Getting ready to install Bilsteins 5100's....a few ?'s

[Border411]

So my front shocks have finally crapped out after 100k miles. I ordered these but I had a few questions. First, anyone have some real-world numbers of how much they will lift the front of my truck (it is a 2004 V6) using the OEM springs? I also had heard that you can use the stock jack and/or a lever to force the front suspension down so you don't have to disconnect any other suspension pieces. Anyone have directions/pictures on how to do this? Do I need an impact wrench for any of the install, or can I use regular sockets and wrenchs?

 

[chaz]

these links may help: Front Bilstein 5100 shocks, FJ Springs, And Daystar 1.5" Rear Spacers Installed -Pics - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/73955-cubslovers-build.html

 

[Cubslover]

With the OEM springs, you can get 0-2.5" of lift with the adjustable 5100s.

Chaz posted some links to some good walkthroughs. I didn't have pictures with mine and will add some sometime, but I did do the 5100s with my lift.

 

[Border411]

OK.....I knew some people did the FJ spring swap, and therefore the numbers for the lift were a lot higher. It seems like the the front is about 2.5" lower than the rear, so I dont know if i want to go with the 2nd or 3rd setting to try to level it out. I just dont want to OVER do it.

 

[Cubslover]

Typical dive is about 1-1 1/2". So raising the front with 5100s about 1- 1/2" will make your truck set back to normal.

If you order the 5100s, they will have direction and information on height settings.

If you do FJ coils, you'll get 1/2-1"+ of lift and you can set the 5100s at 0" lift, as your coils will be providing the lift.

I did my truck with 108k miles. I found all 4 corners were in need of replacement. The rear shocks were in pretty bad shape. I did OME coils and Bilstein 5100s for about $650. You could do FJ springs and 5100s on all corners for a very moderate lift (1.5") for about $450-500. You may figure that, at 100k miles, it may be in need of replacement as well, and do a mild lift or replace the shocks and coils with OEM spec units.

I figured, the truck needed a new suspension anyway, might as well do the lift while I was at it. I really like the 5100s and they pair nicely with the Old man Emu Coils.

About the lift install:

Only tools I used were 17mm wrenches/sockets, 3/4" wrenches/sockets, follower pin, crowbar, 6mm allen wrench, torque wrench, rachet strap, strut spring compressors (not completely necessary) and misc. Jacks/stands. I didn't use an impact, but one would have come in handy. You could potentially rent an electric torque wrench for 20-25 bucks and make your life easier.

 

[Border411]

Typical dive is about 1-1 1/2". So raising the front with 5100s about 1- 1/2" will make your truck set back to normal.

If you order the 5100s, they will have direction and information on height settings.

If you do FJ coils, you'll get 1/2-1"+ of lift and you can set the 5100s at 0" lift, as your coils will be providing the lift.

I did my truck with 108k miles. I found all 4 corners were in need of replacement. The rear shocks were in pretty bad shape. I did OME coils and Bilstein 5100s for about $650. You could do FJ springs and 5100s on all corners for a very moderate lift (1.5") for about $450-500. You may figure that, at 100k miles, it may be in need of replacement as well, and do a mild lift or replace the shocks and coils with OEM spec units.

I figured, the truck needed a new suspension anyway, might as well do the lift while I was at it. I really like the 5100s and they pair nicely with the Old man Emu Coils.

About the lift install:

Only tools I used were 17mm wrenches/sockets, 3/4" wrenches/sockets, follower pin, crowbar, 6mm allen wrench, torque wrench, rachet strap, strut spring compressors (not completely necessary) and misc. Jacks/stands. I didn't use an impact, but one would have come in handy. You could potentially rent an electric torque wrench for 20-25 bucks and make your life easier.

Wonder if I can just borrow the torque wrench from Advanced Auto since that is where I will be getting the spring compressor from. Thanks for all the info. That is EXACTLY the info I needed! You kick @ss!!!!

I am just trying to level it out. Not looking to lift the whole rig. Trying to keep the "lift" under the radar with the wifey, but the front suspension is definitly shot. The rear, for all the stuff that I have been hauling with the home remodel, are still in pretty good shape. I think that some time next year those will be replaced with Bilsteins as well.

 

[Cubslover]

A torque wrench can be rented from most autoparts stores or tool rental places.

In all reality, 166lbs is A LOT of torque. You could put a heavy wrench on it and a breaker bar and some muscle will get you there. Plus if you thread-lock the bolts, you'll be fine.

You should try to rent one (usually you buy it and just return it), and use one, but you can get by without. You also, don't need a spring compressor by doing the install dropping the a-Arm on the front. It just comes in handy for the rear.

Look at harbor freight to see if there is a store near you. Good prices on decent tools.

 

[ben550]

So my front shocks have finally crapped out after 100k miles. I ordered these but I had a few questions. First, anyone have some real-world numbers of how much they will lift the front of my truck (it is a 2004 V6) using the OEM springs? I also had heard that you can use the stock jack and/or a lever to force the front suspension down so you don't have to disconnect any other suspension pieces. Anyone have directions/pictures on how to do this? Do I need an impact wrench for any of the install, or can I use regular sockets and wrenchs?

So how did your front lift job ever end up? Were you able to level keeping everything stock and only replacing the front shocks with the 5100s? I was hoping to do the same but don't want to get all involved with disconnecting the sway bars and all that. If its as easy as removing the oem shocks and installing the 5100s at the higher setting I will probably give it a try.