Replacing shocks, bilsteins ok? maybe 2"lift, ALSO driveshaft clunking?. HELP

spitvenom

spitvenom

New member
Ok guys So I need new shocks, my truck has 100k exactly and it has the OEM ones which I am sure are shot to hell.

Autozone has the bilsteins with lifetime warranty, should I go with those??

In the future I would like to do a small 1-2-3" lift? would I be able to use these shocks still?

Also, my manual 4x4 runner has a little clunk in the driveshaft sometimes, I dont see any damage to the u-joints, is there anything that is notiriously known on these trucks with this little clank and clucks?
 
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your slip yoke on the transmission side of the driveline needs to be lubed. There should be a zerk fitting. That's what it was for mine anyway. Good luck!
 
really? that takes away that horrible slack feeling in the shafts? im going to do it tom, it sounds terrible, like u joints are shot to hell haha..... What about the bilsteins?
 
You can use stock lenght shocks for a 2" lift. I would recommend buying the Bilstein 5100 Adjustables for the front, they will let you lift without purchasing new springs.
 
I think my springs are good, Im not too sure what to do, because I want to lift the truck about 2-3 inches and I need shocks but I dont know if I should replace shocks for a lift? add those spacer cups on the struts etc.??
 
spitvenom said:
really? that takes away that horrible slack feeling in the shafts? im going to do it tom, it sounds terrible, like u joints are shot to hell haha..... What about the bilsteins?
Click to expand...

If you have that much slop/play in the u-joints, it's probably too late. Time to replace them. Grease isn't going to fix that.
 
I have the Bilstein HD's which are the stock length shocks you are probably talking about, they are great. but i need different shocks for the 3" lift that i want.
 
I've run the Bilstein HD's (plain old yellow and blue ones) on two of my 4Runners. They're a great stock replacement for not a ton of money. They're good for a 2" lift, beyond that they would still work but aren't ideal.

Before buying at AutoZone, check out AJUSA.com. They've had the best prices on them I've been able to find. I bought both sets from them. About $270 shipped for all four.
 
Driveline clunk...

I have a clunk coming from my transfer case. Its either slop in the center diff or the chain needs replaced. Not sure which but Ill drive it till it breaks.
 
I greased all my fittings and it has gone away for the most part, they needed a ton of grease!! u-joints are ok.

The only reason I wanted to get them at autozone is because when they go out I will just take them in and get new ones. just like that. I worked for AZ a few years back and a few guys did this.
 
Did not know AZ had Bilstein... Good to know as I will be looking to replace mine as well soon. I have some pretty good bounce over bumps
 
HDs are 4600s

I have 175,000 on mine and I'm looking to do the same thing as you. Everyone says the yellow bilsteins are the best "cheap" shocks out there. You can get ones that are cheaper, but you will not like them or they will die pretty fast. I'm not sold on using the 5100s in the front as they aren't made for our trucks. You can either get the Tacoma ones or most people go with the ones for the Tundra. From what I understand, you can use your stock springs with these if you keep your top plate (I think but don't quote me). I'd like to hear from more people on this as to how the front rides with the 5100s.
 
The HD Bilsteins will work fine for stock, and for up to 2" inches of lift...as long as you don't do any serious off-roading. I believe they are the 4600 series as someone previously stated.
I would go that route if I didn't want any lift. They will perform much better than the used stock ones, and can accompany a small lift like the one I have. If you want to spend a little more, get the 5100s. You can get either Tacoma or Tundra. You can use your stock springs, but must use your stock top hat. However, if you use the 5100s, I believe you will need to set them at the lowest notch so that you won't gain any lift. That way the front will not be higher than the back.
If I were you, I would buy 5100s for front and use the stock coils, then buy the 4600s and a set of 906s...that will give you a small lift and a better ride.
 
Millerad1651 said:
The HD Bilsteins will work fine for stock, and for up to 2" inches of lift...as long as you don't do any serious off-roading. I believe they are the 4600 series as someone previously stated.
I would go that route if I didn't want any lift. They will perform much better than the used stock ones, and can accompany a small lift like the one I have. If you want to spend a little more, get the 5100s. You can get either Tacoma or Tundra. You can use your stock springs, but must use your stock top hat. However, if you use the 5100s, I believe you will need to set them at the lowest notch so that you won't gain any lift. That way the front will not be higher than the back.
If I were you, I would buy 5100s for front and use the stock coils, then buy the 4600s and a set of 906s...that will give you a small lift and a better ride.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the very informative explanation and suggestion. This seems like the best option for me as well as I don't do any serious off-roading but want a better ride than my worn out stocks.

Some questions in regards to this:
1. What are 906s?
2. And why would your suggestion of 5100s for the front with stock coils (which I assume you mean the springs) with 4600s and 906s in the rear make for a better ride?
3. How much lift are we talking about there?
4. Is all of this possible to do at home or do you require special equipment like a spring compressor? Are there any DIYs out there?
 
906s are aftermarket springs made by OME...they can be purchased from many different off-road stores. The 5100s are adjustable, so you can adjust not only the height the spring sits at, but this also can affect the cushion of the ride...makes for a very capable shock that lets you dial in a ride you like. You could also get the 4600s, but you lose the ability to adjust and the heighth increase...they are comfortable ride from what I've read.
For the rear, I suggested the 906s because they give you between 1.5 - 2" of lift. They are good if you want to carry a medium load, as they won't sag too bad. They also give a good stance when paired with the front setup I recommended. The 4600s will work with these springs, but that is about as high as you can go with them.
The rear is easily done at home, much easier with a friend or two. The fronts are easy, but you either need a spring compressor or you can take it to a local shop and have them put together for a fee. The whole thing shouldn't take more than 4 or 5 hours, depending on how rusted eveything is.
Just google "suspension install 3rd gen 4runner" and a few will pop up.
 
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