Tundra TRD springs with Bilstein HDs

[freshley]

I know there are a few people out there running Tundra TRD springs with Bilstein HDs up front but what shocks are you using? Are you still using the 4runner struts or the tundra struts (not the stock ones but aftermarket bilsteins). I think this is the direction I want to go but I'm not sure if I should order struts for a tundra or for a 4runner. I know I'm going to need to use my 4runner top hat and tundra isolator but is there anything else I'm going to need?

Thanks again

 

[the great him]

your question is confusing... are you asking about the rear shocks? because 4runners dont have shocks up front, its a strut. if you are using TRD tundra springs with bilstien HDs, then the bilstein HD is your strut(shock). now if you are asking about what shock to use in the back, thats gonna depend on what spring you go with, and what your intended use is for the truck... most guys run a land cruiser shock in the rear.

 

[Millerad1651]

I PMd you back about it. The TRD Tundra came with stock Bilstein struts up front. Thats what I have installed, along with a few others. These are non adjustable, so you get what you get when it comes to height..anywhere from 1.5-2". However, you could install aftermarket Bilstein 5100s either from a Tacoma or Tundra. The Tacomas are adjustable on 3 levels, while the Tundra are on 5.
I currently have the stock non-adjustable Tundra struts, but will be upgrading to Tundra 5100s eventually.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Don't trust me Marc? LOL

To answer your question, you can run EITHER Tundra Bilstein HD's up front OR 4Runner Bilstein HD's upfront, either will work. However, if you wind up buying the Tundra TRD spring and Billies as a whole unit (someone pulled the whole assembly out and is selling it) you'll need to switch the top plates over to the 4Runner plates as they are different than the Tundra plates.

 

[freshley]

not sure of height difference

I edited my original post to change it to "struts". Some people say they are struts and some people say they are shocks. Either way I was asking about the fronts only.

I'm just wondering if you get a different amount of lift when using the tundra or 4runner struts because maybe the distance from the bottom mount to the spring perch may be different.

I was originally looking at going with 5100s even though I don't plan on going any higher just because they have a better coating on them and should look better longer, but to save some $$$ I'm now thinking of using HDs. Just wanted to know if anyone knows if there is a physical difference between the tundras and 4runner struts as I don't want to end up with reverse rake.

And yes PBR, I don't trust anyone when I'm spending this much $$$. The wife is only going to give me one chance to get this right.

 

[Millerad1651]

I'm not sure about the height difference between 4Runner and Tundra HDs. I guess to just be safe, go with the Tundra HDs, since we know that they will give some amount of lift. I bought the whole assembly off a guy, and just switched over the top hat.

 

[jrm]

Isn't the ID of the TRD coil larger?

and require the larger diameter perch of the tundra specific bilstein HDs or 5100s?

 

[Millerad1651]

and require the larger diameter perch of the tundra specific bilstein HDs or 5100s?

Actually I think you're right. To use the coils you'll need the larger perch to mount on, so you have to use Tundra struts. Good call.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Incorrect. The Tundra TRD springs will work on 4Runner shocks.

 

[Millerad1651]

I stand corrected.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Sorry for the short response, got tied up with work as I was typing.

But the clarify a little more, there's a member on here (forget who) that ran Tundra TRD springs with 4Runner Bilstein HD's. He was in the same boat I was, had just bought the Billy HD's for his 4Runner and then decided to go taller. His review was that it was actually a great ride. I have too many posts on here for me to search them and find the post but it does work. I would actually think it would work better because the shocks are set up for the front end and the weight of a 4Runner vs. being set up for a Tundra with the V8. I don't know the weight differences of the two but makes sense to me that the 4Runner Billy's would work well on the 4Runner.

 

[Kenjan]

this is the part number

sorry so big lol:girl:

 

[freshley]

huge picture of Tundra 5100s

That is one Big picture of the 5100s! Since you posted the pic, what's your measurement from wheel arch to center of cap with what I assume you have TRD springs? And what perch are you using.

 

[Kenjan]

That is one Big picture of the 5100s! Since you posted the pic, what's your measurement from wheel arch to center of cap with what I assume you have TRD springs? And what perch are you using.

yes thats correct ----tundra billies and trd springs from dealer

center cap to center fender ---24.2

set on middle perch aka 3rd from top or 3rd from bottom :nerd:

 

[Gerdo]

I used to have 4runner specific Bilstein HDs and Tundra TRDs and used all of my stock 4runner parts. I had no issues and had about 1/75"-2" of lift.

Tundra shocks will be a firmer valving than a 4runner shock.

Hindsight, I wish I had just gone with the ToyTec adjustable coilover, which I now have (built on the HDs). The adjustable COs allow my front lift to grow as the rear does. Also I can dial in the exact lift that I want.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I used to have 4runner specific Bilstein HDs and Tundra TRDs and used all of my stock 4runner parts. I had no issues and had about 1/75"-2" of lift.

Tundra shocks will be a firmer valving than a 4runner shock.

Hindsight, I wish I had just gone with the ToyTec adjustable coilover, which I now have (built on the HDs). The adjustable COs allow my front lift to grow as the rear does. Also I can dial in the exact lift that I want.

Exactly who I was thinking of. Gerdo, thanks for posting up.

 

[Kenjan]

I used to have 4runner specific Bilstein HDs and Tundra TRDs and used all of my stock 4runner parts. I had no issues and had about 1/75"-2" of lift.

Tundra shocks will be a firmer valving than a 4runner shock.

Hindsight, I wish I had just gone with the ToyTec adjustable coilover, which I now have (built on the HDs). The adjustable COs allow my front lift to grow as the rear does. Also I can dial in the exact lift that I want.

Ditto n right on

Also rem that if you get yours off a tundra or any OEM made here in North America they are totally different shocks made in Ohio(my BinL) works there
He has told me that 5100 ate different than the Germany 5100which r Not OEM

My old OEM off a trunda was stiff as a brick
The new ones are not so bad a lot softer --enough to notice

Gerdo is spot on thou!!

 

[The4kbeast]

Digging this thread up...
Gerdo mentioned the adjustable coil overs... Are the upper front strut mounts (three studs/nuts) the same size/spacing on the 3G 4R and the Tundra? If so, it would be awesome to bolt on Bilstein's BTS system for the Tundra:
BTS System - Toyota Tundra & Ford F-250/F-350

 

[freshley]

Nope, you can't just bolt on the tundra system. I think they are both 3 bolts but the distance between the bolts is different. That's why when you get a set of tundra springs and struts you need to switch out the top hat to the 4runner one. I'm not 100% sure on this but I'm like 90%.

 

[The4kbeast]

That's confident enough for me not to spend $1000 on a Tundra front system, lol.