Bilstein 5100s -- choosing new coils without lift

[pipspeak]

I'm considering replacing my 2004 XREAS with 5100s all round, and am not interested in any sort of lift at all (except perhaps the 0.85 on the front to reduce rake a bit), but have read all sorts of mixed info on the best coils to match with the 5100.

From what I can gather, stock springs are not quite matched to the dampening performance of the 5100s, but they seem to work fine for a lot of people and I'm wondering if anyone can actually notice any issues with the mismatch and/or how it potentially manifests in terms of performance over bumps and in cornering.

One thing I have not been able to figure out from the dozens of threads I've read is if there any other aftermarket or OEM coils that might match the 5100s a little better without any lift compared to stock. It sounds like all other options (FJ, Moog, OME etc.) are going to generally add an inch or more at each end. Is that right?

Also curious if I do stick with stock, if it's worth buying new OEM coils to replace the existing ones that have 100K miles on them. Will the old ones have lost much "springiness" or is the difference going to be negligible?

Thanks, and yes I have read a ton of threads on the 5100s but have not been able to get any sort of definitive answer to my questions, if one actually exists (or maybe I went cross-eyed and missed it)

 

[riceandpho]

I'm considering replacing my 2004 XREAS with 5100s all round, and am not interested in any sort of lift at all (except perhaps the 0.85 on the front to reduce rake a bit), but have read all sorts of mixed info on the best coils to match with the 5100.

From what I can gather, stock springs are not quite matched to the dampening performance of the 5100s, but they seem to work fine for a lot of people and I'm wondering if anyone can actually notice any issues with the mismatch and/or how it potentially manifests in terms of performance over bumps and in cornering.

One thing I have not been able to figure out from the dozens of threads I've read is if there any other aftermarket or OEM coils that might match the 5100s a little better without any lift compared to stock. It sounds like all other options (FJ, Moog, OME etc.) are going to generally add an inch or more at each end. Is that right?

Also curious if I do stick with stock, if it's worth buying new OEM coils to replace the existing ones that have 100K miles on them. Will the old ones have lost much "springiness" or is the difference going to be negligible?

Thanks, and yes I have read a ton of threads on the 5100s but have not been able to get any sort of definitive answer to my questions, if one actually exists (or maybe I went cross-eyed and missed it)

if you dont want to lift the front up, the regular yellow 4600 is fine, but do get new springs, the moogs are out the at around 110. some will say its only a few bucks more to do 5100, with the 5100 you have options, you can see where the truck sits at 0.85, you will notice a increase if your springs had sagged. there are vendors here that can do a good price for the shocks. springs you can go at rockauto. there are craigslist for used oem fj springs.

 

[pipspeak]

Are the moogs, like the FJ springs, a little longer than stock? And I’m curious if it’s OK just to replace the fronts, or is mixing of coils a recipe for weird handling?

 

[Daddy4Runner]

Replace all springs, either OEM or whatever you can find to not get any lift. I kept my from springs original and did new back superflexes with bilstein 5100s all around. Handling/driving was bad, lots of nose dive and body roll. After I put new front toytec coils the ride is amazing.

 

[Daddy4Runner]

Replace all springs, either OEM or whatever you can find to not get any lift. I kept my from springs original and did new back superflexes with bilstein 5100s all around. Handling/driving was bad, lots of nose dive and body roll. After I put new front toytec coils the ride is amazing.

Done at 145k miles btw.

 

[pipspeak]

Replace all springs, either OEM or whatever you can find to not get any lift. I kept my from springs original and did new back superflexes with bilstein 5100s all around. Handling/driving was bad, lots of nose dive and body roll. After I put new front toytec coils the ride is amazing.

Are the toytecs the same height as stock? I do want to replace springs, just searching for something that's not going to mess with the height.

 

[theoutbackdream]

From what I can gather, stock springs are not quite matched to the dampening performance of the 5100s, but they seem to work fine for a lot of people and I'm wondering if anyone can actually notice any issues with the mismatch and/or how it potentially manifests in terms of performance over bumps and in cornering.

