Bilstein 5100 lift questions

E

Enduro414

New member
First off I want to say that I did use the search function and read up on as much as I could on the subject, but if I missed something that has been beaten to death, my apologies. Secondly, I am mechanically inclined (but no god by any means), however suspension is a whole new ballgame I am just diving into and do not know too much about. The purpose of the lift is to be able to fit larger AT/MT tires than the 265/70/16 that are on their now. Not sure of what size, I just want to have to trim as little as possible (for now).

I have a 2009 4Runner Trail, so it came from factory with 5100's. After browsing posts for the past 1/2 hr, I read that the OEM 5100's might be different than actual Bilstein 5100's. I find that hard to believe, but if anyone could confirm one or the other that would be great.

I know that these shocks have different groves and will probably end up setting it on the 2.5" grove. From what I read this would increase ride stiffness, which I wouldn't really mind(I am used to 10-12 ply tires on my buddies 2500/F250's for our desert trips).

I did notice that there were a ton of posts of people changing the coils out for FJ/Toytec/etc as well as running spacers (mainly in the rear)when they were doing the lift. I am not into spacer lifts and was wondering if the stock coils would be just fine for a long term application at the max setting and if there was any downside to this (other than stiffness). If they are not, then I will have to splurge on coils and will take any info regarding them.

I am new to the 4Runner world, bought my baby in January this year and still becoming familiar with the vehicle and doing things the correct way.

Thanks,

Chris
 
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Enduro414 said:
First off I want to say that I did use the search function and read up on as much as I could on the subject, but if I missed something that has been beaten to death, my apologies. Secondly, I am mechanically inclined (but no god by any means), however suspension is a whole new ballgame I am just diving into and do not know too much about. The purpose of the lift is to be able to fit larger AT/MT tires than the 265/70/16 that are on their now. Not sure of what size, I just want to have to trim as little as possible (for now).

I have a 2009 4Runner Trail, so it came from factory with 5100's. After browsing posts for the past 1/2 hr, I read that the OEM 5100's might be different than actual Bilstein 5100's. I find that hard to believe, but if anyone could confirm one or the other that would be great.

I know that these shocks have different groves and will probably end up setting it on the 2.5" grove. From what I read this would increase ride stiffness, which I wouldn't really mind(I am used to 10-12 ply tires on my buddies 2500/F250's for our desert trips).

I did notice that there were a ton of posts of people changing the coils out for FJ/Toytec/etc as well as running spacers (mainly in the rear)when they were doing the lift. I am not into spacer lifts and was wondering if the stock coils would be just fine for a long term application at the max setting and if there was any downside to this (other than stiffness). If they are not, then I will have to splurge on coils and will take any info regarding them.

I am new to the 4Runner world, bought my baby in January this year and still becoming familiar with the vehicle and doing things the correct way.

Thanks,

Chris
Click to expand...
So you have searched Ark's sticky ? Pretty much all there !
 
Been there & ........... so they say only live once , I personally don't but man spring break F-it !! And if you don't like what's Ark's sticky says many posts n Lift & tire with all your ? Kinda depends on how rough of ride you want to tolerate if you go springs only w/o spacers so slow down & read , but Ochem 1st
 
5100s are not stock

Bilstein 5100s are height adjustable on the fronts. Bilstein HDs are not height adjustable.

OEM Bilstein are very similar to the HDs. So unless yours have been upgraded, yours are not adjustable
 
Dr. Gonzo said:
5100s are not stock

Bilstein 5100s are height adjustable on the fronts. Bilstein HDs are not height adjustable.

OEM Bilstein are very similar to the HDs. So unless yours have been upgraded, yours are not adjustable
Click to expand...

Gotcha, I have not had time to look at them intensively. Will do that tomorrow between classes. The previous owner had a rubberized underbody spray and rust coating put on which covered everything to the point that I could not tell if it was adjustable or not at a quick glance.

From what I can tell, running OME 885/895 coils should provide the same lift on the lowest setting of 51s... which would be similar to the 51HDs height correct?
 
A couple notes, some just confirming what's already been said.
-The stock Bilsteins are not adjustable, they are made by Bilstein for Toyota.
-It's speculated the specs are very similar, main difference being the 5100's are adjustable and longer for lifted applications.
-It's only the front 5100's that are adjustable, the rears are not. This is why people use spacers on the rear.
-The higher you set the fronts, the stiffer the ride will get. However, even at the max setting (2.5") the ride is still very good.
-Adding OME 884 coils (v6) or OME 885 coils (v8) to the front would give you ~3" lift. Unless you are adding a rear bumper, I'd suggest Toytec Superflex coils for the rear, they are 10% stiffer than stock (OME 895s are ~40% stiffer than stock)
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
A couple notes, some just confirming what's already been said.
-The stock Bilsteins are not adjustable, they are made by Bilstein for Toyota.
-It's speculated the specs are very similar, main difference being the 5100's are adjustable and longer for lifted applications.
-It's only the front 5100's that are adjustable, the rears are not. This is why people use spacers on the rear.
-The higher you set the fronts, the stiffer the ride will get. However, even at the max setting (2.5") the ride is still very good.
-Adding OME 884 coils (v6) or OME 885 coils (v8) to the front would give you ~3" lift. Unless you are adding a rear bumper, I'd suggest Toytec Superflex coils for the rear, they are 10% stiffer than stock (OME 895s are ~40% stiffer than stock)
Click to expand...

The info on the post you wrote was of great help, along with gaterose's addition to tire sizes.

I was half brain dead last night when I was writing my last post. I understand that the 51HD are non adjustable (look smaller as well) compared to the 51's. What I mean in my previous post was that the height of 51HD are equal to 51's on the stock setting (correct?) so adding superflex/ OME coils would basically provide the ~3" lift. (if I am understanding correctly).

Now I understand why people are running spacers.

I do plan on running aftermarket bumpers later down the road which is why I was thinking OME over Toytec. If the 51HD's would work (for now), I would probably run them until I got the bumpers, or got sick of them/ they broke. Or would be be wise to just go with the 5100's right at the get go. (which is what I am thinking, but paying for college out of pocket to avoid loans is starting to break the mod budget a little)

Thanks again for your input Ark


Chris
 
Enduro414 said:
The info on the post you wrote was of great help, along with gaterose's addition to tire sizes.

I was half brain dead last night when I was writing my last post. I understand that the 51HD are non adjustable (look smaller as well) compared to the 51's. What I mean in my previous post was that the height of 51HD are equal to 51's on the stock setting (correct?) so adding superflex/ OME coils would basically provide the ~3" lift. (if I am understanding correctly).

Now I understand why people are running spacers.

I do plan on running aftermarket bumpers later down the road which is why I was thinking OME over Toytec. If the 51HD's would work (for now), I would probably run them until I got the bumpers, or got sick of them/ they broke. Or would be be wise to just go with the 5100's right at the get go. (which is what I am thinking, but paying for college out of pocket to avoid loans is starting to break the mod budget a little)

Thanks again for your input Ark


Chris
Click to expand...

There are three shocks we're talking about.
1. Stock Toyota Bilsteins
2. Bilstein HD's
3. Bilstein 5100's

The first two are very similar and neither are designed for lifts. They *can* be used, but it's not ideal. The 5100's are longer for lifted applications. I would suggest the 5100's since you will be lifting. You can use the adjustable perch to get lift on the front and a 1.5" rear spacer and you'll have a lift for cheap. When you add weight in the future, you can swap to OME coils at that point. Putting OME coils heavy enough to support a bumper now would result in a rough ride, so I would stick with stock or the lighter coils (884/885).
 
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