Read before buying Bilsteins!

[JMWeaver]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to get the word out for those that may not know. I did a bit of researching before I pulled the trigger on some new Bilstein ride-height-adjustable shocks and decided that they would be exactly what I was looking for on my 3rd Gen.

Bilstein offers these shocks for the Tacomas and Tundras, but not exclusively for 4Runners. Not once, about a year ago when I was researching, did I come across anything/anyone saying to stay away from the Tacoma shocks. My logic was, the 3rd Gen 4Runners and Tacomas are built on similar frames, so their shocks would be more similar than those of the Tundras. Oh was I ever wrong...

The shocks for the Tacomas are valved WAY too soft for the 4Runners. My 4Runner nose dives bad under breaking and/or cornering, heaven forbid you do both at the same time, and ride quality is lack luster at best.

There are a few websites out there that sell the Tacoma version labeled as a 4Runner shock, but don't be fooled. If it only has THREE perch settings, IT IS WRONG! Save yourself from guaranteed buyers remorse and get the Tundra version, which has FIVE perch settings.

Sorry if this is old news and if I'm stating the obvious. Hoping I can save someone some grief.

 

[Justin727]

This has been brought up multiple times. Not sure if it's own thread was made about it.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Funny you should mention this in the middle of me shopping for a set... so far the best luck I have found are these and this thread raises some concerns on my purchase
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T8RZKR4/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1N6FLMYKK41OA

 

[poser]

I have the Taco 5100s, and they're awesome! I out the Toytec/Eibach front springs with them and couldn't be happier. The guys at Toytec recommend the Taco shocks for a reason. They've done their homework and I trusted them.
I put 5100s with the Toytec Superflex int he rear. My ride is MUCH better over my worn out stock, and it handles great.

 

[JMWeaver]

Funny you should mention this in the middle of me shopping for a set... so far the best luck I have found are these and this thread raises some concerns on my purchase
Amazon.com: Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Kit for Toyota 4Runner 4WD 2003-09 - Includes Front Ride Height Adjustable Shocks # 24-239370 & Rear Shocks # 33-187174 ***Excludes adjustable (X-REAS) suspension***: Automotive

The Bilstein shocks that have the part# D558 are the ones you want to stay away from.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

The Bilstein shocks that have the part# D558 are the ones you want to stay away from.

Technical Details
Brand Bilstein
Item Weight 28 pounds
Item model number 24-239370/33-187174
Manufacturer Part Number 24-239370/33-187174

Additional Information
ASIN B00T8RZKR4
Customer Reviews Be the first to review this product
Best Sellers Rank #229,453 in Automotive (See top 100)
Shipping Weight 32 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Date First Available February 6, 2015


Yea this is all I can find on the info on amazon o well.

 

[JMWeaver]

I have the Taco 5100s, and they're awesome! I out the Toytec/Eibach front springs with them and couldn't be happier. The guys at Toytec recommend the Taco shocks for a reason. They've done their homework and I trusted them.
I put 5100s with the Toytec Superflex int he rear. My ride is MUCH better over my worn out stock, and it handles great.

The last thing I want to do is start a forum war. Everyone is going to have varying opinions and results. I'm basing my opinion on my own experiences, and some info I read on Sonoran Steel's website that seems to explain my experience with the Bilstein D558's.

Here is the link: suspensionFAQ : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts

Under their FAQ's, read what they have to say about the D558's

 

[JMWeaver]

Technical Details
Brand Bilstein
Item Weight 28 pounds
Item model number 24-239370/33-187174
Manufacturer Part Number 24-239370/33-187174

Additional Information
ASIN B00T8RZKR4
Customer Reviews Be the first to review this product
Best Sellers Rank #229,453 in Automotive (See top 100)
Shipping Weight 32 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Date First Available February 6, 2015


Yea this is all I can find on the info on amazon o well.

Sounds like you're safe. I bet those aren't the same shocks...hopefully!

 

[JayRolla]

The last thing I want to do is start a forum war. Everyone is going to have varying opinions and results. I'm basing my opinion on my own experiences, and some info I read on Sonoran Steel's website that seems to explain my experience with the Bilstein D558's.

