FJ shocks vs bilstein 5100

[heiser]

I've been searching for parts to swap out my xreas for quite a while, so I've read a lot of threads, but I haven't found much about this comparison except for a small mention in the Suspension FAQ.

I'm at 167k and finally found some FJ parts not too far from me. This guy has all 4 springs and shocks from a 2013 FJ for pretty cheap with low miles (<20k). These are the black shocks, not stock bilsteins.

I know I'll have to mod the shocks to fit. Are the 5100's that much better? It's about a $400 difference. This is my daily driver but I do like to do trails when I have time.

 

[JSeligman2828]

I've been searching for parts to swap out my xreas for quite a while, so I've read a lot of threads, but I haven't found much about this comparison except for a small mention in the Suspension FAQ.

I'm at 167k and finally found some FJ parts not too far from me. This guy has all 4 springs and shocks from a 2013 FJ for pretty cheap with low miles (<20k). These are the black shocks, not stock bilsteins.

I know I'll have to mod the shocks to fit. Are the 5100's that much better? It's about a $400 difference. This is my daily driver but I do like to do trails when I have time.

Personally I found FJ shocks difficult to source while there was a plethora of Tacoma shocks/struts on the market. I was able to secure a TRD Offroad Tacoma with 2k miles full suspension (front shocks and coils, and rear struts) all for $150. I finished it off with a very nice member giving me fj rear coils with 750 miles on them for $50 with shipping.

I wanted to source 5100 at first but decided to go this route that I believe to be 60%-75% cheaper.

 

[heiser]

Personally I found FJ shocks difficult to source while there was a plethora of Tacoma shocks/struts on the market. I was able to secure a TRD Offroad Tacoma with 2k miles full suspension (front shocks and coils, and rear struts) all for $150. I finished it off with a very nice member giving me fj rear coils with 750 miles on them for $50 with shipping.

I wanted to source 5100 at first but decided to go this route that I believe to be 60%-75% cheaper.

These 4 shocks and 4 coils are all for $50, so the coils are for sure, but the shocks I'm not too sure. If they're decent shocks, it'd be a great deal for me.

I thought the Tacoma shocks needed special work to swap, or am I imagining that? If so, how difficult was it for it?

 

[truc.karl]

Bilstein's are expensive but you will surely like the ride quality and these shocks will last for several years.

 

[FJ40Jay]

The Tacoma fronts fit, rear needs a new bushing pressed in the bottom.

 

[JSeligman2828]

The Tacoma fronts fit, rear needs a new bushing pressed in the bottom.

correct, the bushing is about $9 on amazon. Also I've heard the tacoma TRD offroad (not sport) are better shocks than the FJ Billsteins. Not sure, i haven't even put them on yet. It's been a slow process.

$50 for a set of shocks are great, however 20k miles to me seems like a pretty good amount, however I literally know nothing so I would take my opinion with a grain of salt.

 

[heiser]

I'll look into the tacoma swap a bit more. Sounds like it might be worth it.

EDIT: Wish I would have known this earlier. Craigslist is showering me in tacoma shocks

 

[wnelax04sr5]

i've got almost brand new FJ shocks (fronts only no springs) if you decide you wanted them

 

[alia176]

I swapped my entire suspension with a FJC Trail edition, I think it was. Anyway, the shocks are yellow Bilsteins and I'm happy with the ride for now. It was a good bang for the buck. However, long term, I'll go with the 5100s and raise the front end up about .85". I LOVE Bilstein shocks on my other vehicles and everyone who runs them are also in love with them.

 

[heiser]

I swapped my entire suspension with a FJC Trail edition, I think it was. Anyway, the shocks are yellow Bilsteins and I'm happy with the ride for now. It was a good bang for the buck. However, long term, I'll go with the 5100s and raise the front end up about .85". I LOVE Bilstein shocks on my other vehicles and everyone who runs them are also in love with them.

That's what I kinda figured. It's not a coincidence that bilstein is all anyone ever talks about here. I'm going to get the FJ springs and probably the TRD tacoma shocks now that I see they're easy to come by.

wnelax04sr5, I have a couple local TRD shocks that I'm going to look into, but if it doesn't work out I'll pm you.