Bilstein 5100s at .85" with stock springs

[stanleybb50]

Well - here's the results from today... I'm embaraased at how long it took me to finish the front.

I set the Billies at .85 but also added the Toytec 1/2'' (1'' net) spacer. It looks like I got exactly 2'' on the front from this.

I'll take some better/cleaner pictures tomorrow after I raise the back. I just gotta decide if I'm going to only use the 1'' rear with my stock coils or use the FJ rear coils I snagged, or maybe use both? I just don't want too much rake, especially with the current tires. Current measurements are as follows:

Fr Driver = 35''
Fr Passenger = 35 1/4''
Rr Driver = 35 3/4''
Rr Passenger = 36''

I can honestly say that the ride blew me away. Not harsh at all, but seemingly more controlled, and just absolutely soaks up all any imperfections in the road. Seriously - the Wife was impressed as well, which was one of my biggest concerns.

 

[09t4r-99taco]

Looks good ! Just curious, why did you add the spacer on the front instead of going to the 1.75 setting? Did you get any lift from the rear shocks (I'm still trying to figure that one out) ?

 

[stanleybb50]

Looks good ! Just curious, why did you add the spacer on the front instead of going to the 1.75 setting? Did you get any lift from the rear shocks (I'm still trying to figure that one out) ?

Yeah... Well, I got the toytec front for a cheap price, and I also didn't want too much pre-load on the coils was the goal.

And sorry, I should have specified that I did not swap the rear shocks, but only added a cornfed 1'' spacer and kept stock shocks. See updated pics below of the whole deal.

Pictures don't do it justice... Here's some before pictures as well:

 

[Hapeacres]

I was wondering if anyone knows how much it would cost in labor (hours) to have all four 5100's installed on my 04 T4R? I think I'm springing for the 5100's from AJUSA. looks like its going to cost about 303 bucks with the 10% discount and free shipping.

 

[Victor_inox]

Did the upgrade to 5100's throw your alignment out ? If so, which parameter ?

I don`t think so.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I was wondering if anyone knows how much it would cost in labor (hours) to have all four 5100's installed on my 04 T4R? I think I'm springing for the 5100's from AJUSA. looks like its going to cost about 303 bucks with the 10% discount and free shipping.

My guess would be 3-4 hours minimum. The install is fairly easy and only requires basic tools. You may be able to do it yourself and save some money.

I believe the rears are backordered at the moment, something to consider. Also, the promo code doesn't always work on Bilsteins. Looking now, it appears they've got them on sale, it's an instant savings and the promo code doesn't work. Still a great deal though.

 

[stanleybb50]

My guess would be 3-4 hours minimum. The install is fairly easy and only requires basic tools. You may be able to do it yourself and save some money.

I believe the rears are backordered at the moment, something to consider. Also, the promo code doesn't always work on Bilsteins. Looking now, it appears they've got them on sale, it's an instant savings and the promo code doesn't work. Still a great deal though.

And I can vouch for the fronts being worth every penny!

 

[stanleybb50]

I just wanted to follow up with some comments for anyone considering 5100's...

I had a chance to take the Runner on my drive into work today. I still haven't gotten an alignment, but that's due to my wife traveling for work today, and not being able to be down to 1 car with her going to the airport/etc...

The Ride: (Bear in mind, I only swapped the front shocks. Rear still has the stock shocks)
One of my biggest concerns in going to the 5100's (different valving) and precompressing the stock coils a bit was making the ride more "harsh" for the wife, who loved the 4R's ride. I can honestly say that my concerns were absolutely proven wrong! In my opinion, the Runner now takes bumps of any kind much better than before. Whether it's rolling bumps, pot-holes, washboard type, dips, speed bumps - you name it are all taken better with the 5100's. Its weird and hard to write about, but its like bumps just don't effect it as much any longer. Just feels more planted and controlled.

Also - I should mention that my stock shocks only had 44,000 miles on them and were not leaking, so it's not as though I was replacing old tired worn out shocks, although I'm sure they were at least a little worn.

Cornering/Handling:
I don't really see/feel a huge difference here. I also went to polyurethane sway bar bushings & rear links. My center of gravity is now a tad higher of course, but maybe it's just hard to quantify. Also - since I havent gotten the alignment yet, steering is slighly "loose" at highway speeds. Maybe I should have waited until after the alignment to make this review. I'll try to come back and follow up on this after alignment. I guess if I had to comment, I'd say that it is likely a bit flatter in the turns.