Here is the link: suspensionFAQ : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts

Under their FAQ's, read what they have to say about the D558's

You bought the wrong shocks, 5100's are what people run.

 

[Robb235]

You bought the wrong shocks, 5100's are what people run.

BE5-D558-T0 is the part number for Tacoma 5100 shocks.

 

[JayRolla]

BE5-D558-T0 is the part number for Tacoma 5100 shocks.

Wonder why so many people run them with no issues. Do you have a lot of extra weight up front?

 

[C-RAIG]

I have the Taco 5100s, and they're awesome! I out the Toytec/Eibach front springs with them and couldn't be happier. The guys at Toytec recommend the Taco shocks for a reason. They've done their homework and I trusted them.
I put 5100s with the Toytec Superflex int he rear. My ride is MUCH better over my worn out stock, and it handles great.

I have the exact same setup and couldn't be happier. I've used bilsteins on everything I have put suspension on.

 

[gamefreakgc]

This one is going to be kickin' for some time! opcorn:

 

[scrap metal]

you didn't mention what springs you were running with these? Do you have stock bumper? steel bumper? winch?

I bought my Tundra bilsteins less than a year ago and I did came across multiple threads of peoples opinions on Tacoma bilsteins being too soft and that's why I bought the tundras.

using google search is way better at searching this forum using the following platform> Search stuff site:www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/

I ran stock front springs on the highest setting on the tundras for a few months and that was even too soft.

 

[3rzrunner]

funny I have the Taco bilsteins up front with ome 881 coils under my 4cyl engine and the ride is awesome! I would say even stiffer than stock...

 

[JMWeaver]

I'll try to answer all the questions since my last post...

1.) Weight- I'm completely factory in this category. No additional accessories unfortunately.

2.) Springs- I'm running factory springs on the second(middle) setting. Probably about an 1" to 1.5" of lift.

3.) Bilstein- I really like Bilstein products, I just don't think the Tacoma version of the 5100 was the right choice for my 4Runner, and in my opinion, probably the rest of the 3rd gens out there. Will they work?...Of course, but I, personally, was disappointed with their performance.

4.) Search- In my short year of being on this forum I have learned about the google alt search. I wasn't aware of it when I was researching the 5100's the first time. It definitely works better, and I use it regularly.

For what it's worth, I feel like the Tacoma version of the 5100's would be best suited on a 2wd 3rd gen, and the Tundra version on the 4x4 3rd gen.

I just wanted to pass along what I felt like was some valuable info...

 

[JMWeaver]

funny I have the Taco bilsteins up front with ome 881 coils under my 4cyl engine and the ride is awesome! I would say even stiffer than stock...

I wonder if there is a weight difference between my 6cyl and your 4cyl?

 

[Troutsrunner]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to get the word out for those that may not know. I did a bit of researching before I pulled the trigger on some new Bilstein ride-height-adjustable shocks and decided that they would be exactly what I was looking for on my 3rd Gen.

Bilstein offers these shocks for the Tacomas and Tundras, but not exclusively for 4Runners. Not once, about a year ago when I was researching, did I come across anything/anyone saying to stay away from the Tacoma shocks. My logic was, the 3rd Gen 4Runners and Tacomas are built on similar frames, so their shocks would be more similar than those of the Tundras. Oh was I ever wrong...

The shocks for the Tacomas are valved WAY too soft for the 4Runners. My 4Runner nose dives bad under breaking and/or cornering, heaven forbid you do both at the same time, and ride quality is lack luster at best.

There are a few websites out there that sell the Tacoma version labeled as a 4Runner shock, but don't be fooled. If it only has THREE perch settings, IT IS WRONG! Save yourself from guaranteed buyers remorse and get the Tundra version, which has FIVE perch settings.

Sorry if this is old news and if I'm stating the obvious. Hoping I can save someone some grief.

Very old news and very wrong. I have the taco billies and eibach springs and it is just about perfect. Granted I don't have a winch and steel bumper but still it's all a matter of opinion.

 

[3rzrunner]

I wonder if there is a weight difference between my 6cyl and your 4cyl?

:bravo: obviously....

 

[JMWeaver]

:bravo: obviously....

I was just trying to be polite.