Bilstein 5100 Install on 5th Gen - Safe for novice?

[4RunnerAU]

I received Bilsteins as a birthday present for my 15 SR5. I am eager to get them installed (still debating 1.75 vs 0.85) but not sure if I should pay someone or do it myself. Cost to install in Atlanta is anywhere from $240-$400, excluding alignment, which I feel is pretty pricey, hence why I am considering installing myself.

I am a relative novice when it comes to vehicle mods - I've installed CAIs, CBs, side mirrors etc, but nothing of this magnitude. I am a tad scared to screw up my vehicle.

While I've read a bit on here (and elsewhere) about the install, still not sure I can gauge difficulty, especially from novice perspective (I've learned to automatically assume everyone on here is handier than me).

Can any novices chime in who attempted this install, regardless of good/bad outcome? If it matters, I would probably use the non-spring compressor method.

TIA!

 

[Runn4est]

Haven't done shocks on the Runner yet, but I have done shocks on all of my previous cars and friends cars since HS. First time I did it...I was a rookie! We all start off there If you take your time (and remember how things go back together), you should be just fine.

I've heard the standard spring compressors might not fit properly on our springs, but it might be worth a shot since Advance Auto have "free" rentals on their tools.

 

[codyHTX]

Can any novices chime in who attempted this install, regardless of good/bad outcome? If it matters, I would probably use the non-spring compressor method.

TIA!

it is very doable even for a novice if:
you have the proper tools/gear to do it safely (adequate floor jack/stands, torque wrench to name a few)
you follow the steps/procedure properly to do it safely
you have a friend (experience preferred, not required) to help you do it safely

(there's a recurring motif in my answer to your question)

check the Georgia subforum threads too, I'm sure someone would be willing to lend you a hand for a few beers

 

[STX4Runner]

You should be fine if you follow the instructions you've found on here and if you can use hand tools. You'll need a flat driveway or garage with room to move around, a floor jack, jack stands, various hand tools and a breaker bar. I also have a cheepie Harbor Freight electric impact wrench that speeds up lug nut removal and makes it easier to break some stubborn bolts and nuts loose. A torque wrench is also good for putting everything back together. For your first time, budget a weekend to get it finished. Check out these threads:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...%92s-ideas-since-mid-2010-a-6.html#post754964

This one is for KDSS, but some of the steps are the same.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/154230-how-lift-installation-kdss-equipped-vehicles.html

 

[jwkilgore]

Rear install:
Exceptionally easy, just remember to disconnect your stabilizer bar. Jack up the vehicle, take off one wheel, disconnect stabilizer, remove bolts holding shock, install bolts holding new shock. Put everything back together in reverse then do other side. If you are also installing a rear lift (spring or spacer) do this before installing the new shock, and you'll likely have to force the axle down some way (I used the OEM bottle jack).

EDIT to add: Sorry, stabilizer disconnect isn't needed for swapping out the rear shocks. Only needed if you are installing a lift. So skip that step.

Front install:
This is much more difficult and requires some tools and preferably some competent help. I installed a spacer lift myself, but it was a pain and I didn't have to deal with compressing springs. One easy solution to the spring compression problem is to uninstall the stock coilover assemblies as intact units and take them to a local shop. Pay the shop $20-$50 (or whatever) to disassemble the OEM coilover and reassemble using the 5100's. Otherwise there are several go-by's here (with pictures) describing the process using either rented/borrowed coil compressors or even without a coil compressor.

 

[jbjones85]

Pretty easy as long as you are somewhat mechanically inclined and take your time. I would start with the rear to build your confidence and it is considerably easier as well then move to the font. If you have a second pair of hands it would make it even easier.

 

[philsey]

All the wrenches will say "no prob" - because they know how. If you're not a wrench, don't go where you don't belong. I do everything I can do, but if I don't know what I'm doing then I pay someone who does.

Exception would be a buddy who does know ... then you can learn.

 

[1engineer]

All the wrenches will say "no prob" - because they know how. If you're not a wrench, don't go where you don't belong. I do everything I can do, but if I don't know what I'm doing then I pay someone who does.

Exception would be a buddy who does know ... then you can learn.

Best post.^
Know when to say when. Sure, this is an easy mod with just unbolting and re-bolting but... there are people out there who couldn't chance out a license plate. If you are that guy then you shouldn't do this mod.

 

[phx4rnr]

check the Georgia subforum threads too, I'm sure someone would be willing to lend you a hand for a few beers

All the wrenches will say "no prob" - because they know how. If you're not a wrench, don't go where you don't belong. I do everything I can do, but if I don't know what I'm doing then I pay someone who does.

Exception would be a buddy who does know ... then you can learn.

Best post.^
Know when to say when. Sure, this is an easy mod with just unbolting and re-bolting but... there are people out there who couldn't chance out a license plate. If you are that guy then you shouldn't do this mod.

