Leveling Kit Questions

[hamiltonj2w1]

I have had both of my 4runner leveled never had a problem I did the topout spacer on both which is mentioned in this thread a few other times and it doesn't preload the spring. But from what has been mentioned it is a pain to install on the limited. I have my 4runner lifted 3in and I haven't had any problems at all there is alot of people running lifts on here with no problems.

 

[sporty87]

I have had both of my 4runner leveled never had a problem I did the topout spacer on both which is mentioned in this thread a few other times and it doesn't preload the spring. But from what has been mentioned it is a pain to install on the limited. I have my 4runner lifted 3in and I haven't had any problems at all there is alot of people running lifts on here with no problems.

I understand what you are saying but this 4X4 shop says that even using spacers on top you are actually lowering the front wheels thereby you need new Upper control arms etc. and will put extra wear on the front end.
I would like to install the Bilstein 5100 Front adjustable shocks with the stock coils to raise the
front 1-1/2" to 2" to level and help with the brake dive but now I have doubts.
Does anyone know what setting on the Bilsteins I should use so the front is not higher and can anyone ease my doubts about what the 4X4 shop told me about not doing the leveling that I will put stress and possibly have problems with the front components and drive shaft. I plan on keeping this truck for a long time and don't want to hear I told you so.
Thanks

 

[shearerman320]

My dealership installed my 2 inch leveling kit and if they caused problems that broke things, I think they would be the first ones to say no way on install. Also Ive read through some of the older generations part of the forum and didn't see and major issues being caused by a leveling kit being installed. I went to a 4x4 shop myself at first and they wouldn't touch my limited because of the xreas. Sounds like the shop was either scared of the install or either trying to up sell a bigger lift kit just my opinion

 

[harper7]

Went to a 4x4 shop here on long island to ask about having my 2010 SR5 4Runners front leveled (Hate the 2" lower in front look). I had planned on using the Bilsteins 5100 adjustable shocks with my stock coils in the front and leaving the rear stock. I just want to level the front to the rear. My front is exactly 2" lower than the rear.
But I was told by the shop (that's been in business for many years) not to do it with either spacers or Bilstein adjustable shocks because it would preload the springs and cause problems down the road with ball joints, tie rods,steering etc. This shop just does 4 wheel drive work and had trucks in the shop with up to 6" lifts and does the lifts for new car dealerships. He said you have to go to at least a 4" lift where all the components come with the kit to drop all the necessary things that have to be changed (sway bar, differential, UCA's etc).
What's up with his advice and everybody on this forum that has leveled their 2010 4Runners? I don't want major problems down the road but I hate the Rake on my truck. By the way he also said not to use the front Top Spacers for leveling as this will cause all the same problems!
Please tell me your opinions.
Thanks:bash:

Go to another shop .......those guys are Full of Shat!:gun6:
Never even heard of a 4 inch lift kit for 4runners and to change the differentials and sway bars!Please !!!

People have been running spacer lifts without problems on 4runners for years and 4TH Gen and 5th Gens suspensions are almost identical.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

I also agree with shearerman320 my dealer has lifted a few Tacos and a few FJ's all covered under warranty and they never used new UCA's or diff drops. I had my 4th gen 4runner leveled with topout spacers for years never had any issues so I think Harper is right go somewhere else

 

[sporty87]

Go to another shop .......those guys are Full of Shat!:gun6:
Never even heard of a 4 inch lift kit for 4runners and to change the differentials and sway bars!Please !!!

People have been running spacer lifts without problems on 4runners for years and 4TH Gen and 5th Gens suspensions are almost identical.

He said that he would put in a 4" kit from an FJ Cruiser and that it was the same one for the 2010 SR5.
Harper I trust what you say! so please assure me that the Bilstein 5100's front adjustable shocks are ok and I will stay away from the shop that told me otherwise.
Would you know what setting I should have them set to to level the front rake? (front is now 2" lower) and do I need to do anything else such as Alignment etc?
Thanks everyone for this great forum!

 

[sporty87]

Bilstein says they do not make 5100 adjustable shocks for the 2010 Runner

Whats up with the Bilstein 5100 front adjustable shocks for the 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5. I have contacted a couple of websites and they said Bilstein does not have a part number yet for the 2010 yet I see people on this site have them. I have come up with 2 different part#'s that some sites say will work.
Part# BE5-C475-HO
Part# BE5-C477-TO
What's the deal are there 5100's for the 2010 4Runner SR5?:bash:

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

Whats up with the Bilstein 5100 front adjustable shocks for the 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5. I have contacted a couple of websites and they said Bilstein does not have a part number yet for the 2010 yet I see people on this site have them. I have come up with 2 different part#'s that some sites say will work.
Part# BE5-C475-HO
Part# BE5-C477-TO
What's the deal are there 5100's for the 2010 4Runner SR5?:bash:

Yes they will work have you contacted Toytec they will be glad to help you out good company good products and fast shipping. But unfortunately it appears they are out of stock right now Front height Adjustable 5100 Bilstein Shocks - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

 

[Will733]

Whats up with the Bilstein 5100 front adjustable shocks for the 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5. I have contacted a couple of websites and they said Bilstein does not have a part number yet for the 2010 yet I see people on this site have them. I have come up with 2 different part#'s that some sites say will work.
Part# BE5-C475-HO
Part# BE5-C477-TO
What's the deal are there 5100's for the 2010 4Runner SR5?:bash:

Those part #'s are the exact same shocks (Just depends on who you buy it through), and are the same shocks that the current Tacoma, FJ, 5th and 4th Gen 4Runner's use. Maybe the person you contacted just isn't aware of that.

