tundra or tacoma bilstein 5100s

[freshley]

If I go with 5100s for the front should I get the ones for the Tundra or Tacoma? I know the Tundra has more spring positions so that's the route I'm thinking at this time but I'm afraid it might not ride very nice due to the weight difference. Anyone know what the front weights are compared to the 4runners?


Thanks!!!

 

[hungryeddy]

tundras will be stiffer, but both work great. what i love most about my 5100's is how smooth they are... so even being stiffer, the tundra ones are still very smooth.

 

[RHeld24]

Does anyone know why the Bilstein 5100 (adjustable height) isn't offered in a 4Runner version (Tacoma/Tundra only)?

Also, and this is why I asked the question above, would a set of 5100's fit a stock set of front springs?

(the thread had seemed to run its course, my apologies if I hijacked the thread...)

 

[the great him]

run the tundras you wont know the difference imo just run them on a lower setting, -they have more adjustment so im sure you can find the setting thats just right for you. and yes they will work with the stock springs.

i do not know why they dont make one for the 4runner, maybe because the tacoma ones are the same thing is the only thing i can think of...

 

[RHeld24]

Fair enough, thanks for the reply. I know a forum member here is running the "tall" coils with the Tundra 5100s without any special top hats or adapters, so I'm a little more confident they will work with the stock coils.

My only concern is that my runner is a 2WD and I have no extra weight up front (armor, bumpers, etc...), so running the Tundra 5100s may be a little too stiff.

Anyone here running the Tacoma 5100s (fronts) on a 2WD?

 

[fluffeh]

All I've really heard is that Tacoma shocks are way too mushy and most people recommend the Tundra ones, despite being a bit firmer. Also they have more adjustability which is nice. I plan on getting the Tundra shocks.

They do have 4runner Billies for the 4th and 5th gen. I guess they just got lazy for the 3rd gens.

 

[t4runner604]

im running the tundra 5100 on the 5th setting with 99 tall coils. 285 75 16 D rated. rides nice, not stiff lots of sway with no sway bars. ill measure how much lift i got in the morning.

 

[t4runner604]

`99 4runner limted
99 tall coils with tundra 5100 on 5th setting
285 75 16 bfg AT
no BL
stock bumper
ground to fender measurement is 37.75"

 

[RHeld24]

So, I called Bilstein US West (Afterarket & MotorSports HQ - West) today. Called to get advice on the Tacoma 5100s vs the Tundra 5100s. The guy I talked to could only tell me about the Tundras, as the Tacomas are only manufactured by Bilstein (designed by RCD - Race Car Dynamics).

So, then I called RCD to see if they could tell me about the Tacoma 5100s. I was told a few things:

1. The reason they, and probably Bilstein too, don't waste too much time making a 3rd gen 4Runner 5100 specific shock is because there just isn't enough demand for them. Tacomas and Tundras are moneymakers.

2. He said that the guys who run the Tacoma 5100s on their 4Runner have had mixed reviews. Some like the softer ride, others not so much.

3. The valving of the Tacoma 5100s are softer than OE (stock), but not by much.

4. The Tacoma 5100s should (about 95% sure) fit stock coils.


The only reason I've been researching the Tacoma 5100s is because I have very little front end weight (no diff & drive axles, no armor, no aftermarket bumper or winch). I think they would work well, my only concern is nose dive under heavy braking with the softer Tacoma shocks and 16 year old springs...

 

[cj80cruiser]

So, I called Bilstein US West (Afterarket & MotorSports HQ - West) today. Called to get advice on the Tacoma 5100s vs the Tundra 5100s. The guy I talked to could only tell me about the Tundras, as the Tacomas are only manufactured by Bilstein (designed by RCD - Race Car Dynamics).

So, then I called RCD to see if they could tell me about the Tacoma 5100s. I was told a few things:

1. The reason they, and probably Bilstein too, don't waste too much time making a 3rd gen 4Runner 5100 specific shock is because there just isn't enough demand for them. Tacomas and Tundras are moneymakers.

2. He said that the guys who run the Tacoma 5100s on their 4Runner have had mixed reviews. Some like the softer ride, others not so much.

3. The valving of the Tacoma 5100s are softer than OE (stock), but not by much.

4. The Tacoma 5100s should (about 95% sure) fit stock coils.


The only reason I've been researching the Tacoma 5100s is because I have very little front end weight (no diff & drive axles, no armor, no aftermarket bumper or winch). I think they would work well, my only concern is nose dive under heavy braking with the softer Tacoma shocks and 16 year old springs...

