Bilstein 5100 Series - 5th Gen

So i have 5100s with 5th gen stock springs on my 2003 Limited V8 I like the ride stiff but absorbs bumps well but I am not sure if i would like it compared to the XRES we have on our 2014. What would I gain by going with a 6112 / 5160 setup over 5100s all around on our 2014 Limited?

i have a 2012 trail and have the same exact question. i was originally looking to do the 6112/5160 set up...
 
Ok, so, is there any benefit to these shock with absolutely NO lift. I mean none, nada. I am not interested in lifting this thing any higher than it is, but am interested in eliminating the brake dive and squishy handling on solid roads. I am very weary of going down the suspension rabbit hole. Been there done that before with sports sedans.

And yes, I've looked through a lot of suspension posts and about everyone has the objective of lifting or "stancing" these vehicles, so really can't find an answer to this.
 
Ok, so, is there any benefit to these shock with absolutely NO lift. I mean none, nada. I am not interested in lifting this thing any higher than it is, but am interested in eliminating the brake dive and squishy handling on solid roads. I am very weary of going down the suspension rabbit hole. Been there done that before with sports sedans.

And yes, I've looked through a lot of suspension posts and about everyone has the objective of lifting or "stancing" these vehicles, so really can't find an answer to this.

I would say there's definitely a benefit! When I switched from stock shocks to 5100's on my 2018 TRD ORP, it was a reduction in nosedive and body roll (I used the .85" setting). The stock shocks are absolute junk compared to these in my opinion.

In fact, when the X-REAS shocks need to be replaced on my 2012 Limited , I'll be putting 5100s on and may just decide to leave it at stock height. You could always go to the Bilstein 4600 since you want no lift, but I'd stick with the 5100s because they barely cost more money ($20-$30 for the set). You'll find some people say the 4600 and 5100 are essentially the same, but you'll also find plenty to the contrary so I'd go with 5100's to be safe since I liked the way they handled.
 
I've been planning for Bilstein since I got my 4Runner. the 5100s look fantastic, but I have a question:

I'm not planning a lift, so can the 4600s be used instead? I came across information that the 4600 and 5100 are valved differently, and would like to find out the differences, if any.

Or maybe I should just go with the 5100s all around; after reading how they change ride and handling, it would be a mistake to go with any other brand.

Thanks for the input, especially from the OP.
 
I've been planning for Bilstein since I got my 4Runner. the 5100s look fantastic, but I have a question:

I'm not planning a lift, so can the 4600s be used instead? I came across information that the 4600 and 5100 are valved differently, and would like to find out the differences, if any.

Or maybe I should just go with the 5100s all around; after reading how they change ride and handling, it would be a mistake to go with any other brand.

Thanks for the input, especially from the OP.

Like I mentioned in my post above, I’d just roll the 5100s due to the minimal increase in cost and known performance. Good luck finding definitive answers because there is a lot of contradictory information. Plus I think the silver looks a bit cooler, haha.
 
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I've had these shocks on now for about 5 days, driven almost 200 miles. I have the front setting at .85. I didn't want to go higher. As-is, it's exactly one inch lower in the front after the install.

These shocks made a bigger improvement that I expected. The nose dive while breaking is just about gone. The 4R is firmer/tighter overall. If anyone is concerned with the 'firm' comments in other posts don't be. These things should ride like this from the factory. The best way to describe the factory shocks is 'sloppy'.
 
I've had these shocks on now for about 5 days, driven almost 200 miles. I have the front setting at .85. I didn't want to go higher. As-is, it's exactly one inch lower in the front after the install.

These shocks made a bigger improvement that I expected. The nose dive while breaking is just about gone. The 4R is firmer/tighter overall. If anyone is concerned with the 'firm' comments in other posts don't be. These things should ride like this from the factory. The best way to describe the factory shocks is 'sloppy'.

Can you keep the stock ride height, or do you have to lift?
 
Bought my daughter a ‘15 model trail and have blacked out logos, wrapped the roof rack in matte and plan to add matte black sema wheels and a beefier tire.
I had a local garage install Bilstein 5100s on front (.75) and rear w/o rear spacers stock springs. I drove it over the weekend and the front shocks were making a popping noise when riding over bumps or train tracks. I took it back and the mechanic said the shock threads bottomed out on top of the spring. He said he had to add a spacer he found lying around in his garage to put on top of shock.
Is it me or is there something missing here? I want to take it to another shop and have them check the work but wanted some informed opinions from here too. That is why I joined this site. There seem to be a bunch of enthusiasts who probably know more about Toyotas than your typical small town mechanic.
 

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Bought my daughter a ‘15 model trail and have blacked out logos, wrapped the roof rack in matte and plan to add matte black sema wheels and a beefier tire.
I had a local garage install Bilstein 5100s on front (.75) and rear w/o rear spacers stock springs. I drove it over the weekend and the front shocks were making a popping noise when riding over bumps or train tracks. I took it back and the mechanic said the shock threads bottomed out on top of the spring. He said he had to add a spacer he found lying around in his garage to put on top of shock.
Is it me or is there something missing here? I want to take it to another shop and have them check the work but wanted some informed opinions from here too. That is why I joined this site. There seem to be a bunch of enthusiasts who probably know more about Toyotas than your typical small town mechanic.

Yes, you are at least missing the isolation bushing and washer under the nut. Should look like this.
 

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KP Texan
Thanks! That makes sense. I’m going to order some and put them on. Great Forum.
Thanks Again!
 
I've had these shocks on now for about 5 days, driven almost 200 miles. I have the front setting at .85. I didn't want to go higher. As-is, it's exactly one inch lower in the front after the install.

These shocks made a bigger improvement that I expected. The nose dive while breaking is just about gone. The 4R is firmer/tighter overall. If anyone is concerned with the 'firm' comments in other posts don't be. These things should ride like this from the factory. The best way to describe the factory shocks is 'sloppy'.

I agree. I installed mine about the same time as you and the ride/nose dive is definitely better. I added the 10mm spacer in the rear so I still have some factory rake. Happy with the result.
 
Any black Friday sales?
I'm looking at getting these to help with the ride but I will also want to add some new coils to give me a bit more of a lift.

How hard are these to install on your own?

Thanks
 
Any black Friday sales?
I'm looking at getting these to help with the ride but I will also want to add some new coils to give me a bit more of a lift.

How hard are these to install on your own?

Thanks
I know this is about Bilsteins, but Eibach has their complete lift with shocks & springs on sale right now...just an idea.
 

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