Problem With Bilstein 4600

[grhcan99]

I'm new here and desperately in need of advice. I have looked everywhere in this forum for anything related to the Bilstein 4600 that I have just installed on my '06 Limited but all I can mostly find are references to the 5100's. God I hope I didn't screw up. My wife will not like this at all. My apologies in advance if I have violated any forum ethics in creating this new thread. If I have, please go gently on me. I have prowled this forum for a long time since getting my 4runner February of this year. But this is my first time posting as I couldn't seem to find an appropriate answer for my dilemma. If you know of any existing thread just kindly point me to it and I will try not to be a bother.

I just replaced my xreas yesterday (after my ride had started getting really harsh) with Bilstein 4600 front and rear. I did not replace the springs. I had expected the new shocks to ride firmer and I was ok with that but the drive is still uncomfortably jarring especially at the back. So basically my question is. Is this normal? As I said I'm ok with firm/stiffer ride. But jarring is something I did not expect.

Did I miss anything here?

Did I tighten up the top mount of the rear shocks too much against the bushings thereby preventing the bushings from doing it's work of helping reduce vibration?

Should I have replaced the rear stock coil springs as well? Would new rear coil springs help eliminate jarring?

Would the Bilstein 5100's have given a better ride?

Or would I be just better off going back to non-reas oem shocks and updated stabilizer brackets and bushings? (suggestion by one of the members here)

By the way, I don't off-road. This is my daily city commuter car. I don't drive fast. In fact I drive very carefully (almost like my grandma ) But unlike my grandma I do my own basic maintenance and repairs (nothing too complicated).

Any help would be very much appreciated.

 

[chaz]

if you think the 4600 are too jarring going to the 5100 wont help, maybe try the tokico's, you might be able to pick up a slightly used set on here. also, there's threads on the 4600 in the 3rd gen section if it helps. heres one - http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/149588-bilstein-4600s-vs-tokico-trekmasters.html

 

[4runnerAzGuy]

the 4600s are still good shocks. Alot of people go with the 5100s because the are height adjustable.

 

[grhcan99]

Thanks for the advice Chaz and 4RunnerAZGuy. After continuing my search I stumbled on some postings that mentioned that I needed to replace the strut mount as well as they are supposed to be wear items. Reading up on it I learned that the strut mounts are also responsible for isolating vibrations. I have just put in an order and picking two today. I'm hoping to install it tonight and see what happens.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Do you happen to have the rear air suspension? Especially in your area, this commonly fails and would explain your issues. The rear 5100s and 4600s are valved the same, just different lengths. The rear tokico shocks are only about $35 each new, so be aware of that if you look for a used set.

 

[grhcan99]

Do you happen to have the rear air suspension? Especially in your area, this commonly fails and would explain your issues. The rear 5100s and 4600s are valved the same, just different lengths. The rear tokico shocks are only about $35 each new, so be aware of that if you look for a used set.

No, I don't have air suspension. I googled for Tokico shocks yesterday and couldn't find any for the 4th gen. From what I've found so far they are only offered for the years 84-2002.

 

[bobbarker]

Size/type/age of tires? Tires are just as important as shocks for ride quality.

 

[chaz]

not sure if these are tokico http://www.carpartswarehouse.com/addtocart/2006_Toyota/4_Runner/Shock_and_Strut_Set/75-82035.html# but if you cant find em , monroe shocks are suppose to be similar to oem ride also check out ebay- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-4Run...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f2c3d890e&vxp=mtr

 

[grhcan99]

Size/type/age of tires? Tires are just as important as shocks for ride quality.

Yes, that realization struck me last night. I have always pumped in 39psi for fuel economy reasons and I have been ok with that before the old shocks went. Also read an article at ShockWarehouse that the model's recommended pressure should always be followed and not the tire's. Not sure how absolute that claim is but since my tire (Wrangler SR-A 275/65R18 with 6/32 tread) is not that different from stock (265/60R18) I thought I should try it. So I brought it down to 32. I have instantly noticed a reduction of ride harshness. Not much but enough to see a difference.

 

[bobbarker]

Yes, that realization struck me last night. I have always pumped in 39psi for fuel economy reasons and I have been ok with that before the old shocks went. Also read an article at ShockWarehouse that the model's recommended pressure should always be followed and not the tire's. Not sure how absolute that claim is but since my tire (Wrangler SR-A 275/65R18 with 6/32 tread) is not that different from stock (265/60R18) I thought I should try it. So I brought it down to 32. I have instantly noticed a reduction of ride harshness. Not much but enough to see a difference.

I just put on the same Bilsteins with my old Goodyears...it felt a lot more controlled but still rode a little crappy. Once I switched them out for the winter tires, it turned into a Cadillac. Those Goodyears are done, so I'm going to carefully choose the next ones for the spring.

 

[grhcan99]

not sure if these are tokico 2006*Toyota*4 Runner*Shock and Strut Set from Car Parts Warehouse | Add to Cart but if you cant find em , monroe shocks are suppose to be similar to oem ride also check out ebay- Toyota 4Runner Front Rear Shocks Strut Set Genuine OE | eBay

Thanks for the links Chaz. I checked the link at CarPartsWarehouse. Wish it had more tech notes/product details so I can research the product a bit. The ebay link is a genuine part. I am also considering going back to that. And yes I have looked at Monroe as well. Thanks.

 

[grhcan99]

I just put on the same Bilsteins with my old Goodyears...it felt a lot more controlled but still rode a little crappy. Once I switched them out for the winter tires, it turned into a Cadillac. Those Goodyears are done, so I'm going to carefully choose the next ones for the spring.

Wow that big of a difference? Since I got mine 10 months ago I had always been thinking about going back to stock size. I'll wait for a couple more months. But since you're getting it earlier do let me know how it pans out. Btw, what model do you have?

 

[bobbarker]

Wow that big of a difference? Since I got mine 10 months ago I had always been thinking about going back to stock size. I'll wait for a couple more months. But since you're getting it earlier do let me know how it pans out. Btw, what model do you have?

It's a 2006 Sport Edition 4x4 V6. I tore out XREAS, got the Bilsteins on stock springs.

I think I'm just going to go with OEM sized Michelins. I like the LTX AT2 (I think that's what it is) but I'm starting to think the LTX MS2 is a better choice for me. The MS2 weighs several pounds less per corner (which will also help the ride) than the AT2 and most all other tires in that size.

 

[grhcan99]

It's a 2006 Sport Edition 4x4 V6. I tore out XREAS, got the Bilsteins on stock springs.

I think I'm just going to go with OEM sized Michelins. I like the LTX AT2 (I think that's what it is) but I'm starting to think the LTX MS2 is a better choice for me. The MS2 weighs several pounds less per corner (which will also help the ride) than the AT2 and most all other tires in that size.

OK thanks. I'll take note of the MS2.