Bilstein 5100s Rough Ride

L

Lrc1123

New member
Hey everyone,

I recently switched out my x-reas system with bilstein 5100s .85 lift with stock coils. I then got it aligned, as the camber was off. Since then, I can now feel every small bump in the road. Is this normal? I definitely notice the performance when turning or going over speedbumps, and even when stopping suddenly. However, I seem to be able to feel all the tiny bumps in the road.

Is this normal? Or should it ride as good or better than the x-reas system? I know it might be slightly stiff being brand new, but it's very noticeable. I really like the performance I'm getting, and can handle the bumps, but I want to make sure nothing is wrong. And if something is wrong, what might be causing the problem?

Thanks for all your help.
 
Register to hide this ad
I'm not sure, but it may be related to the coil rate of the OEM 4R springs differing from the FJ springs for which the 5100 shocks are valved.
 
With a mild lift and preloaded shocks, wouldn't it be stiffer than stock? Of course I could be wrong.
 
JWaldz said:
moved to 4th gen section
Click to expand...

My bad.

gaterose said:
I'm not sure, but it may be related to the coil rate of the OEM 4R springs differing from the FJ springs for which the 5100 shocks are valved.
Click to expand...

So if this is true, then putting in the FJ springs would make it better? I didn't know that they were valved specifically for these, does it hurt to keep the stock springs? Will the shocks/springs wear out faster as a result?
 
Lrc1123 said:
My bad.



So if this is true, then putting in the FJ springs would make it better? I didn't know that they were valved specifically for these, does it hurt to keep the stock springs? Will the shocks/springs wear out faster as a result?
Click to expand...

No it doesn't hurt and they shouldn't wear out faster. As far as I know, the application for the 5100s valving is FJ cruiser which has different rate coils.

It's hard to say if it would help or not honestly though, the FJ springs are also stiffer than the 4R springs so it may actually make it worse. Hopefully others will chime in with their input.
 
Expected behavior, IMHO. I have FJ springs+5100s and yes, the smooth, creamy ride quality of the stock XREAS suspension is a thing of the past.
 
Agreed. 5100+FJ Springs=Stiffer Ride but it's Not bouncy like the X Reas. I don't want the Cadillac Ride. Way better than Stock.:drum:
 
I have mine set to 1.75" level and they ride just like the stock XREAS. In fact, they are almost too soft. Even pulling over the curb into my driveway causes the front end to bounce around a few times before stabilizing. Exactly like stock. Are you sure everything is assembled correctly in the front end?
 
Ya I'm running 43 psi in mine , little rough on gutters & speed bumps but it is a 4x4 ! But doesn't knock my fillings out so ok !
 
I usually run 35 psi cold in the tires. As you reach 36-37 psi the ride over the cracks in the road is more noticeable especially at lower speeds.
 
Yes, Billies do tend to feel a bit "rough" to some people. I did the Billy swap in my 09 Tacoma and felt the exact same way as you OP, every little crease in the road was felt.

I have Billies in my 4th gen T4R now, but with FJ coils. Yes, they do ride stiffer than stock, but man, do they make a wonderful difference to steering feel. The steering feels so much more planted and assured than before, and that alone was worth the entry fee, for me.
 
Thank you for all the replies, I do feel better that nothing is wrong. I may play with the tire pressure just to get the optimal feel and performance. I love the performance coming in and out of cornering and braking. The rough ride is definitely worth if for the better shocks, in my opinion.
 
I hear you on the performance. I switched the stockers to Bilstein's on my '93 DLX. A REAL joy to drive on the freeways and when cornering. BUT, I wish they hadn't been SO stiff. Makes me wonder what I'll get when my current shocks go.
 
Considering Bilstein 5100s on daily driver

I'm glad I saw this. I am considering putting 5100s on my wife's 2wd '07 daily driver (123k miles on what I presume are the original shocks & springs) to increase ground clearance (uptown New Orleans' streets are terrible and 4Runner scrapes the driveway (tree roots)) and for aesthetics. After reading these posts, I'm now hesitant to go with the 5100s if they will negatively affect the ride quality, as the 4Runner is primarily my wife's vehicle with no offroad use, although some streets around town arguably qualify as "offroad":rant:.

What do you guys think I should do, if the goal is to level the vehicle and to keep or improve the ride quality? Are the Bilsteins with original springs or replacement springs really that stiff? Would I be better off with a Daystar leveling kit and different shocks? If so, any recommendations?

Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 275 (members: 1, guests: 274)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,068
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top