new bilstein 5100's

[giguchan]

I took my 3rd Gen out the other day and heard the most Awful noise (sounded like something was snapped underneath). I took it to my buddy who is a toyo tech(hehehe he was working , so he just drove it in and threw it up in the air) He tells me i need new Rear shocks@ 128K. He suggested the Bilsteins.

I took a quick ride to the local 4WD shop only to find that they dont stock that shock. i'LL get them on Mon /tues.

Have any of you guys had much success with these shocks? i can only guess that the front ones are not too far behind the rears in needing repair. I heard that they will provide a stiffer than normal ride. I tow a jetski , small bass boat and finally a Popup trailer.(not at the same time) is there a chance that the Tongue weight was wrong or is this just a coincidence that my rears just went bad.
thanks

 

[Ian97]

I have them on my 4runner, had them on about a year now, I like them a lot....much better ride than the stock shocks...lots of people here like the OME shocks but I prefer the bilsteins....

-Ian

 

[steezemcqueen]

bilstein does not make a 5100 specifically for the 3rd gen. the 95-04 tacoma and 00-06 tundra front ones will work just fine though. but you will not be able to get a matching rear shock. if you are just looking to do a stock replacement. the yellow/blue bilstein HD's will do the trick

 

[giguchan]

Ian,
thanks for the reply. I have been told that give a little stiffer ride than the OEM'S.I have also noticed that a lot of folks dont like them, i guiess i'll see when i get them installed.Thanks
Steez,
I dont know why it's taking my shop so long to get them. I ordered them last saturday they wont be here until monday. I think they got them on the west coast(i'm in NY) I am only replacing the rears at this time. I made an appt on wed to have them installed. I was thinking that i should have had the fronts done too.. oh well.. thanks fore the tip! i am lookinf forward to the new ride.

 

[jrm]

Yup

ive installed um on a 98 Sr5 and my current 00 Limited. The 98 install was with the OE 98 springs and Bridgestone A/Ts. The 00 install is with 99 talls up front and 906s in back and 31.5" Geoladders.

They ride very well, and may be a bit on the stiff side for some.

 

[giguchan]

JRM,
Thanks for the reply. I am looking forward to this. i thought that i wanted a "cushier" ride. I tow stuff, so i am thinking that might not be a good idea i'll get used to it. when the time comes i have "coilover springs" in the front.. I might have missed it, but what should i get for the front? Bilsteins too? to same brand as the rear?


Steeze i think you mentioned this...95-04 Taco 00-06 Tundra? good to go then?

 

[giguchan]

Ok then.... i Forgot to mention that i finally got my BILL steins installed. Since i only got the rears done I have not noticed much of a change in the ride I guess the next time round i'll get the fronts done. I think i have the Coil overs in the front.. They Promise to be more expensive, perhaps then i will notice a different ride.
Thanks to all who replied.