Bilstein shock question.

[vicpick58]

I just received my order from Shock Warehouse for a set of Bilstein HD 4600 shocks for my TE.

This is my first time changing shocks on this vehicle, I have always changed my own shocks, but never like these with the coil springs over the shocks.

Anyway my first question is why they do not come with the hardware to mount them? I had no idea that there would not be rubber bushings or metal washers included in the box.

After calling Shock Warehouse I was told the upper front mounts are sold separately but from Monroe not Bilstein. And that they do not sell the rear upper mounting hardware at all.

He thought that I would have to get that from a Toyota dealer.

How do you guys go about getting your shocks onto your 4Runners?

I have always just jacked it up and removed the old and put the new ones on, the new shocks have always come with all hardware needed to do the job.

But NOT with this vehicle, what gives? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[FatTiresRollin]

Re-Use the existing rubber bushings, washers, etc....or you can buy them Front shock replacement bushing/washer kit

 

[Jesse1983]

^ yup

 

[eddiebx]

I just received my order from Shock Warehouse for a set of Bilstein HD shocks for my TE.

This is my first time changing shocks on this vehicle, I have always changed my own shocks, but never like these with the coil springs over the shocks.

Anyway my first question is why they do not come with the hardware to mount them? I had no idea that there would not be rubber bushings or metal washers included in the box.

After calling Shock Warehouse I was told the upper front mounts are sold separately but from Monroe not Bilstein. And that they do not sell the rear upper mounting hardware at all.

He thought that I would have to get that from a Toyota dealer.

How do you guys go about getting your shocks onto your 4Runners?

I have always just jacked it up and removed the old and put the new ones on, the new shocks have always come with all hardware needed to do the job.

But NOT with this vehicle, what gives? Any advice would be appreciated.

I got the 5100s and I believe both front and rear came with the washers and bushings you are talking about...I saw a bunch of nuts and washers and bushings in a bag in each box. Have you tried asking Bilstein directly for confirmation?

As far as front install, I think [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION]'s method would probably work out well for you, minus the KDSS part. You might have to get a little creative here since it's going to be tougher to disconnect and reconnect the sway bar. I think if you search for posts by [MENTION=74569]SOcalTRAIL[/MENTION], he gave a few good tips on how to accomplish this.

Here is the link to the front install:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...%92s-ideas-since-mid-2010-a-6.html#post754964

The rears from what I understand are pretty much easy peasy, just a straight forward removal and installation.


EDIT: I just checked the boxes, and it turns out only my rear 5100s have the rubber bushings and washers and top nut; the front only comes with the top nut.

 

[veloindy]

I got the 5100s and I believe both front and rear came with the washers and bushings you are talking about...I saw a bunch of nuts and washers and bushings in a bag in each box. Have you tried asking Bilstein directly for confirmation?

This ^

I had mine installed last weekend, and the shocks came with everything needed.

 

[vicpick58]

Thanks for the help, I thought I could just rent a tool to collapse/hold the front coil springs and simply change out the shocks. Is that not the way it is done?

The rears look like normal shocks, just wondered why no new rubber came with the new shocks.

So far I am not impressed with these Bilstein 4600s, but once they are on maybe they will be fine. Just not happy with the lack of hardware from Bilstein!

I am thinking about returning them to Shock Warehouse and getting them elsewhere. Somewhere that includes all the parts!

 

[veloindy]

These are the parts I ordered, and they came with everything, just in case you need them:

24-196499 x2
33-187174 x2

How do those part numbers to what you have?

Also, don't forget, Toytec has a discount code for forum members.

 

[vicpick58]

These are the parts I ordered, and they came with everything, just in case you need them:

24-196499 x2
33-187174 x2

How do those part numbers to what you have?

Also, don't forget, Toytec has a discount code for forum members.

Front = 24-187541

Rear= 24-187558

These are the 4600s NOT 5100s I do not have a lift and do not need shocks for a lift.

 

[eddiebx]

Front = 24-187541

Rear= 24-187558

These are the 4600s NOT 5100s I do not have a lift and do not need shocks for a lift.

You know what, maybe that's the difference...I am looking at the pictures from where I ordered it and it does not show the bushings and washers in the picture for the HD front and rear shocks. See here: Bilstein Monotube Shock Absorbers and Struts for 2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER | AJUSA.COM

I mean your 4runner is pretty new, I doubt the OEM rubber hardware is anywhere near worn, why not just swap em in and call it a day

Regarding your question about using a spring compressor, I've asked this before too and I think it was Harper who brought up a great point...there might not be enough room to get the "fingers" of the spring compressor into the passenger side spring because they are wound tighter?

You can certainly try and post your results, I need to swap my front suspension too soon and certainly wouldn't mind an easier way!

 

[vicpick58]

You know what, maybe that's the difference...I am looking at the pictures from where I ordered it and it does not show the bushings and washers in the picture for the HD front and rear shocks. See here: Bilstein Monotube Shock Absorbers and Struts for 2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER | AJUSA.COM

I mean your 4runner is pretty new, I doubt the OEM rubber hardware is anywhere near worn, why not just swap em in and call it a day

Regarding your question about using a spring compressor, I've asked this before too and I think it was Harper who brought up a great point...there might not be enough room to get the "fingers" of the spring compressor into the passenger side spring because they are wound tighter?

You can certainly try and post your results, I need to swap my front suspension too soon and certainly wouldn't mind an easier way!

Thanks Eddie, I am now trying to decide if I want to go ahead and do the rears myself and just use the existing bushings.

And order new strut mounts for the front and just take it to a shop somewhere and have the fronts changed. Sounds like the fronts are quite a bit more hassle than I thought.

 

[vicpick58]

OK I finally got around to having these shocks installed, I ordered a front shock bushing/washer kit from Toytec part number 142467. Took the Runner to Pep Boys and took advantage on a coupon they sent for 50% off shock/strut installation. They just reused the rear bushings. Got an alignment too.

What a difference, this thing drives more like it should have all along, firmer ride and the nose dive is much better. Still has a little nose dive but more like a normal vehicle now.

If I had it to do over again I would have got the 5100s. From what everyone says they seem to come with the mounting hardware.

So my advice is do not bother with the 4600s they do not come with everything needed to install them. At least not if you order them from shock warehouse.

Note: I have 58k miles on my 4Runner at this time, should have changed the shocks before now.