Agree with all 3 of these. I did mine with a buddy who has done his own suspension on a few different vehicles, and it was no walk in the park. I would pay someone if I had to do it all over again. But definitely check the georgia forums or your local 4runner groups on Facebook. You might find someone that works for toyota, that does work on the side for much cheaper. I know of a few people in our local group that do that.

 

[3wbdriver]

I've installed my skids, rear bumper, roof rack, sliders, and after watching it done I could have installed my front bumper. The rear shocks aren't difficult if you want to save some on labor. While I have the technical skills and tools to do it I paid a dealer not quite $500 to install all 4 and have the alignment done. I didn't want to be the one who broke my ABS wires due to ignorance. Just some food for thought.

 

[4RunnerAU]

Best post.^

Know when to say when. Sure, this is an easy mod with just unbolting and re-bolting but... there are people out there who couldn't chance out a license plate. If you are that guy then you shouldn't do this mod.

I just think I'm somewhere in-between - not the guy who can rebuild an engine but I can change the oil (with instructions). I'm not adverse to doing it myself, but would rather bite the bullet and pay someone else if there are lots of opportunities to cause permanent damage to my 4runner because I've never done it before.

 

[BLACK-FL4RUNNER]

If you are not 100% sure of yourself, or have a friend that is confident they can assist you, just pay to have the fronts done at a shop. There is the possibility of hurting yourself if you don't do everything correctly. Just my 2cents

 

[philsey]

I received Bilsteins as a birthday present for my 15 SR5. I am eager to get them installed (still debating 1.75 vs 0.85) but not sure if I should pay someone or do it myself. Cost to install in Atlanta is anywhere from $240-$400, excluding alignment, which I feel is pretty pricey, hence why I am considering installing myself.

I am a relative novice when it comes to vehicle mods - I've installed CAIs, CBs, side mirrors etc, but nothing of this magnitude. I am a tad scared to screw up my vehicle.

While I've read a bit on here (and elsewhere) about the install, still not sure I can gauge difficulty, especially from novice perspective (I've learned to automatically assume everyone on here is handier than me).

Can any novices chime in who attempted this install, regardless of good/bad outcome? If it matters, I would probably use the non-spring compressor method.

TIA!

I rest my case....

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/216629-5100-install-problem.html

:lookout:

 

[Antman]

I just think I'm somewhere in-between - not the guy who can rebuild an engine but I can change the oil (with instructions). I'm not adverse to doing it myself, but would rather bite the bullet and pay someone else if there are lots of opportunities to cause permanent damage to my 4runner because I've never done it before.

I don't want to sound like a douche here but if you need instructions to change your oil then I would say get a friend to help or pay someone else.

 

[Cymon]

I don't want to sound like a douche here but if you need instructions to change your oil then I would say get a friend to help or pay someone else.

Of course not....but the truth is the truth!:hiding:

 

[catrains]

the bad outcome would be you get injured . the vehicle not much can get broken. I would say do it if you have a person that changed out struts before , help you thru this , then you will know what not to do , that is dangerous.

I have done struts.springs before so having a coil spring compressor tool is the best way to go. the safest way to go ..

 

[4RunnerAU]

I don't want to sound like a douche here but if you need instructions to change your oil then I would say get a friend to help or pay someone else.

Do you see the irony in your response? Or do I need to give you a 60 picture detailed walkthrough on something that's so simple you should be able to figure it out on your own without detailed instructions?

I mean, you of all people should know that needing instructions to change the oil on your 4Runner probably isn't sufficient evidence to conclude someone's not capable of performing this mod. Not saying you're wrong in my case, but I'm hard pressed to think that none of the thousands of people who have used your write-up are qualified to perform this mod.

Obviously not trying to sound like a douche. Just had to point that out because I found it funny.

 

[Antman]

I have done struts.springs before so having a coil spring compressor tool is the best way to go. the safest way to go ..

I disagree- safer WITHOUT the compressor IMO.

Do you see the irony in your response? Or do I need to give you a 60 picture detailed walkthrough on something that's so simple you should be able to figure it out on your own without detailed instructions?

I mean, you of all people should know that needing instructions to change the oil on your 4Runner probably isn't sufficient evidence to conclude someone's not capable of performing this mod. Not saying you're wrong in my case, but I'm hard pressed to think that none of the thousands of people who have used your write-up are qualified to perform this mod.

Obviously not trying to sound like a douche. Just had to point that out because I found it funny.

I see the irony- but then, I didn't need instructions to make the tutorial...:becky:

Here's the deal- problems always arise- you need experience to overcome these problems/issues, or you will wind up with a stressful time during the install.


If you have done suspension work before, it will be relatively easy and fun!

 

[philsey]

Antman has this gigantic big toe from dropping tools on it ... and, and, once ...... when he was changing his oil, this spider bit him ....

 

[Antman]

Antman has this gigantic big toe from dropping tools on it ... and, and, once ...... when he was changing his oil, this spider bit him ....

You have no idea- I'm scared like a little girl of spiders now. Seriously.