Bilstein 5100 long time reviews?

[theoutbackdream]

Many of those failures were shortly after installation which may say something about the...installation process eep: obviously not every one, but we're all human.

I've moved the ring spot 3 times with no worries. just be sure not to stretch it, take your time, and make sure everything is surgically clean.

The design is effective because the spring seat is tapered so the force on the ring is inward, not downward. but before you let the force onto it, things can move, crap can get in there, etc. that will affect its job. Keep an eye on it, and that the spring is in the seat properly- if not all the springs weight wont be even.

My only long term concern is corrosion, but i'm sure my frame will rot through or ill be onto a different suspension setup before that happens.

You do have a point. Most of these instances, if I recall, did happen shortly after adjusting the collar.

Two questions then since I did end up ordering the 5100's..

1. Is there a to way know that the clip is in properly?
2. Do I need a special tool to open the clip and move it on the collars?

 

[theoutbackdream]

but most if not all instances are due installing a spring with a high spring rate like a OME 885 on the upper notches which puts added strain on the ring. :evil:

I've read that they've failed on a wide range of springs.. OEM's.. FJC's... OME's.. Nothing for the Moog's though. haha

 

[theoutbackdream]

Good to know. I just checked my boxes in my garage, rear come with them, but not fronts. Why couldn't they reuse the bushings? That will be my plan when I replace mine.

My noob guess is that they don't want to reuse an old bushing when a new bushing could easily be installed at the same time the suspension went in.

 

[theoutbackdream]

I ran the 5100s for close to 100k with FJ springs which was a very noticeable and appreciated upgrade from stock. Never had any issues with the c-clips. The key to that is to only spread the c-clip just enough to move it when adjusting height and make sure it's fully seated. I don't abuse my 4runners but I do take them offroad and put them through their paces. I was impressed by the 5100s so I'm now running 6112's with 700 lb King springs on my 4th gen. Hopefully they'll hold up just as well.

What kind offroading are you doing? I don't plan on anything crazy where i'm jumping the truck or anything, but I do plan to drive on dirt trails and some light rock crawling.

What kind of tool did you use to spread the c-clip? How did you know that the c-clip was in perfectly?

 

[gm350reratliff]

What kind offroading are you doing? I don't plan on anything crazy where i'm jumping the truck or anything, but I do plan to drive on dirt trails and some light rock crawling.

What kind of tool did you use to spread the c-clip? How did you know that the c-clip was in perfectly?

Off-roading varied from desert fire roads to crawling around on rocks. Mostly rough dirt roads in the local forests at a moderate pace.

I have some 90 degree c-clip pliers that work perfect for these. You know that the c-clip is in all the way when it will spin in the slot. If it's not seated you can't spin it at all. It's also pretty easy to tell visually. The coil seat sits on the c-clip but also fits tightly around it so the c-clip can't spread outward and jump out of the slot.

 

[mikesam82]

Good to know. I just checked my boxes in my garage, rear come with them, but not fronts. Why couldn't they reuse the bushings? That will be my plan when I replace mine.

His report is that they were badly worn, and/or had to be cut in order to remove. When I told him Bilstein's response that most will reuse the ones that are already on, his reply was something to the effect of "that'd be like taking a shower, and putting your dirty clothes back on after". 90% of shock absorbers come with what you need, apparently Bilstein feels otherwise.

Another poster asked why I wouldn't have opened the box to check its contents - I did, but frankly I wouldn't know what was needed anyway, so I similarly wouldn't know what was missing. For the life of me, I cannot imagine why critical hardware wouldn't come with the shocks.

I found these, which should do the trick. I'm having them overnighted to the mechanic, which should put this to bed.

 

[theoutbackdream]

Off-roading varied from desert fire roads to crawling around on rocks. Mostly rough dirt roads in the local forests at a moderate pace.

I have some 90 degree c-clip pliers that work perfect for these. You know that the c-clip is in all the way when it will spin in the slot. If it's not seated you can't spin it at all. It's also pretty easy to tell visually. The coil seat sits on the c-clip but also fits tightly around it so the c-clip can't spread outward and jump out of the slot.

Sounds like exactly what i'll be doing.

Good to know! I'll keep that in mind when doing the install

Thanks!