I installed the Toytec/Bilstein 5100's a while back and since I really don't drive much I've been putting off getting the car aligned. I finally took my '12 SR5 in yesterday and there seems to be a problem. The alignment shop called and said that there is almost 1/4" height difference in the front between right and left. They offered to adjust the height for me since the spanner wrenches were in the car. When the tech pulled the wheels he found that the side that is lower is showing significantly more threads on the shock body than the side that is taller. He did not want to make anymore adjustments because then the difference in threads showing between the 2 shocks would be even greater and he's afraid that there may be a difference in stiffness between the 2 sides. When I originally attempted to level this thing I bought the OME trim spacer for the L/R and we confirmed that there are no issues in the rear. It seems pretty even. Anyone else had this issue? I took some pics to help explain the problem.
Toytec coilover issue
- Thread starter N2GLOCK
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Hawaiian4runner
New member
I have the Toytec coilovers on a 2010 Trail. Mines are uneven like yours. Been that way for 3 years with no issues. Do only mild to moderate wheeling so I don't know about the extreme stuff. When I installed them they were supposed to be factory set for 2.5 " lift but ended up at 3 3/4" on the drivers and over 4" on the passenger side. I adjusted them down to a little over 2.5" and the exposed threads are much like yours. In fact, when I received the shocks, I don't think the exposed threads were even but I could not find any markings saying which side of the car they go on.
I contacted Toytec and asked for the tech department. Some woman answered and I explained to her the problem. There was a moment of silence and she then told me to e-mail them pictures. I asked her if the thread count on both sides should be the same and she stated that she did not know. F**K all that noise. It was slow here at work so I decided to figure this out on my own. I measured the front and there was close to 1/4" difference in height between the right and the left. I adjusted the collars on both front shocks down all the way then drove the truck to settle the front. Then I measured it and adjusted the collars per the Toytec instructions. The front has improved quite a bit but it's not perfect. I ended up giving the equivalent to 3 full turns to the r/f collar and 6 full turns to the l/f collar. I went out and drove the truck when I was done and both sides feel to be about the same. If I really wanted to, I could fine tune it some more but I'm afraid to play around with it anymore and have a difference in stiffness between sides. I found my old measurements from when the truck was stock and at that time the r/f was a tad higher than the l/f. That's how it is about now. The front overall is almost level with the rear. The driver side of the vehicle contains the battery, ABS stuff, transfer case and gas tank so I assume that's why the drivers side is lower and requires more sping tension. If you are planning on getting these keep in mind that everytime you want to adjust the height you have to pull the wheels and disconnect the sway bar. So, follow the instructions and try and pre- adjust them before installing the units.
Canazes9
New member
Completely normal - my Icon coil overs require more pre-load on drivers side than passenger side just like the Toytecs.
David
Hawaiian4runner
New member
You need to disconnect the sway bar? On my Trail with KDSS have not disconnected the sway bar to adjust the coilovers. Is it different on your Runner?
Canazes9
New member
Well in my case it was easier to disconnect the sway bar at the the links then rotate it outta the way. Getting the wrenches in to make the adjustments was a whole lot easier. Disconnecting the sway bar is the easiest part of the job!
steezemcqueen
Moderator
Completely normal. All Toyota trucks lean to one side due so to level it, one coilover will have a little more preload than the other.