RainyDayRunner
New member
I don't have the requisite replies to post in this sub, so I added a post to the New Members section. Is there any way you, or someone, can pull that to this sub so it has better exposure? Thanks in advance!
Bilstein 5100 Install on 5th Gen - Safe for novice?
- Thread starter 4RunnerAU
- Start date
Got bad news...You're gonna have to take your struts out...I can almost guarantee you installed the bottom set pieces upside down.
RainyDayRunner
New member
Nailed it!
I actually kind of take it as good news since it means I didn't order the wrong parts or anything.
Every now and then, we all do something that leaves you feeling like a total idiot. It mostly happens when we're young, but it still happens on occasion even as you get older.
As I was going to post the pictures of my installation, I looked at those coil seats and it just hit me. Those bastards are on upside down! DAMMIT!! I did have to take them off and do the whole thing over again. Flipped the coil seats, and bingo! It worked! Compressing those springs was not fun. They were beyond tight in that little space!
But now that I am done, I am super happy with the results! I also installed rear airbags and can see when they will come in very handy for heavy loads. I love this thing more and more every day!
I actually kind of take it as good news since it means I didn't order the wrong parts or anything.
Every now and then, we all do something that leaves you feeling like a total idiot. It mostly happens when we're young, but it still happens on occasion even as you get older.
As I was going to post the pictures of my installation, I looked at those coil seats and it just hit me. Those bastards are on upside down! DAMMIT!! I did have to take them off and do the whole thing over again. Flipped the coil seats, and bingo! It worked! Compressing those springs was not fun. They were beyond tight in that little space!
But now that I am done, I am super happy with the results! I also installed rear airbags and can see when they will come in very handy for heavy loads. I love this thing more and more every day!
1engineer
Moderator
...and I just started a new thread for you. I'll delete it.
jayhat
New member
I am going to do the same thing once I decide to replace the suspension. it's just a bit more involved than I want to go or am comfortable with. I am running into the same problem though. I called all around and so far have not been able to find anyone that installs client purchased parts. Also no Bilstein "dealers" withing 150 miles of here (have to take a 3+ hour trip). All the shops around here install a bunch of cheaper no-name stuff and spacers (probably the most common thing that's easy to make money on). Most people around seem to get lifts installed at Lew Schwab Tire shop and they have these non-brand name kits they use... not sure how I feel about those.
Bigbakes68
New member
5100 kit plus removing Xreas
Don't mean to thread jack but it won't let me post one yet. I've been quoted by a local Toyota dealer $1400 in labor to do the 5100 bilstiens. I have a limited with Xreas they claim they would remove the system and that's why the price is so high? Anyone have any experience with removing the system? I think 1400 in labor seems crazy and was told it would be done in one day. Thanks in advance.
Don't mean to thread jack but it won't let me post one yet. I've been quoted by a local Toyota dealer $1400 in labor to do the 5100 bilstiens. I have a limited with Xreas they claim they would remove the system and that's why the price is so high? Anyone have any experience with removing the system? I think 1400 in labor seems crazy and was told it would be done in one day. Thanks in advance.
It's an extra step, but it's not difficult. Seems like a stretch, but if they have to charge you "book" hours maybe it all adds up. If you have a free weekend and tools, I would recommend doing it yourself if that's the best quote you're getting.
Heck even if it was half that quote, I'd DIY. But that's just me.
My son and I installed the Bilstein 5100's on my new 2018 TRD Offroad last night.
Mine has the KDSS. The hardest part for us was re installing the sway bar. Other than that, it was pretty straight forward.
Please note: We have built a couple of cars in the past, 65 Mustang/ 71 Vette. So we have some experience. 4x4 stuff is a bit new.
I recommend that you search for youtube video's, watch a few of them and make the determination if you want to tackle it.
It took us 4.5 hours. The first shock took a bit longer than the second one.
BTW I set my shocks at the 1.75" setting, and it leveled the truck perfectly in my mind.
One small issue with "KDSS Lean", I am confident I will get that sorted out when I balance it.
Mine has the KDSS. The hardest part for us was re installing the sway bar. Other than that, it was pretty straight forward.
Please note: We have built a couple of cars in the past, 65 Mustang/ 71 Vette. So we have some experience. 4x4 stuff is a bit new.
I recommend that you search for youtube video's, watch a few of them and make the determination if you want to tackle it.
It took us 4.5 hours. The first shock took a bit longer than the second one.
BTW I set my shocks at the 1.75" setting, and it leveled the truck perfectly in my mind.
One small issue with "KDSS Lean", I am confident I will get that sorted out when I balance it.
DougR
Member
Dealer Costs
A dealer in Phoenix quotes $1345 to install OEM shocks and perform an alignment on a 5th gen Trail with KDSS.
A dealer in Phoenix quotes $1345 to install OEM shocks and perform an alignment on a 5th gen Trail with KDSS.
Seaaggie89
New member
XREAS- do rear myself and farm out the front?
First post here. If i disconnect the hydraulic lines at the check valve so the oild doesn't leak out, can i do my rear shocks myself and take the car to a shop for the fronts? Or will the fronts depressurize in that case? I can easily do the rears and hate paying someone to do it.
Thanks,
Dave
First post here. If i disconnect the hydraulic lines at the check valve so the oild doesn't leak out, can i do my rear shocks myself and take the car to a shop for the fronts? Or will the fronts depressurize in that case? I can easily do the rears and hate paying someone to do it.
Thanks,
Dave
