Bilstein Comparison Question

Greydog

Greydog

Member
Hi guys, need some feedback on Bilstein shocks only (yes, I've searched the archives, can't find answer).

- Had some HD's before, liked them but really lasted only 1 year before going soft.
- Recently installed 5100s, liked em for 4 months, now they are very soft (went soft alot faster than HDs). Also changed to FJ springs at the same time.

By soft I mean they lose their ability to control the tire/suspension on non-smooth pavement, and the Runner's nose bounces alot more at highway speeds as the road rises/dips.

Question: Are the FJ TRD shocks more aggressive/durable ?

Looking for feedback on whether TRD is a better option (ride height issue aside) for a more solid shock. Or, are the shocks in the OME kits more aggressive too ?

PS: I tend to like alot of shock, tight suspension. No real offroading for this rig so willing to compromise a bit on control vs articulation.

If I've missed a link with this info, please paste in your response, thanks !

- GreyDog.
 
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Greydog said:
Hi guys, need some feedback on Bilstein shocks only (yes, I've searched the archives, can't find answer).

- Had some HD's before, liked them but really lasted only 1 year before going soft.
- Recently installed 5100s, liked em for 4 months, now they are very soft (went soft alot faster than HDs). Also changed to FJ springs at the same time.

By soft I mean they lose their ability to control the tire/suspension on non-smooth pavement, and the Runner's nose bounces alot more at highway speeds as the road rises/dips.

Question: Are the FJ TRD shocks more aggressive/durable ?

Looking for feedback on whether TRD is a better option (ride height issue aside) for a more solid shock. Or, are the shocks in the OME kits more aggressive too ?

PS: I tend to like alot of shock, tight suspension. No real offroading for this rig so willing to compromise a bit on control vs articulation.

If I've missed a link with this info, please paste in your response, thanks !

- GreyDog.
Click to expand...

I am interested to hear some opinions on this as well. i personally don't have experience with them but I need to replace my shocks on my 04 and was planning on going with the 5100s. Hopefully some people running these will be able to speak to the durability. These seem quiet popular, which makes my think your experience is not the norm. Very interesting.
 
Someone posted here about the valving of these shocks, If i remember, they are all valved the same.

The 5100s being stainless and have the upgradeabilty. The HDs? paint it orange and you will have the TRD like the FJ cruiser shocks. And I think its the same as the one in 4th gen trail edition too.
 
rear 5100's are valved the same as the HD, front 5100's are slightly different, this link may help, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/suspension/84359-hd-5100-5160-bilstein-valve-rates.html as for only lasting only 4 months to a year, i agree thats definitely not the norm, so going by these 2 examples of yours, im almost willing to bet that almost any model of bilstein shock, or any other brand, that is considered heavy duty or for trucks/4x4's will end with the same result for you since they are used to be of more use when offroading, towing,etc. from your description it seems to me that you are installing firmer shocks for a firmer ride which maybe way you feel every bump & dip more on the road, & since you dont offroad ?, a ride adjustable shock or one valved mainly for the street is maybe what you want/need instead, if you dont want to go that route, a switch to radflo or icons would be a good improvement also.
 
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After about five or so months of hard auto xing my fj TRD shocks still hold firm. So far I have nothing but praise for these shocks I just wish I had stiffer springs.
 
SkylineGTRracer said:
After about five or so months of hard auto xing my fj TRD shocks still hold firm. So far I have nothing but praise for these shocks I just wish I had stiffer springs.
Click to expand...

I'm with you Skyline, I've had my 5100's on my rig for about 8 months and absolutely love them, and I haven't wheeled in them hard yet. I'm interested why the OP's Billie's went "soft" on him...weird.:shrug:
 
2 yrs here with my Bilsteins. I have 5100 adj. in front, and the HDs -rear. These shocks have approx 20k miles and feels the same as when they are newly installed. Just came from an 800mi round trip last wk, temp ave here in CA is 90F and I've never felt these shocks fade at anypoint of straight hrs of driving with 3 passengers, full trunk load, including top load. They are designed by Bilstein to match and exceed OEM quality and performance.

Since there are lots of Bilstein distributors, I recommend buying from stores with clear business ties to Bilstein. I got mine from 4WP, the 5100s has lifetime warranty reflected in the receipt.

And if you'll try the TRD version of these shocks, well atleast the chances of getting reman shocks, defective, with quality problems(or fake??) is less. There are online sellers that will confuse you with part numbers. I mean, what will manufacturer do with lots/batch of shocks that fails 1st run quality inspection, it may pass the 2nd run or 3rd, in elctronics we sell it in a different part nos and send it to 3rd world countries, so here in the US, those products are the ones flooding in online stores, and whole sale price. This maybe the reason why they fail in months of driving...IMO
 
Thank for all the feedback guys.

Chaz, you may be on to something.... the link for the shock valving comparison got me thinking about what would work better for me. I'm looking into the Radflo coilover kit for the front, may be that the combo of higher spring rate and more aggressive shock will provide the control I'm looking for.

Plus, adding in some F/R Addco sways too w/poly bushings to add to the adjustment.

I'll let you guys know how it works out.

- Greydog.
 
I have had my 5100's F&R with FJ coils since the end of May. I have ZERO complaints (except for a squeaky rear cause I forgot to grease and haven't had the time). They seem almost harder now than they were when I installed them! I would HIGHLY recommend the 5100's, especially for mostly on-road driving. They do really well at 114mph... keep you driving nice and smooth...

They also can tolerate hauling HEAVY loads with ease! I have towed two massive cars without any issue.

Hopefully you figure your dilemma out! I spent months researching which shock/coil combo to get
 
MICA4R said:
in a V6?

Downhill with the wind at your back? I couldn't get past 106 with the pedal buried and slight downhill.

Is this something related to fuel or tire size?
Click to expand...

Stock tires. Standard regular fuel. I still had 550-650RPM left before redline but I backed off because that section of highway is notorious for crosswinds.

Only mods are a K&N CAI and a Magnaflow muffler with res delete.

c847f990-d04e-11f7.jpg
 
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