it's a fantastic shock. I have put it though the paces over the past 2 years on and off-road and very pleased with performance and haven't experienced problems.
I also have another truck with the 5100s so I get to drive these shocks side x side a lot... the 6112 does deliver a better experience.
Either route you take... both will be an upgrade from the factory suspension.
If you are getting a deal on the trail team springs, then its worth a shot. If you are spending retail new money, then the 6112 isn't that far away from a cost standpoint.
therealmattryun
New member
50k on the fj components. Stiffer is good with me, I’m not a huge fan of how plush the ride is now, I’d rather have something more level and stiffer.
therealmattryun
New member
Great to hear, I’ll definitely be checking these out when I have the money together for them. Did you need new UCA’s with the 6112’s, or could you adjust the height down a little lower to keep your caster in order? That was one of my big worries, I didn’t want to open too big of a can of financial worms with my first real upgrade hahaYes, I have the 6112 and think it's a fantastic shock. I have put it though the paces over the past 2 years on and off-road and very pleased with performance and haven't experienced problems.
I also have another truck with the 5100s so I get to drive these shocks side x side a lot... the 6112 does deliver a better experience.
Either route you take... both will be an upgrade from the factory suspension.
If you are getting a deal on the trail team springs, then its worth a shot. If you are spending retail new money, then the 6112 isn't that far away from a cost standpoint.
Bumbo
New member
I set the 6112 one down from the highest perch setting.
I am running stock UCA. I could probably benefit from an UCA with more adjustment but it drives well, it doesn't dart around. My alignment sheet shows my caster at about 1.5 degrees.
therealmattryun
New member
That’s pretty comforting, I might actually jump for the 6112’s then!
WittDuncan
New member
stock suspension replacement
I recently purchased a 2005 Sport Edition 4x4 V8 currently at 177k and after looking at the service records it's still running stock shocks/springs.
There aren't any strange noises coming from the suspension, so I don't think the shocks are blown, but the ride is a little bouncy and from what I gather after 12 years of driving and 177k miles I'm probably past due for a shock replacement.
Research has led me to look at the Bilstein 5100 shocks (often paired with FJ springs), and I've come across the 6112 package as well.
The 4Runner is my daily driver, and I don't do any heavy offroading. I'm not looking to lift the vehicle dramatically, but I would like to bring the front end up a bit to straighten out the rake. Measuring from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender flare I'm seeing 22" in the rear and 19" up front - a 3" rake. Does this indicate that the springs ought to be swapped out along with the shocks? If springs ought to be replaced, what's a recommended set that will pair nicely with the Bilsteins but provide 1" or less of lift?
I know there's a lot out there covering this general topic (and I've read plenty of the posts), but I'd be interested to hear what folks have to say regarding my particular situation. Thanks in advance!
I recently purchased a 2005 Sport Edition 4x4 V8 currently at 177k and after looking at the service records it's still running stock shocks/springs.
There aren't any strange noises coming from the suspension, so I don't think the shocks are blown, but the ride is a little bouncy and from what I gather after 12 years of driving and 177k miles I'm probably past due for a shock replacement.
Research has led me to look at the Bilstein 5100 shocks (often paired with FJ springs), and I've come across the 6112 package as well.
The 4Runner is my daily driver, and I don't do any heavy offroading. I'm not looking to lift the vehicle dramatically, but I would like to bring the front end up a bit to straighten out the rake. Measuring from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender flare I'm seeing 22" in the rear and 19" up front - a 3" rake. Does this indicate that the springs ought to be swapped out along with the shocks? If springs ought to be replaced, what's a recommended set that will pair nicely with the Bilsteins but provide 1" or less of lift?
I know there's a lot out there covering this general topic (and I've read plenty of the posts), but I'd be interested to hear what folks have to say regarding my particular situation. Thanks in advance!
Bumbo
New member
[MENTION=172406]WittDuncan[/MENTION]
Springs are optional, lift and leveling is personal preference, but it seems like you are an ideal candidate for the 5100.
Consider the 5100 a very good quality OE replacement, which has very street-centric feel, but is also great for light off-road.
The bounce you feel is most likely a blown shock, or one that is on it's way out.
I've used the 5100 on multiple trucks... it's pretty much my go-to replacement for a street truck.
Springs are optional, lift and leveling is personal preference, but it seems like you are an ideal candidate for the 5100.
Consider the 5100 a very good quality OE replacement, which has very street-centric feel, but is also great for light off-road.
The bounce you feel is most likely a blown shock, or one that is on it's way out.
I've used the 5100 on multiple trucks... it's pretty much my go-to replacement for a street truck.
Xreas replacement with Bilstein 4600
I'm new to this forum and this is my first post.
I have a 04 4Runner sports trim with 154000 miles. I was experiencing very rough ride on the vehicle for a while. After reading multiple posts on this forum that were very similar to my ride experience, I decided to replace XREAS shocks on my truck with after market shocks.
I don't do any offloading and mostly have city drive. I'm more concerned about ride comfort and was not looking for for any lift.
So here is my story;
I went with Bilstein 4600 HD shocks in front and back. I didn't replace the spring and reused the stock springs.
