Level/Lift Advice: Bilstein 5100's v. ProComp Pro Runner's

5POINT56

5POINT56

New member
I went to a 4X4 shop today, recommended by a member here, near where I work. Phase one of my 2013 TE mods will be lift/level & new tires (275/70/17 BFG's) and before the tires go on, I'd like to get this thing leveled out....so I stopped by this shop to talk with some of the people there about putting this together for me.

I was originally thinking of going with a Daystar 1.5"/2.5" level kit, but after searching and reading here, it would seem there's a better, more high quality solution out there....with certain benefits that a garden variety spacer based leveling kit wont deliver on. Again, I just want the 4R leveled out. If there's a very modest lift achieved, that's cool with me, but the leveling out part is what I'm looking to do pretty much exclusively. Yup, I searched already. the words "Pro" "Runner" "Comp" and various combinations deliver all sorts of unrelated threads, even through the new Google searching method that's become popular.

The Bilstein 5100's seem to be a very popular option here, and after reading up on them, they're definitely a contender....however after stopping by this shop, the ProComp Pro Runner line seems to be a very solid option as well. I can't recall reading much about them on here, so I'm seeking advice.

The guy told me that the Pro Runners come in vehicle specific designs, and where they differ from the Bilsteins is that there's a collar that's reversible. Position the collar on one side, and it's simply a shock replacement. Flip the collar the other way, and it provides a perfect leveling for a 4Runner.

Sounds like what I'm looking to do. I don't need/care about adjustability, once it's leveled out, I'm good. My only concern is that I just don't know much about these things and I'm hoping someone can chime in on ProComp Pro Runners specifically. Below are a few images from ProComp.

Pro Comp USA - Monotube Shocks

ProComp2_zps1503f60b.jpg~original


ProComp1_zps5991c2eb.jpg~original


ProComp3_zpsce2d18ba.jpg~original
 
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I am guessing you went to a 4wheelparts? they are in cahoots with ProCrap. I have run 1 ProCrap lift and will never do it again... I have no experience with these. I can only tell you do it right do it once. Bilstein has a great reputation.I ran 5100s on my Tundra and they were great! For a little more I would recommend TOYTEC products.
 
You have obviously been around this forum for a while, and did your research before posting. Though I can't chime in on the quality of ProComp, there's likely a reason you see the word Bilsteins come up in almost ever thread on here. I've read this forum inside out trying to decide how to level my own 4Runner and I wouldn't consider anything but Toytec and Bilstein's now. I'm curious to see what replies you get to this, but I have a feeling most will say Bilsteins....
 
If you are not interested in the adjustability, why the flip-collar? I would eliminate the gimmick factor and get a shock/coil specific to your need. If you are only leveling, why not go the toytec spacer route?

Bilstein, OME, Toytec, Icon are all quality options to consider if you are going beyond spacers.

Okki
 
Stifler said:
I am guessing you went to a 4wheelparts? they are in cahoots with ProCrap. I have run 1 ProCrap lift and will never do it again... I have no experience with these. I can only tell you do it right do it once. Bilstein has a great reputation.I ran 5100s on my Tundra and they were great! For a little more I would recommend TOYTEC products.
Click to expand...

Yeah, 4WheelParts is exactly where I went.

Ok, between you and the other guys here, I'll rule these things out.

I guess this next question will pretty much wrap this subject up then.

.85 is the 5100 setting for a completely level Gen 5.....is that correct? If that's the case, then that's what I'll go with.
 
Okki said:
If you are not interested in the adjustability, why the flip-collar? I would eliminate the gimmick factor and get a shock/coil specific to your need. If you are only leveling, why not go the toytec spacer route?
Click to expand...

True.

The reason I decided to not opt for spacers is that from what I understand, the Bilsteins will not only level the 4R out, they're a pretty decent up grade to the OEM shocks....and actually improve the ride.

Again, if that is the case, then that definitely justifies the cost. My TE is a month old, if that, and I'll have it a while. Might as well do something that's more than cosmetic while I have it in the shop anyway.
 
From what I gather, it seems like the general consensus is that @0.85 you will have a tiny bit of rake left, and the next step up @1.75 you might look a bit nose high depending on how much you load up the rear. I think it was [MENTION=51186]philsey[/MENTION] that posted some pretty good pictures of his 4runner set at 0.85" up front, maybe ask him. I also saw a few good side shots in the lifted pics thread too, so if you have the time you can scan through that and see for yourself if that's leveled enough for your taste.

You certainly cannot go wrong with a set of 5100s, it's a proven shock from a great company, and it's also what I just bought too :)
 
I'm putting on Bilstein 5100s set to 1.75 and Air Lifts for the back.
My TE sets 2 inches higher in the back; I expect the 1.75 setting to be very close to level. The Air Lifts are for when it's loaded or in case I get a slight negative rake from the Bilsteins.

I installed the Air Lifts today, the Bilsteins are going on Monday, right after my wife leaves for work. I'll post B4 and after photos and info.
 
5POINT56 said:
True.

The reason I decided to not opt for spacers is that from what I understand, the Bilsteins will not only level the 4R out, they're a pretty decent up grade to the OEM shocks....and actually improve the ride.

Again, if that is the case, then that definitely justifies the cost. My TE is a month old, if that, and I'll have it a while. Might as well do something that's more than cosmetic while I have it in the shop anyway.
Click to expand...

Correct .85 is where to be.

Also good thing is if you want to upgrade to coilovers sometime you can just buy the upgrade kit from toytec.
 
5POINT56 said:
Yeah, 4WheelParts is exactly where I went.

Ok, between you and the other guys here, I'll rule these things out.

I guess this next question will pretty much wrap this subject up then.

.85 is the 5100 setting for a completely level Gen 5.....is that correct? If that's the case, then that's what I'll go with.
Click to expand...

I just installed the 5100's front,, 5160's back last week and did the fronts at
.85 and IMHO it makes my 2011 TE run 100% better than with the OEM shocks. I have stock size Duratrac "E" rated and with the new shocks ride/comfort is about perfect. For the cost, the Bilstein 5100's are well worth it.
 
5POINT56 said:
Yeah, 4WheelParts is exactly where I went.

Ok, between you and the other guys here, I'll rule these things out.

I guess this next question will pretty much wrap this subject up then.

.85 is the 5100 setting for a completely level Gen 5.....is that correct? If that's the case, then that's what I'll go with.
Click to expand...

Maybe this will help a little - sorry for the picture quality but I think you can see the difference. This first picture is with the stock shocks and nothing changed except for the Duratracs. I did my best to park in the exact same spot to show things the best I could. Maybe hard to tell but the front and back are dang near level.

"Stock height"


"Bilstein 5100's at .85 setting"

 
OregonTrail said:
Maybe this will help a little - sorry for the picture quality but I think you can see the difference. This first picture is with the stock shocks and nothing changed except for the Duratracs. I did my best to park in the exact same spot to show things the best I could. Maybe hard to tell but the front and back are dang near level.

"Stock height"


"Bilstein 5100's at .85 setting"

Click to expand...


Looks really great! Is headlight realignment needed with the .85?
 
i have the 2012 TE and want to install the 5100 adjustable. i cant seem to find a part number anywhere and there seem to be many.

can someone please shed some light here for me? also, a good place to purchase would be appreciated.

mike
 
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