The look:
I don't really even need to comment here as we all know the leveled stance is much preferred. But its also nice from a driving point of view. Its weird how the little 2/1 difference changes the look out the window - its really much more enjoyable to drive.

Hopefully this review helps someone! I'll try to either come back and edit this post, or follow up after I get an alignment.

 

[Snesley Wipes]

I was wondering if anyone knows how much it would cost in labor (hours) to have all four 5100's installed on my 04 T4R? I think I'm springing for the 5100's from AJUSA. looks like its going to cost about 303 bucks with the 10% discount and free shipping.

My dealer just quoted me 6 bills all the way around. Seems kinda steep!

 

[stanleybb50]

My dealer just quoted me 6 bills all the way around. Seems kinda steep!

Just for install labor?? That sounds absurd. I'll tell my Wife this though so I can get a ''hey, great job on saving money and improving the ride'' out of her... lol

 

[09t4r-99taco]

I got a chance to take a few shots. The lower shot is with Bilsteins installed all around with fronts set at 0.85. Although the pics are from different sides, you can clearly see the rear lift from the shocks. (tires stock 265/65/17)
Stanleybb50’s description of “the ride” couldn’t be stated any better. Even if you are not looking for a lift, these shocks will transform your ride.
Btw I had the 4 installed for $200 (not at a dealer)

before/after

 

[Ramzey28]

Rather then a new thread maybe someone can answer this....can you change the setting from .85 up or down (1.75 say) easily when installed (after the fact)? How? Got quoted 240 (almost) to install for fronts... From dealer when doing my new tires so no alignment fee. Putting on Firestone dest. At's too. Sticking with 265's do to gas mpg and acceleration. Thoughts? I'll buy the 5100s for 200 since dealer was higher online.

 

[stanleybb50]

Rather then a new thread maybe someone can answer this....can you change the setting from .85 up or down (1.75 say) easily when installed (after the fact)? How? Got quoted 240 (almost) to install for fronts... From dealer when doing my new tires so no alignment fee. Putting on Firestone dest. At's too. Sticking with 265's do to gas mpg and acceleration. Thoughts? I'll buy the 5100s for 200 since dealer was higher online.

Really, in order to change the snap ring setting, I think you'll need to take the coil assembly all the way out and then use a spring compressor. Trust me, if you're torn, then just go with the 3rd setting and a 1'' rear lift (Cornfed) if needed.

I mean, it ''might'' be possible to adjust with a spring compressor by not removing, but that would be a challenge, that's for sure. I'm sure someone has done it somewhere though.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Rather then a new thread maybe someone can answer this....can you change the setting from .85 up or down (1.75 say) easily when installed (after the fact)? How? Got quoted 240 (almost) to install for fronts... From dealer when doing my new tires so no alignment fee. Putting on Firestone dest. At's too. Sticking with 265's do to gas mpg and acceleration. Thoughts? I'll buy the 5100s for 200 since dealer was higher online.

Really, in order to change the snap ring setting, I think you'll need to take the coil assembly all the way out and then use a spring compressor. Trust me, if you're torn, then just go with the 3rd setting and a 1'' rear lift (Cornfed) if needed.

I mean, it ''might'' be possible to adjust with a spring compressor by not removing, but that would be a challenge, that's for sure. I'm sure someone has done it somewhere though.

Not possible to my knowledge. I posted a thread on this a while back, no one at the time had a solution. I started trying it, decided it was just way easier to remove it and adjust off the vehicle. This is one of the major benefits of a coilover setup and was a big reason I switched from 5100's to the OW kit. It seems I was always wanting to adjust but didn't want to deal with taking it completely off to adjust.

On a different note, have you considered 275/70/17's? That's a great size and IIRC the Destination AT's are available in it. Similar height to the 265/70/17 but wider. Excellent compromise in looks/performance/mpg.

 

[Ramzey28]

Not possible to my knowledge. I posted a thread on this a while back, no one at the time had a solution. I started trying it, decided it was just way easier to remove it and adjust off the vehicle. This is one of the major benefits of a coilover setup and was a big reason I switched from 5100's to the OW kit. It seems I was always wanting to adjust but didn't want to deal with taking it completely off to adjust.

