Bilstein 5100 rear shocks - why don't they fit?

jediwebdude

jediwebdude

New member
On the lower part of the shock, the metal bushing will not slide onto the pin.

Also, the top threaded rod is not long enough, or else the supplied rubber bushings are too thick. Can't get the nut on because the 4Runner mount bracket is thicker than what the Bilstein rod allows.

Anyone else ran into these problems?
 
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Is the bore of the offset spacer too small? I don't really understand what you are getting at exactly, got any pictures?

I've had this issue with some other vehicles, I can't remember if I had this problem with my lift kit when I installed it or not. But the easiest thing to do is get the shock installed and lined up with the rubber bushing on the bottom half installed. Then load up the rear axle, either by lowering the vehicle on its tires or using a jackstand to compress the axle while in the air. The compression force of the axle being loaded will squash the rubber bushing down some, exposing more thread so you can then thread the bushing and nut on and tighten it to spec.
 
Double check the part # on the shock (not the box). The first set I received actually had the wrong bushing in the lower mount on 1 of the shocks. It was too small (Tacoma iirc). The seller swapped them for me.

If they are just tight spray some soapy water or windex on the bushing and push it in. I find it easier to push them on without the top stud in the hole.
 
I agree with Blackworks, you should be able to make it work if put the weight of the 4R on the coils by lowering the truck or jacking up the axle. However if it won't reach now, I wonder if it is going to overextend when you flex.

Do you think it's because you're using 2" lift shocks with 3.5" lift springs?
 
BlackWorksInc said:
Is the bore of the offset spacer too small? I don't really understand what you are getting at exactly, got any pictures?
Click to expand...

The bottom end of the shock is supposed to slide onto the shock pin just below the axle. It won't slide on. I took the 4Runner to the mechanic who installed the Radflo suspension for me. He got under the truck with one of the Bilsteins and said "oh boy...not sure this will work." He's trying the install now.

BlackWorksInc said:
But the easiest thing to do is get the shock installed and lined up with the rubber bushing on the bottom half installed. Then load up the rear axle, either by lowering the vehicle on its tires or using a jackstand to compress the axle while in the air. The compression force of the axle being loaded will squash the rubber bushing down some, exposing more thread so you can then thread the bushing and nut on and tighten it to spec.
Click to expand...

I figured the compression would help, but since I couldn't get the shock to slide on, never got the chance.

ebg18t said:
Double check the part # on the shock (not the box). The first set I received actually had the wrong bushing in the lower mount on 1 of the shocks. It was too small (Tacoma iirc). The seller swapped them for me.

If they are just tight spray some soapy water or windex on the bushing and push it in. I find it easier to push them on without the top stud in the hole.
Click to expand...

I did put oil on the pic and inside the metal Bilstein piece. No luck. 4 Wheel Parts ordered the shocks for me based on what fit my 4Runner in their system. Maybe that's the problem.

gaterose said:
I agree with Blackworks, you should be able to make it work if put the weight of the 4R on the coils by lowering the truck or jacking up the axle. However if it won't reach now, I wonder if it is going to overextend when you flex.

Do you think it's because you're using 2" lift shocks with 3.5" lift springs?
Click to expand...

The 5100 4 Wheel Parts got for me is for 2"-3" lift. The 3.5" springs sit at about 3" since I have the CBI bumper/swingout.
 
My mechanic just texted me. He was able to get them on.

I am a bit concerned because while the 4 Wheel Parts software lists the shock as being for 2"-3" lift, the Bilstein USA site lists it as 2" lift only, whereas the one with the reservoir is for 2.5". Grrr.
 
You went from Rad's to Billy's? Mind if I ask why?

Also, the Billy's do take a little finesse to install. The upper stud is very short on mine as well, just long enough to get the nut on. and I usually get the lower pin in place by putting a jack underneath the axle and moving it into position until it lines up with the lower mount, then just persuade it on with a dead blow.
 
superman3043 said:
You went from Rad's to Billy's? Mind if I ask why?

Also, the Billy's do take a little finesse to install. The upper stud is very short on mine as well, just long enough to get the nut on. and I usually get the lower pin in place by putting a jack underneath the axle and moving it into position until it lines up with the lower mount, then just persuade it on with a dead blow.
Click to expand...

Because one of the Radflo shocks busted after only 12 months of use. The cost for a rebuild is more than the pair of Bilsteins (got the pair for $140). I realized the shock issue just days after the warranty expired.

