Lift question: Tundra billies w/tall coils

[Brique]

Ok, here she is after I upgraded the rear coils to 99s before I got my new tires a week ago.

I've been really liking the height of the 99s in back, and although I was originally planning to do the Tundra front coils/ OME 906 rears, I'm not so sure I want the extra height now.

So my question is this:
Although I've googled and read that tundra bilsteins (5100s) will "work", will they work well with '99 tall coils? My thinking is that if I get the tundra billies with tall coils now and later decide that I want the extra height, I can upgrade to the taller (tundra/906) coils at that time without having to replace the shocks. At the same time, I don't want my shocks to be gimped by coils that are restricting them.

My second follow-up question is: are these the "Tundra" bilsteins in question?
Bilstein 5100 Height Adjustable Front Strut Set for 99-06 Tundra
Bilstein 5100 4runner Rear Shock Set for 1996 - 2002 4Runner

Also, when I put the front strut/coil assembly together, there's a top plate that people like to replace. I would still be using the standard 4Runner hat thing in this application, yes? Would it be best to go OEM for that part, or is aftermarket fine? Also, if I later upgrade to Tundra coils, would I need the hat from the tundra for that, or would I still be using the 4Runner part?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[wnelax04sr5]

I'm thinking a mod may want to move this.....

 

[Brique]

GAH!!! meant to post in 3rd gen section. Mods please move. Thank you!

 

[tre9er]

So my question is this:
Although I've googled and read that tundra bilsteins (5100s) will "work", will they work well with '99 tall coils? My thinking is that if I get the tundra billies with tall coils now and later decide that I want the extra height, I can upgrade to the taller (tundra/906) coils at that time without having to replace the shocks. At the same time, I don't want my shocks to be gimped by coils that are restricting them.

Yes. On the 5th perch you'll be 2-3" taller than stock height, depending on a number of factors, including where you were initially and how much sag the springs have.

My second follow-up question is: are these the "Tundra" bilsteins in question?
Bilstein 5100 Height Adjustable Front Strut Set for 99-06 Tundra

yes, though they are cheaper shipped here: Low Range Offroad 5100 Billies

Also, when I put the front strut/coil assembly together, there's a top plate that people like to replace. I would still be using the standard 4Runner hat thing in this application, yes? Would it be best to go OEM for that part, or is aftermarket fine? Also, if I later upgrade to Tundra coils, would I need the hat from the tundra for that, or would I still be using the 4Runner part?

Thanks in advance for your input.

4runner, in all cases, but I believe you need a TRD coil isolator when you use TRD springs. I'd inspect your current hats and use if fine. OEM is always best, IMO

 

[Brique]

Thanks for your response, it was hugely helpful. A couple follow-up questions, if I may:

Yes. On the 5th perch you'll be 2-3" taller than stock height, depending on a number of factors, including where you were initially and how much sag the springs have.

so, if I want to have the stock 1 inch "lift" height of a '99, do you know what perch I'd be going for there?

yes, though they are cheaper shipped here: Low Range Offroad 5100 Billies

That site is awesome! Bookmarked, for sure. How about the rear Billies I posted? Are those the right ones as well?

 

[Android_02]

Yes, those are the correct 5100 for the rear. They are just the bilstein 5100 for a 00-06 Tundra, but with the lower bushing switched out because our 4runners use a 3/4" and the Tundra use a 1/2" bushing. So if you buy those anywhere but wheeler's you will have to switch out the lower bushing. It's easy just look at this thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/112871-how-press-shock-bushings-out.html

To answer your question you would just keep the perch on the very bottom for the stock 99 height.

Also, you said if you wanted extra height in the future you would buy the TRD tundra spring. But since those 5100 shocks have multiple perches for the spring seat, you could just raise that up and you wouldn't have to buy new springs. This thread shows someone with a stock 99 put them on the very top notch and got about 2.25" of lift over his stock 99 height. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...bilstein-5100-stock-99-4runner-installed.html

So there are 5 total perches, very bottom perch is stock height(but if you used 99 talls very bottom would be 1" lift) and each time you go up 1 perch you'll gain just a little over half an inch.

 

[squabeggz]

yes, though they are cheaper shipped here: Low Range Offroad 5100 Billies

Actually, unless I've misread the listings, they are cheaper ordered through Wheelers. They are sold as a pair for $155. At Lowrange, they are priced individually ($94 x2).
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, cause if I can get them for $94/pair I'm all over it.

 

[tre9er]

Actually, unless I've misread the listings, they are cheaper ordered through Wheelers. They are sold as a pair for $155. At Lowrange, they are priced individually ($94 x2).
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, cause if I can get them for $94/pair I'm all over it.

1-NINETY-5 at wheelers, not 155. I had them in my cart at lowrange and they were in the 180's shipped.

 

[tre9er]

Yes, those are the correct 5100 for the rear. They are just the bilstein 5100 for a 00-06 Tundra, but with the lower bushing switched out because our 4runners use a 3/4" and the Tundra use a 1/2" bushing. So if you buy those anywhere but wheeler's you will have to switch out the lower bushing.

Wheeler's has the bushings already swapped? I may go that route then, depending on shipping. It's not that the bushings are super expensive, but will it be about the same either way? Cheaper at lowrange, but then buy/press bushings, or just get them from Wheeler's...

Wheeler's doesn't tell you shipping until after you pay. I'm guessing it has to be around $10, can't remember what my rough-country shocks were, but it was average. That puts them about $20 over lowrange. Guessing the bushings are cheaper than that, and pressing them in/out isn't hard.

 

[Brique]

Thanks for all the input, guys. I think I'm gonna go this route. I think the 99 talls are just enough height for my dd/road trip/ weekend warrior. And if i decide later i want to step it up, I can. I like the modular approach, and i doubt I'd have much trouble unloading the tall coils later.

 

[squabeggz]

1-NINETY-5 at wheelers, not 155. I had them in my cart at lowrange and they were in the 180's shipped.

Oops..I was looking at rears, not fronts. I live in Utah, so lowrange charges me sales tax :mad2:

 

[tre9er]

I live in Utah, so lowrange charges me sales tax :mad2:

This is not teh bueno :frusty: