Eibach pro truck or Bilstein 5100 for SR5 for road use and stock height

[Hoosiers]

I searched other threads and it's hard to find discussion that doesn't involve a lift. My wife has a 23 SR5 premium we bought new. Has about 30K on it. While she is super happy with it I wanted to improve the handling. I know it's a 4runner, but I've had a leaf spring Jeep and trucks in the past, and the front end diving and the side to side sway on turns is exhausting on this 4Runner. I know the stock tires contribute some of this, but I think the shocks are a big part of the issue too. I'm not interested in changing the ride height. From other threads, it seem the most common option is the Bilstein 5100 (or perhaps the 4600 for stock ride height) but it seems the Eibach Pro truck has a better ride. Any opinions on this? I'm hoping to get a more compliant day to day ride for local commuting and highway riding and cutting out the nose dive and severe roll on turns without being harsh - basically make it ride like a truck. And yes she would have been better off with a Highlander or perhaps a RAV4, but all she wanted was a 4Runner after driving a minivan for about 12 years...we'll never drive off road. Will likely pull a small trailer from time to time. I can add airbags if needed for that. Thanks.

 

[OregonTrail]

Not sure about the Eibach shocks or how their ride is but the 5100's will be quite a bit stiffer riding over factory. I just replaced my 5100's with Dobinsons IMS which ride terrific IMHO. 5100's are popular due to price and seem to be mostly bullet-proof so not a bad choice but again ride will be stiffer over factory.

 

[OregonTrail]

In regards to the Eibach I've only read various posts about them and they seem to be a good system. I just last week replaced the 5100's on my 4Runner after running the 5100's up front and 5160's in the back. I did have the front set at .85" to do a bit of a "level" so you might consider that is something you can do with the Bilsteins. But IMHO if you are wanting a similar or same ride to the factory shocks you may not like the 5100's since they are a bit stiffer overall even when you use the factory coil springs. The Bilsteins are nice and seem to be pretty bullet-proof and a good option but maybe not for your application?? I tow a lot with mine and just replaced everything with Dobinsons IMS shocks and their coil springs front and back and it sure rides much better than the Bilsteins.

Weird?? I posted my 1st reply but couldn't see it?? Now its there???

 

[Hoosiers]

In regards to the Eibach I've only read various posts about them and they seem to be a good system. I just last week replaced the 5100's on my 4Runner after running the 5100's up front and 5160's in the back. I did have the front set at .85" to do a bit of a "level" so you might consider that is something you can do with the Bilsteins. But IMHO if you are wanting a similar or same ride to the factory shocks you may not like the 5100's since they are a bit stiffer overall even when you use the factory coil springs. The Bilsteins are nice and seem to be pretty bullet-proof and a good option but maybe not for your application?? I tow a lot with mine and just replaced everything with Dobinsons IMS shocks and their coil springs front and back and it sure rides much better than the Bilsteins.

Weird?? I posted my 1st reply but couldn't see it?? Now its there???

I've tried to look at around at different posts, and from what I've read, it sounds like the Bilstein 4600s plus a stiffer rear sway bar will solve the issue I'm trying to fix. 5100s are apparently stiffer and only needed for a lift.

 

[johnnygraphic]

I've got a 21 TRD ORP at 30k miles and still running the stock shocks. I've been doing some research and came across this video. Kind of a nice comparison between different shocks.
Hope it helps.

ETA: Another comparison with driving impressions: