Tundra bilstein 5100 on stock 99 4runner. Installed

diponyou

New member
I figured I would post this up for other noobs like myself. I did a lot of searching and there was a lot of mixed information and what not so I wanted to have this thread so others know first hand it can be done and some pictures for proof.

The part number is 24-188265 for the tundra bilstein 5100s. I ordered them from ebay as it seemed that was the best deal, plus they were here within 3 days of ordering them haha.

My 4runner is completely stock besides some 265/70/17 on sequoia wheels.

I did not have to modify anything. I simply unbolted everything and removed old struts and put the new ones in place. I ran into absolutely no issues, it was almost too easy.

I set mine to the highest setting at 2.5" which gave me roughly 2.25" of lift. I will measure tomorrow for exact numbers

I took her for a drive afterwards and it rode very nice, not too harsh or soft. Just right...

here is a before picture



and after





It gave me pretty much the exact rake I was looking for so I am quite happy. I prefer the reverse rake look on most trucks but the 4runner looks good either way. I might end up lifting up the rear in the future and going with some taller tires.

Also one thing I should mention is mine is 2wd...

I just got them on today so I will report back with how they are doing a few weeks or so.
 
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Any issues running the 5100s with stock springs??? I too have a 99 and im going to be replacing the shocks anyway, so this draws my interest.
Ive heard that running these shocks on stock coils can be bad? What did you find in your research?
Thanks
 
What's the Sellers name on Ebay you bought the shocks. I just called today to order and they said there's a national back order. Thanks in Advance. Trucks Nice.
 
What's the Sellers name on Ebay you bought the shocks. I just called today to order and they said there's a national back order. Thanks in Advance. Trucks Nice.
Offroadwarehouse is the seller. If you search that part number it is the first one.

And my guess about issues with running them on stock springs would be because it compresses the spring more and could cause premature sagging. Similar to running coil spacers.
However I figured I am already at 200k on the stock springs and eventually I plan on going taller anyways so I wanted to see how they did and get a first experience.
 
Highest setting meaning 5? That has to ride super harsh wouldnt it? Everyone who runs these usually only go 2nd or 3rd perch.
 
i had my Tundra 5100's on the 4th perch with a new aftermarket stock 4runner spring and the truck had good road manners, was not harsh at all,and giving a 22.5 fender measurement even with a steel bumper .But this weekend switched my set up and installed a set of Eibach 620 coils on the same bilstein 5100's set on the bottom perch and ended up with a 23" fender measurement and it handles nice . its definitely"plush"and seems like it will be a better set up for off road,on the road it's a little on the soft side to how the other set up drove. one thing i noticed when disassembling my old set up was ,having the spring compressed that much by being on the higher 4th perch might have negative affect on the life of the spring, but for me i wasn't really concerned as spring aren't that expensive,also how much time will it take for them to start showing affects could be a long while ,im really not sure and probably depends on how you treat your suspension and the quality or shape of the spring being used ,Ie: new vs used .just some pros/cons and food for thought .OP by the way your truck looks great!
 
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Both correct. I figured at 200k the springs are most likely pretty well worn out. I want to lift it higher in the future anyways so the springs will be getting swapped out.

I drove around a lot today. Highway. Bumpy roads. Speed bumps. Etc and it performed well. Not overly bouncy and definitely not too soft. Perfect in my opinion.

I want to say the front fender(middle of wheel well) measurements were right at 38"

For some reason the passenger side is about 1/4" taller. I'm sure the shocks have some breaking in and settling ti do.
 
Glad your enjoying the way it drives ! the quarter inch difference is because of the weight of the gas tank on the drivers side. I take it thats not a center of hub to fender measurement ?
 
Yeah I figured and probably since the driver side is loaded more often.

No sorry that was from the floor I will get from the hub a little later
 
hello guys.... this is a great thread that i would to add too. i dont want to start a new thread so i will ask here...

i snagged a pair of tundra bilsteins, what i would like to do is get some 4runner top hats so i can assemble these shocks outside the truck. so when it comes to install all i have to do is swap shocks.
here is my question, where are you guys buying these top hats/upper shock support? the dealer has them listed at like 75$ a piece ouch!

i been cruising the web and see autozone has them for like 18$ a piece, do you guys use these or think they will be okay?

or i see a set for32$ i dont know really know the difference. i am just concerned i buy something good but for cheap. i see used shocks on craigslistfor 100$ but that is more than what i want to pay, since this is suppose to be a cheap and easy way to lift my 4runner
 
hello guys.... this is a great thread that i would to add too. i dont want to start a new thread so i will ask here...

i snagged a pair of tundra bilsteins, what i would like to do is get some 4runner top hats so i can assemble these shocks outside the truck. so when it comes to install all i have to do is swap shocks.
here is my question, where are you guys buying these top hats/upper shock support? the dealer has them listed at like 75$ a piece ouch!

i been cruising the web and see autozone has them for like 18$ a piece, do you guys use these or think they will be okay?

or i see a set for32$ i dont know really know the difference. i am just concerned i buy something good but for cheap. i see used shocks on craigslistfor 100$ but that is more than what i want to pay, since this is suppose to be a cheap and easy way to lift my 4runner

I got mine from RockAuto. Here's a post with a list of all my lift parts:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...tein-5100-ome-lift-questions.html#post1563986
 
hello guys.... this is a great thread that i would to add too. i dont want to start a new thread so i will ask here...

i snagged a pair of tundra bilsteins, what i would like to do is get some 4runner top hats so i can assemble these shocks outside the truck. so when it comes to install all i have to do is swap shocks.
here is my question, where are you guys buying these top hats/upper shock support? the dealer has them listed at like 75$ a piece ouch!

i been cruising the web and see autozone has them for like 18$ a piece, do you guys use these or think they will be okay?

or i see a set for32$ i dont know really know the difference. i am just concerned i buy something good but for cheap. i see used shocks on craigslistfor 100$ but that is more than what i want to pay, since this is suppose to be a cheap and easy way to lift my 4runner


My two pennies? Either re use your stock stuff or buy OEM hats. I know the Duralast hats I bought didn't line up with the holes in the tower. I had to take a die grinder and open the tower holes up a bit to get the studs through.
 
I could but I want the install to be quick and easy so its a direct swap. I heard of Gabriels doing the same thing but if this guy had good luck with the monroe ones then I will give them a shot.......

As far as the upper shock bushing where can I get those? Im having trouble finding them by themselves. ... :/
 

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