One thing I have not been able to figure out from the dozens of threads I've read is if there any other aftermarket or OEM coils that might match the 5100s a little better without any lift compared to stock. It sounds like all other options (FJ, Moog, OME etc.) are going to generally add an inch or more at each end. Is that right?

Also curious if I do stick with stock, if it's worth buying new OEM coils to replace the existing ones that have 100K miles on them. Will the old ones have lost much "springiness" or is the difference going to be negligible?

Thanks, and yes I have read a ton of threads on the 5100s but have not been able to get any sort of definitive answer to my questions, if one actually exists (or maybe I went cross-eyed and missed it)

You might as well just save the money now, and do the springs and shocks all at once since you're already there.. Hell, moogs are cheap already and great springs (I run them). The old ones will loose their springiness and have sag.

Are the moogs, like the FJ springs, a little longer than stock? And I’m curious if it’s OK just to replace the fronts, or is mixing of coils a recipe for weird handling?

The FJC's are longer than the stock 4R springs, and I think just a bit longer than the FJC springs. The spring rates IIRC, are similar to the FJC's. If you just install the fronts, it will handle really weird. Save yourself the headache and just do it all at once.

 

[theoutbackdream]

Are the toytecs the same height as stock? I do want to replace springs, just searching for something that's not going to mess with the height.

IIRC Toytecs are about 1.5" taller than the stocks.

Why not get the Moog 4R replacements if you're not really wanting to mess with height?


Refer to this page for some ideas. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/162125-coil-rates-oem-4runner-oem-fj-moog-others.html

 

[pipspeak]

Thanks... seems like there are no aftermarket springs that don't add some height, so I might just buy some stock OEM coils from a dealer that will at least not have 100K mile of sag on them.

 

[Codywilsonfishing]

Just saw this in Facebook

 

[riceandpho]

i would go the moog fj curiser version springs, you can get all springs for 110-130 shipped to your door from rockauto.
it is longer, but only a few inches, it wont make your runner super high, but i think it creates the perfect balance, i did come from a worn x reas setup too, i decided not to reuse the old springs, i also have the front at 0.85 with the new springs, and the the rear.

youll wont be disappointed about the change, it just make the truck look right.

 

[pipspeak]

Just saw this in Facebook

Is a 5th gen suspension a straight swap into a 4th gen?

 

[jrm]

For what you're paying

I'm considering replacing my 2004 XREAS with 5100s all round, and am not interested in any sort of lift at all (except perhaps the 0.85 on the front to reduce rake a bit), but have read all sorts of mixed info on the best coils to match with the 5100.

From what I can gather, stock springs are not quite matched to the dampening performance of the 5100s, but they seem to work fine for a lot of people and I'm wondering if anyone can actually notice any issues with the mismatch and/or how it potentially manifests in terms of performance over bumps and in cornering.

One thing I have not been able to figure out from the dozens of threads I've read is if there any other aftermarket or OEM coils that might match the 5100s a little better without any lift compared to stock. It sounds like all other options (FJ, Moog, OME etc.) are going to generally add an inch or more at each end. Is that right?

Also curious if I do stick with stock, if it's worth buying new OEM coils to replace the existing ones that have 100K miles on them. Will the old ones have lost much "springiness" or is the difference going to be negligible?

Thanks, and yes I have read a ton of threads on the 5100s but have not been able to get any sort of definitive answer to my questions, if one actually exists (or maybe I went cross-eyed and missed it)

You might consider something with a higher spring rate combined with a small lift like the dobinson stuff
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/235263-dobinsons-suspension-4th-gen-options.html

 

[pipspeak]

You might consider something with a higher spring rate combined with a small lift like the dobinson stuff
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/235263-dobinsons-suspension-4th-gen-options.html

What’s the stock spring rate? Isn’t it right around the 586 of the Dobinsons?

 

[jrm]

580

What’s the stock spring rate? Isn’t it right around the 586 of the Dobinsons?

the increased rate and coil diameter might be the ticket. But im of the impression that you will end up with some lift. it will settle after a while but its lift just the same.