Problems with Bilstein 5100s?

[KP Texan]

I've been so close to pulling the trigger on 5100s, but then I came across a bunch of complaints yesterday about leakage and premature failure (mostly on the Tacoma forum, but some here too). I understand that those with issues are probably the most vocal, and I also understand that a small amount of leakage is considered acceptable by Bilstein due to the design.

That being said, my plan was to be able to replace my OEM shocks with these, and have them last at least as long as the OEMs would. Is this a tall order for the 5100s on a mostly road driven T4R? How many of you guys have had issues with them?

 

[T4 Leaf]

I've been so close to pulling the trigger on 5100s, but then I came across a bunch of complaints yesterday about leakage and premature failure (mostly on the Tacoma forum, but some here too). I understand that those with issues are probably the most vocal, and I also understand that a small amount of leakage is considered acceptable by Bilstein due to the design.

That being said, my plan was to be able to replace my OEM shocks with these, and have them last at least as long as the OEMs would. Is this a tall order for the 5100s on a mostly road driven T4R? How many of you guys have had issues with them?

Mine are getting installed in the AM, by JB 4X4 off 635...so I'm going to pretend I didn't see this

 

[KP Texan]

Mine are getting installed in the AM, by JB 4X4 off 635...so I'm going to pretend I didn't see this

Haha, sorry to worry you... I'm probably just over-analyzing things as usual. I'm sure things will be fine!

 

[T4 Leaf]

Haha, sorry to worry you... I'm probably just over-analyzing things as usual. I'm sure things will be fine!

Love to hear what the members had to say, but from what I've read its their reliability and durability that set them apart...plus those guys over at Tandem in Fort Worth recommended them...and they are apparently T4R Mod savants

 

[stphnman20]

Never had a problem with the fronts but the rears started leaking. Only had 15k miles on them. Didn't notice it till I switch them out for Icons. I do run them hard while wheeling thou.

 

[KP Texan]

Love to hear what the members had to say, but from what I've read its their reliability and durability that set them apart...plus those guys over at Tandem in Fort Worth recommended them...and they are apparently T4R Mod savants

Good to know, and to be honest, I'll probably go with the 5100s anyway since there is a lot of good feedback on them and I'd like a modest bump in height on the front. I'm still juggling with either installing them myself, or having a shop do it.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did JB quote you to install them/align? You can send me me a PM if you don't want to post here, but I'd like a reputable shop to do it if I go that route. Patt Lobb Toyota wanted $1000 to do the work, and a Precision Alignment here in McKinney quoted me $290 for the fronts.

 

[KP Texan]

Never had a problem with the fronts but the rears started leaking. Only had 15k miles on them. Didn't notice it till I switch them out for Icons. I do run them hard while wheeling thou.

Yeah it seems like I've heard less things about leakage from the front than the rears...which is a good thing since those are an easy change.

 

[T4 Leaf]

Good to know, and to be honest, I'll probably go with the 5100s anyway since there is a lot of good feedback on them and I'd like a modest bump in height on the front. I'm still juggling with either installing them myself, or having a shop do it.

If you don't mind me asking, how much did JB quote you to install them/align? You can send me me a PM if you don't want to post here, but I'd like a reputable shop to do it if I go that route. Patt Lobb Toyota wanted $1000 to do the work, and a Precision Alignment here in McKinney quoted me $290 for the fronts.

$300.00 US American cash to install all 4...doesn't align there...that's on us

 

[375hhmag]

I ran the 5100's on the front and rear of my Titan and my Frontier and loved them. Much better ride on and offroad. Only issue I had was down travel was limited when on the top clip setting, so I ran them on the second form the top and put a small 1/2" lift spacer on to compensate for the height difference and never had an issue.

 

[tristero]

Had issues with the rears seizing, first right side, then left shortly after. rear bushing was pancaked as a result. right never leaked as far as I know, just the left side.

Fronts were leaking like hell when I pulled them. Lower bushings were deformed—pretty bad on the right, just a little on the left.

FWIW I had similar issues with the shocks on my tacoma before I went OME