124,000 miles on my 04, V8, 2WD Limited. My XREAS was starting to leak, so I was going to install Bilstein 5100s with OME 884/2895E coils. After I installed the front, I thought it was just too high for my taste, so I backed out and put the stock coils back on and adjusted the Bilsteins to the second ring from the bottom.
I just wanted to give some "lessons learned" from my install and my thoughts on the ride. Since my vehicle has been in AZ it's whole life, I did not have rust issues.
Lessons learned
1. Tools - besides the jacks, stands, etc. Ratcheting wrenches were huge and with the $$$ I saved on the install, I bought a Ryobi P261, 3 speed Impact Wrench. Didn't even touch my breaker bar. Word of caution, the Wrench is powerful. Hand tighten until you need it.
2. Parts - Buy extra parts and take them back if you don't need them.
Strut mounts - I don't think anyone within 25 miles of me had them in stock. I liked the KYBs, and i found an AutoZone 28 miles from me who had 2 in stock, the usually don't keep them in stock, some guy changed his mind.
Shock bolts for the front bottom. I stripped the bolts when I was pounding them out. Home Depot carries grade 8 bolts.
Now the ride
It's been 5 days since the alignment and I put about 200 miles on the 4Runner. Before the alignment, it felt spongy. After, it felt better than with XREAS. Nice ride not too stiff but the biggest difference was when I stop. I don't if this has anything to do with new shocks but my 4Runner always felt (I've owned it for 1 year) like something was holding it back and when I take my foot off the gas it would decelerate "heavy" and felt like brake pressure. Now, when I take my foot off the gas, it seems to cruise lighter and longer.
Want to give a shout out to this forum and everyone who takes time to post some great write-ups.
I have a brand new set of OME Front 884s for sale if anyone is interested.
I just wanted to give some "lessons learned" from my install and my thoughts on the ride. Since my vehicle has been in AZ it's whole life, I did not have rust issues.
Lessons learned
1. Tools - besides the jacks, stands, etc. Ratcheting wrenches were huge and with the $$$ I saved on the install, I bought a Ryobi P261, 3 speed Impact Wrench. Didn't even touch my breaker bar. Word of caution, the Wrench is powerful. Hand tighten until you need it.
2. Parts - Buy extra parts and take them back if you don't need them.
Strut mounts - I don't think anyone within 25 miles of me had them in stock. I liked the KYBs, and i found an AutoZone 28 miles from me who had 2 in stock, the usually don't keep them in stock, some guy changed his mind.
Shock bolts for the front bottom. I stripped the bolts when I was pounding them out. Home Depot carries grade 8 bolts.
Now the ride
It's been 5 days since the alignment and I put about 200 miles on the 4Runner. Before the alignment, it felt spongy. After, it felt better than with XREAS. Nice ride not too stiff but the biggest difference was when I stop. I don't if this has anything to do with new shocks but my 4Runner always felt (I've owned it for 1 year) like something was holding it back and when I take my foot off the gas it would decelerate "heavy" and felt like brake pressure. Now, when I take my foot off the gas, it seems to cruise lighter and longer.
Want to give a shout out to this forum and everyone who takes time to post some great write-ups.
I have a brand new set of OME Front 884s for sale if anyone is interested.