 

[DiscGolferDave]

I'm looking to level out my 2010 TE also. Wondering what the best way to go is? Front coil-overs? Spacers? Just-shocks?

I'm a newbie with this stuff. I want to do it right and not cut any corners in the interest of saving money or time.

 

[RNA352]

Are there any benefits to leveling kits other than aesthetics?

 

[sporty87]

Those part #'s are the exact same shocks (Just depends on who you buy it through), and are the same shocks that the current Tacoma, FJ, 5th and 4th Gen 4Runner's use. Maybe the person you contacted just isn't aware of that.

But Bilstein I am told will not officially say they are for the 5th. gen. 4Runner which means they may not warranty the shocks.

 

[Will733]

Are there any benefits to leveling kits other than aesthetics?

Spacers might still help reduce the nose dive when breaking a bit since the truck isn't aiming downward anymore, but maybe someone with experience using them can say for sure. Bilsteins definitely help reduce the nose dive and improve the ride since it is a better performing shock than stock.

But Bilstein I am told will not officially say they are for the 5th. gen. 4Runner which means they may not warranty the shocks.

They probably will eventually start selling them as 2010+ shocks too, but it's so new that they haven't yet. I doubt they will make a whole new part number just for us when they didn't bother to change part numbers with FJ's, Tacoma's, and 4th Gens. Even if they never do sell them as official 5th Gen shocks and therefore decline to warranty them, I'm ok with it. On a $170 purchase, a possible lack of replacement coverage isn't going to stop me from buying something I want.

 

[sporty87]

Differential drop question with Bilstein 5100's

Do I need to install a differential drop on my 2010 4Runner SR5 when I install the Bilstein 5100 front adjustable shocks if I set the shocks at the 1.75" setting(I believe 2nd. notch). Thanks

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

Do I need to install a differential drop on my 2010 4Runner SR5 when I install the Bilstein 5100 front adjustable shocks if I set the shocks at the 1.75" setting(I believe 2nd. notch). Thanks

I have a full lift on mine and don't have a diff drop installed. To be honest I am not even sure if anybody else even bothered to install it either

 

[shearerman320]

RNA352 Are there any benefits to leveling kits other than aesthetics?


I have the Toyotec 2 inch leveling kit on my limited and didn't notice any real ride difference, it did look a heck of a lot better, My ride improved when I put on the new rims and tires. The only down fall to a leveling kit is now i want to go bigger ha-ha and I was even warned I would

 

[Hawkdog21]

I have a full lift on mine and don't have a diff drop installed. To be honest I am not even sure if anybody else even bothered to install it either

I have not read anyone installing them. My CV angles are still perfectly fine with 3 inches of lift, so you will be perfectly fine with less than 2"

 

[sporty87]

Whats up with the Bilstein 5100 front adjustable shocks for the 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5. I have contacted a couple of websites and they said Bilstein does not have a part number yet for the 2010 yet I see people on this site have them. I have come up with 2 different part#'s that some sites say will work.
Part# BE5-C475-HO
Part# BE5-C477-TO
What's the deal are there 5100's for the 2010 4Runner SR5?:bash:

I emailed Wheelers Off Road about the Bilstein 5100's that they are selling on their website with above #'s for the 2010 4Runner and this is there reply:

Our website lists them to current. They will not fit your 2010 model that I know of. Bilstein has not listed the application yet. As far as we know the shocks are physically the same, but the valving is different. We need to change the website. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Will733]

I emailed Wheelers Off Road about the Bilstein 5100's that they are selling on their website with above #'s for the 2010 4Runner and this is there reply:

Our website lists them to current. They will not fit your 2010 model that I know of. Bilstein has not listed the application yet. As far as we know the shocks are physically the same, but the valving is different. We need to change the website. Sorry for the confusion.

Sounds like you are talking to the wrong person then since he says he doesn't know if it'll fit. Saying they are physically the same but different "valving"??? I don't get how different valving (stiffness) might cause them not to fit? The 5100's are much more stiff than stock, but I prefer it that way.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

I emailed Wheelers Off Road about the Bilstein 5100's that they are selling on their website with above #'s for the 2010 4Runner and this is there reply:

Our website lists them to current. They will not fit your 2010 model that I know of. Bilstein has not listed the application yet. As far as we know the shocks are physically the same, but the valving is different. We need to change the website. Sorry for the confusion.

Call Toytec those guys know what they are talking about and specialize in Toyota plus forums members get a 5% discount