No spring compressor method

[jonb2]

Hi all. 2007 4runner 2wd with Bilstein 5100s all around and stock springs.

Currently have the fronts set at 1.75" lift but want to up that to 2.5" max height setting. I know front shocks need to be removed and disassembled to change the setting.

I read about the "no spring compressor method" of changing the front shocks.

1. Has anyone done this with the Bilstein 5100 ?
2. Since I want to go with the highest setting, which I believe forces the spring to compress the most on install, will this method work to get the shock center shaft all the way up to install the center nut on top ?

Any thoughts appreciated before I attempt this weekend. thanks!

 

[Davy180]

Hi all. 2007 4runner 2wd with Bilstein 5100s all around and stock springs.

Currently have the fronts set at 1.75" lift but want to up that to 2.5" max height setting. I know front shocks need to be removed and disassembled to change the setting.

I read about the "no spring compressor method" of changing the front shocks.

1. Has anyone done this with the Bilstein 5100 ?
2. Since I want to go with the highest setting, which I believe forces the spring to compress the most on install, will this method work to get the shock center shaft all the way up to install the center nut on top ?

Any thoughts appreciated before I attempt this weekend. thanks!

When I first lifted my truck I used a spring compressor and I have Bilsteins 5100 with the Toytec 2.5HD front coils. I put them on the lowest setting not knowing how high it would make the front of my truck. After a few months it was lower then I had liked so last month I decided to go up a notch. This time I did the none spring compressor method and it was way easier and did both sides in about an hour. I only went up one notch but my springs are a lot stiffer then the factory springs and I didn't have a problem. If you can have someone help you, it will help when guiding everything in and you will get done faster.

 

[NinjaOne]

I tried the no-spring compressor method with Billies (lowest) and OME 884, wasn't able to get it lined up and seated properly by myself. If you had extra hands to help for 5 or 10 minutes it'd be super easy

 

[Drunner97]

I did the no spring compressor with my 885s which are super stiff and had no problems compressing them, I can't imagine you'll have an issue with the stock springs. The hardest part is lining up the shaft to go through the hole if you're doing it solo.

 

[NinjaOne]

I did the no spring compressor with my 885s which are super stiff and had no problems compressing them, I can't imagine you'll have an issue with the stock springs. The hardest part is lining up the shaft to go through the hole if you're doing it solo.

If I had had better lighting or a second set of hands, it would have been a piece of cake. Even with the stiffer/longer spring it fit good. Just wasn't able to get it perfectly aligned and tightened by myself.

Find a second pair of hands and a long bar to hold the LCA down and you'll be set

 

[Drunner97]

If I had had better lighting or a second set of hands, it would have been a piece of cake. Even with the stiffer/longer spring it fit good. Just wasn't able to get it perfectly aligned and tightened by myself.

Find a second pair of hands and a long bar to hold the LCA down and you'll be set

I loosened the LCA bolts so I didn't have to use a bar to push it down, that flexibility really helps with lining up the shaft. One hand on the shock, one on the jack handle, and good to go. Another set of hands definitely would have helped though.

 

[BoroRunner]

Bilstein 5100 No Spring Compressor install on 4th Gen

After reading through this forum for months, I decided to tackle the install on 5100's using the no compressor method for front and also did the 5100's on the back. Here is my experience. (Note that I am not a mechanic and this project is at the limit of my skill set.)

1) I spend about an hour removing the XREAS system which was completely shot at 240K miles. Follow the video instructions you can find at LOW RANGE offroad. It was dead on accurate. The bolt for the bracket just forward of the rear wheel well is difficult to get to, so take your time.
2) The no spring compressor method was pretty easy and safe if you follow the instructions shown on the videos shown in other threads!! Thanks to all who took the time to post those, they were super helpful.
3) The rear shocks were not as straight forward as I hoped. The bolts on top were locked up pretty tight. I rented a Sawzall from Home Depot and cut them off. Best money I spent on this project that saved my knuckles and back!
4) The 5100's feel fantastic and completely changed the ride! One side of my Xreas had been leaking and there was almost no fluid left in two of the shocks, so I am sure the contrast between the old Xreas and the new 5100's is a bit skewed since it rode so poorly before. Nevertheless, the Bilsteins ride great and are not too stiff as I feared. I set the front at 0.85" just to level it off and no lift in the back. They are firm, but not too much. Worth the money!

Just had some new Master Craft Courser AXT's installed this morning to replacement worn Michelin's. I have only driven them about 25 miles, but they are super quiet for AT tires and look awesome.

Again, I am thankful for the postings and tips from this forum. I would not have had the confidence to tackle this had it not been for T4R!!!!