On a different note, have you considered 275/70/17's? That's a great size and IIRC the Destination AT's are available in it. Similar height to the 265/70/17 but wider. Excellent compromise in looks/performance/mpg.

I did....still waiting on a price for them, it looks like they are about 160 more....you think it's worth the extra for not much difference in height and width? Worth the extra 7 pounds per tire = less mpgs?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I did....still waiting on a price for them, it looks like they are about 160 more....you think it's worth the extra for not much difference in height and width? Worth the extra 7 pounds per tire = less mpgs?

That'd be your call. Nothing at all wrong with the 265's, and I honestly didn't expect a $40 per tire difference in cost. My opinion is that their will be minimal difference. I switched from 255/75/17's (32" tall, 46 lbs) to 285/70/17's (33" tall, 57 lbs IIRC) and noticed no noticeable difference.

 

[Flyer]

I have the FJ TRD susp[ension all around. Could I just get the 5100s or a similar adjustable Radflo and swap the shocks to simply get a slight lift in the front? I assume there are preset setting and .85" is one of them. That would be fine. My other option is to get a full front setup. The rear rides quite a bit higher so I do not want to mess with that.

I was actually going with a full lift but since I bought a new Rubicon, I am starting with mods a bit slower on the 4Runner and putting some money towards the Rubi first.

 

[09t4r-99taco]

I finally got the alignment done. It did require a slight camber/toe adjustment on both sides (approximately 0.2 degrees each side, if I'm reading this printout correctly). That was for the 0.85 lift setting (no spacers, stock coils).

 

[NCSCOTT]

I posted this on the FJ/blistein thread. But I am using stock replacement coils so I figured it was a fit here too.

I have an off the wall set up question. I ordered some Moog 81088 Front springs for my V6 2WD and I have Blistein 5100s for the front. The 81088s are speced for a V8 4WD 4Runner with a free height of 14.31". The 81092s are the Moog replacement for the stock 2WD V6 front spring and they have a free height of 13.43". Both are the same spring rate of 595lbs/in.

I have approx 3" of rake front to back right now. I was going to set the 5100s @ 1.75 spring perch with the new Moog 81088s. I was figuring I would get 2-2.25 inches of lift. I do not want it to be Nose high! But currently with almost 6" from the top of the tire to the bottom of the wheel well rear and 3" in the front it looks terrible IMO. I am already running 265/70s. Have been for years. Does it seem reasonable to think I would get that lift amount in the front.

If I ended up with a Nose High stance I was considering the Moog 81081 FJ 4WD Rear Replacement springs to lift the rear just slightly. They have a free Height of 15.351" verse the 4Runner rear replacement which is the same for 4wd V8 or V6 Moog 81045 with a free height of 14.137.

The FJ Moog replacement springs are different for 2WD & 4WD.

Mine is a road queen. The Factory shocks are shot. so I was just doing a little up grading/lifting with the replacements.

any Thoughts??

 

[NCSCOTT]

I got my front Bilstein 5100s & Moog 81088s installed tonight. Only took me 2.5 hours with the no spring compressor method. Which was pretty easy. How ever you MUST take the track bar links loose and loosen the track bar mounts on the frame so it would move freely in order to get the springs and shocks in place easily. I also changed the rear end lube at the same time. So that was a little bit of the time. My 16 YO son helped out to with the pry bar and rear end lube. Feels good to pass down a little know how.

Out come:
Drivers front 35.75"
Passenger front 36"
Drivers rear 36"
Passenger rear 36.25"
Driveway may not be completely level.

These measurements were from the ground at the center of the wheel to the top of the wheel well with a full tank of gas. I will post some pics tomorrow. I was hoping for 1/2 to 3/4" less lift but hope it will settle over the next 2-3 weeks. Then get an alignment after it settles a bit. These moog springs are quite bit beefier looking than the stock springs with almost twice as many turns.

So to recap:
Moog 81088s that are replacements for 4Runner V8 4x4
Bilstein 5100s set at the .85 spring perch.

2.75-3" of lift in the front now. I had about 3" of rake before. If it does not settle a little bit I may go with Moog replacement 4x4 FJ springs or daystar 1.5" spacers.