Installed Bilstein 5100's on rear, big diff !!
- Thread starter bzizzi
- Start date
4RunnerTrail
New member
I think it also depends on what model you have. I believe the trail has a bit more height and higher in the back than the others. I've seen pics with the 3rd notch done on trail and appears to be level, dead even. Though if you put weight in the back may be to high up front. I'm not sure the 2nd notch makes a noticable enough difference though. I wish i could raise the front 3rd setting 2 inches and rear 1 inch. that would be perfect for me.
bzizzi
Member
Take a factory shock that you removed and push it down on the floor and collapse it, you can feel how little rebound and extension force it has.
Now take a 5100 new out of box and collapse it and you will see how the rear can be lifted up to 1/2", think about it, there is the weight of vehicle pressing down on the factory springs, when you add a shock that has more extension force it can lift the rear a small amount, I don't know how to explain it any clearer unless I can get a kindergarten teacher for some of you guys.I ask this again, then why does Bilstein put the green straps around the shocks for shipping if there is no extension force on them.These are gas shocks, not regular shocks.Now, will they loose some of this pressure as the shocks get put into service? absolutely ! But right now I gained 1/2" as they are new. They may settle to stock as time goes by.
Now take a 5100 new out of box and collapse it and you will see how the rear can be lifted up to 1/2", think about it, there is the weight of vehicle pressing down on the factory springs, when you add a shock that has more extension force it can lift the rear a small amount, I don't know how to explain it any clearer unless I can get a kindergarten teacher for some of you guys.I ask this again, then why does Bilstein put the green straps around the shocks for shipping if there is no extension force on them.These are gas shocks, not regular shocks.Now, will they loose some of this pressure as the shocks get put into service? absolutely ! But right now I gained 1/2" as they are new. They may settle to stock as time goes by.
1engineer
Moderator
Rear Shocks: The Tuned System
In addition to the front leveling shocks, Bilstein offers a matched set of rear 5100 Series shocks to complete the tuned system. The addition of the
rear shocks will offer an excellent balance to your vehicle. You may be able to “get by” with just doing the front leveling shocks but you will need the
rears for the ultimate system and maximum performance.
The rear 5100 Series shocks will also accommodate up to a 1.5” lift if an extended shackle, block, add-a-leaf, or a new spring pack has been added on
your vehicle. The rear 5100 Series shocks do not provide a ride height feature. However, as with the front shocks, the rear shocks are designed to
maximize available suspension travel.
This is directly from the Bilstein website.
PV=nRT still applies, and I welcome a discussion with a kindergarten teacher about the kinetic theory of gases and the derivation of the Ideal Gas Laws.
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Here we go...........:flamewar:
bzizzi
Member
Now,did I install the 5100's on the rear hoping for any kind of lift, NO !!
did i get a 1/2" increase measured by me, yes, end of conversation !!
Also, just wondering what fronts you guys are using if Bilstein did not release the correct ones yet ??? Are they this P/N-24-196-499 ???
The engineer at Bilstein advised against using any others.
did i get a 1/2" increase measured by me, yes, end of conversation !!
Also, just wondering what fronts you guys are using if Bilstein did not release the correct ones yet ??? Are they this P/N-24-196-499 ???
The engineer at Bilstein advised against using any others.
KCcarguy
New member
I've never heard that the TE has different springs, but I guess it's possible. I have always thought that the cleaner rocker-panel/ trim design of the TE gave the illusion that it was level when owners used the wheel arches as a reference instead of the frame. When, in fact it is slightly nose-high. There are quite a few SR5's on the forum that have used the wheel arches as a reference and look slightly front-high IMO. I went and measured my truck with the frame as point of reference and there was only a .5-.75" rake vs the 2" a lot of people are getting measuring at the arches. I guess in the end it's all personal taste, but I'd like to achieve frame-level or maintain a slight factory rake.
1engineer
Moderator
I agree. Can I ask how much the total bill was?
