Bilstien 5100s or replace Gabriels

[5VZ-FE]

So this happened a while ago while I was up skiing. As far as I could tell the top nut somehow loosened itself.

I broke my shoulder right after, so the few times I've driven it since then I've just pumped the airbags up and not gone very far, but now the time has come to decide whether to get some hardware to replace the Gabriel shocks that are on there, or go for some new ones. I couldn't find any info about the ones that are on there, and my records go back pretty far, so I'm leaning towards new ones.



I've heard a lot about the Bilstien 5100s, and my dad really likes bilstiens, so that's the way I'm leaning, but I'd like some input. I have Toytec ultimate coilovers up front, on the lowest perch, and I believe the back is on OEM (not original) '99 tall springs.

The other side:

 

[JoeT4R]

If I were you, I'd highly recommend the 5100's. I, too, had the Gabriels when I purchased my truck 9 years ago. Stock suspension, stock everything. They rode fine, but were worn out. The 5100's are going to give you a much better ride quality. Are you lifted? Planning to lift?

 

[rdruss]

Gabriels! I haven't heard of that shock since the 70's.

 

[Romeo1]

The thing is, they really aren’t the same shock. You’re comparing a monotube to a twin tube design.

A better comparison would be like a Monroe, a KYB, an old man emu or the like.

Since the 5100 exists, there’s really no reason not to use it. Availability might be a challenge these days, but you really are stepping up into a much higher performing system than what a twin tube can provide.

If it’s just a street machine, then it really doesn’t matter, and a monotube probably isn’t needed. If you’re going to push the limits and do a lot of high-speed stuff off-road, then it makes all the difference.

What’s nice about the Bilstein 5100 and series and up, Is that you are buying more of a racing level product in terms of design, function, and cooling, but you get OEM type bushings and wiper seals for long life. They do cost more, but assuming cost isn’t an issue, it really is as far as you can go (outside of the 6112 & 5160 for now on a 3rd gen) without stepping into racing level parts and the serviceability that comes with them.

There are some really neat shocks out there, but they do come with some ownership penalties. The majority of them are not an install and forget it type thing. Look up the service cycle on the Ford raptor shocks, and tell me that isn’t nuts…..

I think the 5100s are a great buy and have a tremendous value with them. You can set the ride height, they are monotube, aluminum, and their Digressive valving works really well for general use. You could wheel and daily drive with them and it will work well all over. Not saying you can’t use other options, my question would just be why? If it came down to price, or if you were limited by parts purchasing or the shop that installs them for you then that’s one thing, but for a guy who is installing him in his driveway, you get to pick whatever you want.

Now if the plushest softest ride is what you’re after, then go get an OEM level or equivalent set of shocks and SL tires and call it a day.

 

[Romeo1]

Gabriels! I haven't heard of that shock since the 70's.

They spend most of their time these days building OEM stuff.

 

[5VZ-FE]

Since the 5100 exists, there’s really no reason not to use it. Availability might be a challenge these days

Sold. Thanks for your reasoning. With the availability issues in mind, do you recommend any distributors? (Online or brick and mortar)

 

[Endlessblockades]

Sold. Thanks for your reasoning. With the availability issues in mind, do you recommend any distributors? (Online or brick and mortar)

It seems the 3rd gen-specific 5100s are in stock these days including at most "lowest price guaranteed" whores like 4WP. Basically pick a vendor you want to support and that has the payment options and sales tax levy you prefer.

 

[5VZ-FE]

If I were you, I'd highly recommend the 5100's. I, too, had the Gabriels when I purchased my truck 9 years ago. Stock suspension, stock everything. They rode fine, but were worn out. The 5100's are going to give you a much better ride quality. Are you lifted? Planning to lift?

Do you happen to know which part number those were? On the Bilstein website I'm seeing 24-249966, but on different threads here I'm seeing varying part numbers, including Rear #24-100144...

 

[cl4Rk]

Do you happen to know which part number those were? On the Bilstein website I'm seeing 24-249966, but on different threads here I'm seeing varying part numbers, including Rear #24-100144...

My 4Runner-specific 5100 part numbers:

- Bilstein 5100 4Runner front shocks (PN 24-248730)
- Bilstein 5100 4Runner rear shocks (PN 24-249966

 

[Romeo1]

Sold. Thanks for your reasoning. With the availability issues in mind, do you recommend any distributors? (Online or brick and mortar)

Well, I really like Wheelers off-road. Their service is just fantastic. Shock surplus was good for me too. That said there’s lots of choices these days.

Summit, Napa, & O’Reillys are chain options. 4WP is another one. There are also some Ma and Pop 4x4 shops. It really just depends.

I chose Wheelers because they actually had answers to my questions. It’s a simple thing, but it’s kinda hard to find these days. I deal with enough people that don’t know what they’re doing in my day job, so when I find it out in the world, I do what I can to throw money at them.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Wheeler's has its detractors, but they helped me make a more informed choice since doing Bilstein suspension for 3rd Gens is something they have done for a long, long time. Various discounts, free shipping, no sales tax options seem to be abundant there, too.

 

[octanejunkie]

I bought my first set of rear shocks from Toytec when I lifted my rear 2" along with spacers up front. Was pretty soft up front.

I bought my Tundra billies from Summit, and 620# Eibach springs from Toytec, based on best combined price, when I added my ARB bumper and winch* to net 3" front lift, and upgraded to LC 8-wrap rears.

I've sinced moved that combo to my 4WD and added Toikco LC shocks in the rear purchased from Camelback.

So many choices today

*winch install STILL pending

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

 

[GroceryGetter2.0]

5100's would be my choice. Just a better shock all around. I went online and compared multiple vendors to see who was the cheapest and in stock.

 

[5VZ-FE]

I ended up going with the bilsteins. Wheelers offered what I felt was a pretty good deal. I wouldn’t say the ride quality is loads better, but the peace of mind is nice, and there are certain potholes I’m familiar with that feel less jarring now. I have to replace a ton of worn (or just plain gone) boots/bushings though. I’m embarrassed I let some of these get by me for so long.

Shouldn’t there be something else between this body mount, and the frame metal??

 

[phattyduck]

Shouldn’t there be something else between this body mount, and the frame metal??

That's 100% stock and perfect. Yes, really. (it is there mostly for accident purposes - the '96's didn't even have a mount in that location)

-Charlie