Going with the Bilsteins was more of an urgent solution as that was all 4 Wheel Parts had in stock. I will live with these for a while...in the meantime, I will research to find what is the best quality shock. Pretty sad that Radflo shocks are the most expensive but are lame quality.
 
Ah 10-4. Yeah that sucks. I'm happy with my 5100's. Eventually I'll probably find an excuse to put some Fox's or something back there to match the front.
 
2005 4runner suspension overhaul

Hey guys. Im getting ready to do some work to my 4runner. I bought moog lower control arms for the fronts, my bushings on the left control arm are shot. Also replacing struts with Bilstein 5100 adjustable struts with Tacoma trd springs. Additionally I have bought matching rear bilstein 5100 shocks for the rear. Wondering what setting to go with for the front struts with the Taco springs. Also wondering if the rear shocks lift the rear end at all. I want a nice solid level look. Any thoughts or suggestions much appreciated.
 
Evinruud said:
Hey guys. Im getting ready to do some work to my 4runner. I bought moog lower control arms for the fronts, my bushings on the left control arm are shot. Also replacing struts with Bilstein 5100 adjustable struts with Tacoma trd springs. Additionally I have bought matching rear bilstein 5100 shocks for the rear. Wondering what setting to go with for the front struts with the Taco springs. Also wondering if the rear shocks lift the rear end at all. I want a nice solid level look. Any thoughts or suggestions much appreciated.
Click to expand...


If it's a v6 the bottom setting should level it the tacoma springs give more lift than fj's of it's a v8 I would try the .85 setting the rear shocks should provide no lift.
 
Evinruud said:
Hey guys. Im getting ready to do some work to my 4runner. I bought moog lower control arms for the fronts, my bushings on the left control arm are shot. Also replacing struts with Bilstein 5100 adjustable struts with Tacoma trd springs. Additionally I have bought matching rear bilstein 5100 shocks for the rear. Wondering what setting to go with for the front struts with the Taco springs. Also wondering if the rear shocks lift the rear end at all. I want a nice solid level look. Any thoughts or suggestions much appreciated.
Click to expand...

Rear shocks are not adjustable. As for the front I have mine @.85 with Taco coils and rear FJ. I got a slight rake just barely noticeable. Any more and you'll be reversed or just add daystar in the rear with 1.75 in the front if you want more lift. That will get you leveled.


I did had trouble installing the rear 5100 too as I expected it to fit exactly. Then I tried to put the stock shocks back on and it was not sliding on either so I knew the angle of the axle was off enough that it won't go back on unless you strong arm it. Which I did by putting the lower end first and then force the thread up top into its hole. Not the way I expected it but worked out just fine.
 
jediwebdude said:
On the lower part of the shock, the metal bushing will not slide onto the pin.

Also, the top threaded rod is not long enough, or else the supplied rubber bushings are too thick. Can't get the nut on because the 4Runner mount bracket is thicker than what the Bilstein rod allows.

Anyone else ran into these problems?
Click to expand...

Not sure about the lower part but I had the same complaint with the top threaded rod on my Icons. Took 20 mins per side to finally get the top nut on but once I caught some thread and tightened it down, it was fine. PITA though, I agree.
 
Received wrong shocks

ebg18t said:
Double check the part # on the shock (not the box). The first set I received actually had the wrong bushing in the lower mount on 1 of the shocks. It was too small (Tacoma iirc). The seller swapped them for me.

If they are just tight spray some soapy water or windex on the bushing and push it in. I find it easier to push them on without the top stud in the hole.
Click to expand...

So looks like I'm the idiot that didn't compare the new Billy 5100s to the OEM shocks, cause the new ones don't fit in the rear. Looks like Headstrong Offroad sent me Tacoma shocks!! And I already cut one oem shock off, yay!

Anyone know the real part number for the rear bilstein 5100? Cause its not 24-186728

I already put the fronts in, should I change these out you think?

How bad is it to drive with only one rear shock? ??
 
I did had trouble installing the rear 5100 too as I expected it to fit exactly. Then I tried to put the stock shocks back on and it was not sliding on either so I knew the angle of the axle had shifted enough that it won't go back on unless you strong arm it. Which I did by putting the lower end first and then force the thread up top into its hole. Not the way I expected it but worked out just fine.[/QUOTE]


How has this worked you for you? My 5100's are not lining up either, and I feel like I'll damage them if I force it. RCC springs not installed yet.

Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Kit for Toyota 4Runner 4WD 2003-09
Includes:
Front Ride Height Adjustable Shocks # 24-239370
Rear Shocks # 33-187174
 

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