Bilstein HDs - need feedback

[cmaj91]

My 4th generation T4R XREAS system is failing and I am leaning toward a simple replacement with Bilstein HDs only (as recommended by Shock Wharehouse and my local Toyota dealer). I've searched all over this forum, however the only feedback from owners I could find involves the 5100's with FJ Springs.

Question - has anyone replaced their XREAS with the Bilstein HD's only with keeping their stock springs? If so, how did the ride compare to your stock XREAS?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Gatafly]

I went with 5100's and FJ's, but I was a little reluctant because I like to keep things stock and as new because my belief is that is the way they were engineered to be. I sure am glad I did go that route though. It looks muuuuch better not having so much rake. . . . I went with the .85 setting. The FJ springs and 5100's do ride a little more firm, but it corners just as flat as my XREAS did and if you would go with just the HD's you would lose that. Just an added thought for your decision process.

 

[cmaj91]

I went with 5100's and FJ's, but I was a little reluctant because I like to keep things stock and as new because my belief is that is the way they were engineered to be. I sure am glad I did go that route though. It looks muuuuch better not having so much rake. . . . I went with the .85 setting. The FJ springs and 5100's do ride a little more firm, but it corners just as flat as my XREAS did and if you would go with just the HD's you would lose that. Just an added thought for your decision process.

Thanks - did you need to have a re-alignment performed after the lift and new springs?

 

[oljedi11950]

Always have it checked !!

 

[cmaj91]

Still looking for anyone who did the Bilstein HDs with stock springs to replace XREAS.

Thanks again for the feedback

 

[chaz]

i guess you are not into lifting it since your question is on the bilstein HD, you can always add spacers later. either way, i cant answer your question but the fj coils will be a bit firmer than oem 4r. these may be of some use. the rear HD are valved the same as the 5100, the front HD use different valving than 5100, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin.../84359-hd-5100-5160-bilstein-valve-rates.html spring rates are Coil Rates - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/32448-fj-cruiser-coils-truth.html

 

[Gatafly]

Thanks - did you need to have a re-alignment performed after the lift and new springs?

Nope. I did have them check it as I get unlimited alignments for 3 years and it was still perfectly in spec. They did not think it would change from that lift because it does not affect the alignment, but checked anyway.

 

[cmaj91]

i guess you are not into lifting it since your question is on the bilstein HD, you can always add spacers later. either way, i cant answer your question but the fj coils will be a bit firmer than oem 4r. these may be of some use. the rear HD are valved the same as the 5100, the front HD use different valving than 5100, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/engin.../84359-hd-5100-5160-bilstein-valve-rates.html spring rates are Coil Rates - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/32448-fj-cruiser-coils-truth.html

Thanks - the info on the valving rates would lead me to believe that the 5100 by themselves with same OEM springs would provide for a firmer ride than the HDs. What I am most interested in is achieving something as close to the original XREAS feel (around the same firmness but with minimal loss to body roll).

In your opinion, if sticking with the OEM springs and no lift, would the trade-off between the HDs and 5100s be similar firmness/slight increase in body roll (HDs) vs. firmer ride/less body roll (5100)?

Lastly, which of the two above options would you think best mimic the XREAS performance?

 

[chaz]

the 5100 are for lifted vec. & are longer than the HD. so you really dont need em. by them selves, id say the front 5100 would be a bit firmer than the HD, either way its going to feel different to you than the xreas, cant say for sure but maybe with a little less firmness & more body roll since you want to keep the oem coils. imo, if you want the extra firmness & less chance of body roll get the FJ coils also. on a side note, have you looked at KYB shocks or maybe even a full FJ bilstein shock & spring setup? you can get them fairly cheap off the FJ forum. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/78803-compiled-fj-springs-lift-info-4th-gen.html

 

[ebg18t]

Still looking for anyone who did the Bilstein HDs with stock springs to replace XREAS.

Thanks again for the feedback

I used the HD's with stock springs when i kept the truck at stock height. Rode really well and handled good. I still have a used set of fronts if you want them cheap.

 

[cmaj91]

Installed the HDs

I used the HD's with stock springs when i kept the truck at stock height. Rode really well and handled good. I still have a used set of fronts if you want them cheap.

Completed the HDs on all 4 - love the ride. No noticeable drawbacks compared to my XREAS set-up. Not so sure what advantage XREAS offered over a premium shock. I may have forgetten how well it performed when I drove it off the lot as a new vehicle, however, these shocks are great over rough roads, cornering, and at high speeds.

 

[hkollie1]

I agree...put on some Bilsteins ASAP...you will love your truck like a new girlfriend...

The XREAS loss for me was a long slow loss, I didnt realize how much I had lost over the years!!!

enjoy