Tacoma and tundra 5100s fit stock coils. I know this for 100% sure as I have assembled them.

 

[mforce]

What year Tundra 5100's should a person run? I have Downey 3" rear springs ready to go in and not sure on what front spring to use to match it up since the stockers won't match it.

 

[Brian757]

Does anyone know why the Bilstein 5100 (adjustable height) isn't offered in a 4Runner version (Tacoma/Tundra only)?

Also, and this is why I asked the question above, would a set of 5100's fit a stock set of front springs?

(the thread had seemed to run its course, my apologies if I hijacked the thread...)

They never make anything for us! It sucks. But it doesn't show since we fabricate some of the sickest equipment out there! Thats why I love 4runners, all of the people on this site make 4runners so F---ing unique!

 

[mforce]

Tacoma and tundra 5100s fit stock coils. I know this for 100% sure as I have assembled them.

It is just a straight swap from stock 4runner to using tundra 5100's? No special plates needed? Max lift using the 5100's from the tundra is 2.5"?

 

[The4kbeast]

Sup y'all

Hey guys!
Very new to the thread, but wanted to weigh in on the topic. Most of my participation here has been lurking, sponging up info.

Great to hear feedback on dampening. We installed some Taco 5100s (think they were, they are Yotatechs front three position adj) on my buddies '97 T4R (stock springs on highest collar position -3rd) and while the ride off-road was plush and helped IFS hunting over rough terrain, I felt the dampening was a little low during on-road testing. It may come down to dampening preferences and the butt meter. Just as an aside, measured lift from center hub to fender flare averaged out to around a 2 3/4" lift. Looked great with a 3" spring and gear in back... now what was I saying? fftopic:

For my money, I would want to know what the dimension differences b/w the Taco and Tundra shocks, from mounting point to mounting point. Then I'd want to know the differences in case length and the collapsed dimension from mounting point to mounting point. it's all about finding the maximum suspension distance.

On paper the five position Tundra shock would be my preference because I'd be able to get a finer tune on down travel and the firmer dampening would match a firmer spring rate to absorb tougher impacts. I'd also hope the Tundra shock would also net you a longer extended length with a greater travel range. Anybody ran all of these numbers?

 

[mforce]

I plan on getting the Tundra shocks.

Will the Tundra shocks fit the stock 4runner springs? I have heard mixed reviews on them fitting. I would like the tundra struts but the tacoma struts are CHEAPER!!!

 

[01thunder]

how stiff are these as i am looking into upgrading and also have a 2wd with nothing on it and don't do any off road.
obviously these 5100's are longer than stock runner struts, but how much lift will these give along with 99 talls? i'm also upgrading to 17's which will give me an additional inch.

 

[DPR64]

Hey guys!
Very new to the thread, but wanted to weigh in on the topic. Most of my participation here has been lurking, sponging up info.

Great to hear feedback on dampening. We installed some Taco 5100s (think they were, they are Yotatechs front three position adj) on my buddies '97 T4R (stock springs on highest collar position -3rd) and while the ride off-road was plush and helped IFS hunting over rough terrain, I felt the dampening was a little low during on-road testing. It may come down to dampening preferences and the butt meter. Just as an aside, measured lift from center hub to fender flare averaged out to around a 2 3/4" lift. Looked great with a 3" spring and gear in back... now what was I saying? fftopic:

For my money, I would want to know what the dimension differences b/w the Taco and Tundra shocks, from mounting point to mounting point. Then I'd want to know the differences in case length and the collapsed dimension from mounting point to mounting point. it's all about finding the maximum suspension distance.

On paper the five position Tundra shock would be my preference because I'd be able to get a finer tune on down travel and the firmer dampening would match a firmer spring rate to absorb tougher impacts. I'd also hope the Tundra shock would also net you a longer extended length with a greater travel range. Anybody ran all of these numbers?

Awaken old dusty thread!
I would like to also know the numbers on the billie 5100's at each setting
(both Tundra 5 slot and Tacoma 3 slot) WITH regular oem springs from say a 97, 98, 2000 4runner

Did not include the 99 as that has a 1" taller spring to start off with...

 

[BrianSD_42]

Isn't it as simple as Tundra shock with Tundra Coils OR 4Runner/Tacoma Shock with 4Runner/Tacoma coils.

Personally I run the Tundra adjustable Bilstiens with Tundra Coils from Sonoral Steel style lift.

 

[poser]

I've got sitting in the garage waiting to be installed, Toytech/eibach springs and taco 5100s. I figure the Toytech guys have spent the time and money on R&D and they recommend that combo for a reason.