Bilstein 5100's worth it?

[Veritas]

I am close to 66,000 miles and am thinking of replacing the shocks with the bilstein 5100 series all around, (5100 adj in the front and 5160 in the back). I would keep the original springs and just be replacing the shocks. I am currently using a daystar lift(see sig).

Looking at prices and the amount of work involved I am curious, is it worth the time and money to go with the bilstein's? Are they THAT much better than factory? Is your ride noticeably smoother? Does the suspension feel tighter?

Primary role is a daily driver, but I do go 4x4 on the weekend and while hunting.

 

[Dkon82]

Definitely worth it IMO. I replaced my OEM shocks with the the 5100's but left the stock springs. I set the fronts on the third notch which seemed to level it out quite well (about 2.25 inches higher in front)!! As far as the ride quality, I am completely satisfied. If you want your 4r to feel more like a truck and less like a cadillac then you will love the 5100's. The 5100's are still very smooth just not spongy smooth.
Now that I have leveled the front and with the added firmness, I enjoy off-roading much more and also have gained a lot more confidence in "iffy" situations. If your 4r never sees dirt, save your money, otherwise I think it is a great upgrade!!
Before:

After:

 

[mrrab]

Definitely worth it IMO. I replaced my OEM shocks with the the 5100's but left the stock springs. I set the fronts on the third notch which seemed to level it out quite well (about 2.25 inches higher in front)!! As far as the ride quality, I am completely satisfied. If you want your 4r to feel more like a truck and less like a cadillac then you will love the 5100's. The 5100's are still very smooth just not spongy smooth.
Now that I have leveled the front and with the added firmness, I enjoy off-roading much more and also have gained a lot more confidence in "iffy" situations. If your 4r never sees dirt, save your money, otherwise I think it is a great upgrade!!
Before:

Looks great! I plan on install 5100's in the future, but just need an indication that my XREAS system is going bad. I got 121K miles on my 2004 and can't tell if I need to replace them or not. Tire wear is fine and ride quality if fine.

I like the 5100 option to give my truck a tad more front rack.

 

[drforton]

Totally worth it!!! :cheers: That's how I roll and don't regret it :guitar2:

 

[black_120]

Sell your old front Daystars and recoup some of the costs. If your truck was stock height, I would have said dont bother with the 5100s and find a cheaper shock. You need shocks anyways right?

 

[krupnation]

Totally worth the upgrade. If you're replacing the shocks, why not also replace the OEM coils with some FJC coils. It'll add a slight lift and they are a slightly thicker coil and will help even further eliminate nose dive during braking and assist with better handling. Just a thought.

I've been rocking the 5100's w/FJC coils for almost a year now and totally love the setup.

 

[Atlanta_man]

Be sure to unplug the front wheel abs sensor wires
Or remind the shop

 

[natevans65]

Looks great! I plan on install 5100's in the future, but just need an indication that my XREAS system is going bad. I got 121K miles on my 2004 and can't tell if I need to replace them or not. Tire wear is fine and ride quality if fine.

I like the 5100 option to give my truck a tad more front rack.

I had the XREAS system and replaced mine with the 5100's...just disconnected the system NOT AT THE SHOCK location, but at the quick disconnect part further down the line. So I left the pumps etc on the truck, they are obsolete and inactive....and the Toytec 3" lift with coilovers are great! Rides a bit stiffer but that is what I would expect from a truck vs a "cross-over"

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Just wondering, why the 5160 in the rear? It sounds like those may be overkill for your needs. That adds a substantial amount to the cost and unless you have reasons not specified, you're money would be better spent on coils such as the FJs that have been mentioned.

 

[Jay12]

It's totally worth it. I replaced my stock setup with the 5100 and FJ cruiser springs. Love it! It's a huge difference. The truck rides so much better now and the annoying rake is gone.

 

[crazycanadian]

Gas mono tube shocks like the 5100's make an enormous difference offroad since as I understand it the valving acts progressively depending upon the load on them regardless of where in the stroke they are. Regular shocks have a soft zone in the middle of the stroke and get stiffer as the farther from center they are. So when you start articulating offroad the ride gets real rough real fast.

I'm on my second set on my second 4runner and if you haven't driven one before and after the change you wouldn't believe the difference they make. Best upgrade for offroading without breaking the bank IMHO.

 

[emelianenkov]

TOTALLY worth it!

 

[dthudon]

Be sure to unplug the front wheel abs sensor wires
Or remind the shop

Can you go into more detail about this? Are you saying you cannot use the ABS with the Bilsteins? I have a set waiting to be put on and just wanting for some time to do it but I was not aware of any issue with the ABS. Thanks.

 

[emelianenkov]

Can you go into more detail about this? Are you saying you cannot use the ABS with the Bilsteins? I have a set waiting to be put on and just wanting for some time to do it but I was not aware of any issue with the ABS. Thanks.

I have had no issues. I bet he meant for during the install so they don't get mangled and destroyed.

 

[black_120]

Just to help your decision... Theres a used set in the classified now for $300.

Get on it!

 

[emelianenkov]

Just to help your decision... Theres a used set in the classified now for $300.

Get on it!

I got all 4 for $300 and change from DownSouth motorsports.

 

[Chad T]

I got all 4 for $300 and change from DownSouth motorsports.

I opted to buy from AJUSA.com over DSM.

The shocks from DSM are differently labeled. At least the ones I was looking at were. They fell under the "Race Car Dynamics" division and had different part numbers. Plus, I couldn't find DSM under the authorized dealers on the Bilstein site. Further, I believe there was a recent price increase and I'm guessing they cost more than $300 from DSM now.

Not saying anything is wrong with DSM or their products. Just that based on those reasons I felt more comfortable buying from AJUSA.

 

[emelianenkov]

I opted to buy from AJUSA.com over DSM.

The shocks from DSM are differently labeled. At least the ones I was looking at were. They fell under the "Race Car Dynamics" division and had different part numbers. Plus, I couldn't find DSM under the authorized dealers on the Bilstein site. Further, I believe there was a recent price increase and I'm guessing they cost more than $300 from DSM now.

Not saying anything is wrong with DSM or their products. Just that based on those reasons I felt more comfortable buying from AJUSA.

I like my RCD 5100's lol. To each their own good sir!

 

[trailrazer]

The best shocks I have ever bought.... still in the box and waiting to install them:ybrick:

 

[Atlanta_man]

Can you go into more detail about this? Are you saying you cannot use the ABS with the Bilsteins? I have a set waiting to be put on and just wanting for some time to do it but I was not aware of any issue with the ABS. Thanks.

If you do not unplug them, like the nit-wit who did mine, the wires will be stretched by supporting the weight of the front hubs.

There will be no visible damage to the cables but the wires inside will be broken leaving you with no ABS and dash lights ON.

Replacements are easy to get, but a little expensive. I made my own and the biggest problem was routing the wires along all the guide clips during the re-install.