I went with 4600 as I was not looking for any lift ( at least this is what I understood after reading several posts with difference b/w 4600 vs. 5100). But after shock replacement the front height has gone up by approx 3".
As per my understanding the 4600 should provide the stock height.
Before replacement (measured from center of rim to wheel wall) :
Front : ~19"
Rear : ~ 21'
The reason I used the approx as I my talking off my memory. Though, I did measure but not recorded values.
After replacement :
Front : 22 3/4 (Right)
Front : 22 1/2 (left - Driver side)
Rear : 21 3/3 (Right)
Rear : 21 3/4 (left - Driver side)
The truck looks higher in front than rear (I know it is about inch lower in rear).
But main concern is the ride quality has not improved and it feels like floating even driving on small bumps.
Also, I had stabilizer links replaced on both side and had alignment done as well.
I'm new to this forum and this is my first post.
I have a 04 4Runner sports trim with 154000 miles. I was experiencing very rough ride on the vehicle for a while. After reading multiple posts on this forum that were very similar to my ride experience, I decided to replace XREAS shocks on my truck with after market shocks.
I don't do any offloading and mostly have city drive. I'm more concerned about ride comfort and was not looking for for any lift.
So here is my story;
I went with Bilstein 4600 HD shocks in front and back. I didn't replace the spring and reused the stock springs.
I went with 4600 as I was not looking for any lift ( at least this is what I understood after reading several posts with difference b/w 4600 vs. 5100). But after shock replacement the front height has gone up by approx 3".
As per my understanding the 4600 should provide the stock height.
Before replacement (measured from center of rim to wheel wall) :
Front : ~19"
Rear : ~ 21'
The reason I used the approx as I my talking off my memory. Though, I did measure but not recorded values.
After replacement :
Front : 22 3/4 (Right)
Front : 22 1/2 (left - Driver side)
Rear : 21 3/3 (Right)
Rear : 21 3/4 (left - Driver side)
The truck looks higher in front than rear (I know it is about inch lower in rear).
But main concern is the ride quality has not improved and it feels like floating even driving on small bumps.
Also, I had stabilizer links replaced on both side and had alignment done as well.
Gromforlife
New member
I've got my 5100's coming in tomorrow. The goal is to replace the X-REAS system in my 03 Limited with them this weekend. I'm planning on staying with the stock front springs and rear "air suspension". It's my understanding that doing just this will help me see a big improvement over my "blown out" (technical term used by Toyota dealer) struts currently. I may end up adding the springs down the road, but I just bought this vehicle so I'm not going all the way in yet.
I'm really hoping my assumptions/understanding is correct.
I'm really hoping my assumptions/understanding is correct.
Bumbo
New member
I've got my 5100's coming in tomorrow. The goal is to replace the X-REAS system in my 03 Limited with them this weekend. I'm planning on staying with the stock front springs and rear "air suspension". It's my understanding that doing just this will help me see a big improvement over my "blown out" (technical term used by Toyota dealer) struts currently. I may end up adding the springs down the road, but I just bought this vehicle so I'm not going all the way in yet.
I'm really hoping my assumptions/understanding is correct.
The cost of springs IMO are minimal, if you think you are going to change it down the road, then I would at least weight your options now.
If you are paying someone to do the work, then the only downside is having to pay labor twice. Its pretty much the same job regardless of spring or shock.
If you are installing it, then no big deal. That said... Its a very easy install if you get someone like wheelers to build the fronts and shipped complete. Its just a drop-in install at that point.
[MENTION=144483]Bumbo[/MENTION]
Thank you for reply.
Are you suggesting to replace front springs only? or both front and back?
I'm wondering if the issue could be related to incorrect install as I reached out to shockwave customer support and they indicated that only few time they heard this issue and it was due to incorrect strut plate install. Not sure though, the install looks fine
I'm thinking to get the 5100 and replace the spring as well.
Thoughts?
Thanks
Thank you for reply.
Are you suggesting to replace front springs only? or both front and back?
I'm wondering if the issue could be related to incorrect install as I reached out to shockwave customer support and they indicated that only few time they heard this issue and it was due to incorrect strut plate install. Not sure though, the install looks fine
I'm thinking to get the 5100 and replace the spring as well.
Thoughts?
Thanks
Bumbo
New member
[MENTION=176268]earsali[/MENTION]
I wasn't necessarily suggesting anything... I was trying to troubleshoot the problem.
I don't have experience with the shock you have, but from what I read it should be valved very similar if not the same as the 5100.
That said, I know what a 5100 rides like, and floaty isn't one of the characteristics.
The only time I can see the spring feeding "bounce" is if the rate is way too soft, but the damper is supposed to control the load. Perhaps there is a problem with the shock?
Are you carrying stock weights? No heavy loads?
I wasn't necessarily suggesting anything... I was trying to troubleshoot the problem.
I don't have experience with the shock you have, but from what I read it should be valved very similar if not the same as the 5100.
That said, I know what a 5100 rides like, and floaty isn't one of the characteristics.
The only time I can see the spring feeding "bounce" is if the rate is way too soft, but the damper is supposed to control the load. Perhaps there is a problem with the shock?
Are you carrying stock weights? No heavy loads?
