Yes another 5100s and 890s thread. Need help with rear shocks

[the_welfare_wagon]

Hello all,

So I recently installed OME 890s in my 96 4R. I went with the 4Runner specific 5100s advertised as 0-2 inches of lift. However I'm worried these shocks are too short for this spring. I'm looking for a shock that will keep the spring from coming loose during full flex and give me the most travel I can get out of the 890s. I've seen people running the "long travel" 5100s off a 4th gen/FJ but I'm worried these might be too long. I have also seen people run the Tundra 5100s but I've heard they are quite bouncy due to being valve for Leaf's. When I'm wheeling my 4R is constantly being flexed to its limit often times lifting wheels, so its important to me that the shock is neither too long or too short. I plan on extending the sway bars with a 2nd gens.

I hate to start another thread about this but I've done 50+ hours of looking online and keep getting contrasting answers and have even contacted Wheelers/Bilstein and SS and gotten all different answers as to this. Should I just save my money and get a locker?

The photos below show what I am getting at full droop/Full compression. Is this too little or seems to be about the right amount rear travel? Stock swaybars connected in all photos/no extended bumpstops. Tires are 265/75s

 

[beklemmung]

There is a 4Runner-specific 5100 for slightly higher lifts: 5100 Rear Shock Set for 1996-2002 4Runner (1.5"-3" Lift). Did you consider it?

I'm not sure what you mean by getting a locker... I understand it to mean a rear differential locker which isn't really relevant for this issue.

 

[the_welfare_wagon]

There is a 4Runner-specific 5100 for slightly higher lifts: 5100 Rear Shock Set for 1996-2002 4Runner (1.5"-3" Lift). Did you consider it?

I'm not sure what you mean by getting a locker... I understand it to mean a rear differential locker which isn't really relevant for this issue.

The shocks you linked are the Tundra specific ones valved for leaf springs I mentioned that a lot of people say are very bouncy.

The locker part I mentioned because with a rear locker you wouldn't really need a lot of flex since lifting wheels and losing traction/momentum wouldn't be an issue anymore

 

[beklemmung]

Ahh, I see. They come up when you search for 3rd gen 4Rs and I didn't realize Wheelers was just showing the Tundra option. I take your point about the locker.

 

[the_welfare_wagon]

Ahh, I see. They come up when you search for 3rd gen 4Rs and I didn't realize Wheelers was just showing the Tundra option. I take your point about the locker.

Don't get me wrong, if people didn't say the tundra 5100s were bouncy and soft they would be perfect for me. I think they would fit the 890s length very well but I'm very used to vehicles that ride rough(coming from a 3 inch lifted Subaru on 30s).

 

[jross20]

Don't get me wrong, if people didn't say the tundra 5100s were bouncy and soft they would be perfect for me. I think they would fit the 890s length very well but I'm very used to vehicles that ride rough(coming from a 3 inch lifted Subaru on 30s).

I've got 890s and have used the tundra 5100s; they were horrible.

And even with the soft nitro chargers I'm running now, the problem were basically the same.

Both sets of shocks just seem like they start out like concrete and then just let go. So basically when you first hit like a speed bump or anything like that the back end skyrockets upward but when it comes back down it just immediately bottoms out with no resistance from the shock. Blah.

I would try the 4Runner specific rear 5100, but the damn things aren't long enough.

I've been debating for months now with it just to say **** it and get Kings. but then I read mixed opinions on the Kings where some people say they ride like crap, and I really don't want to pay $1,200 for something that doesn't ride like a cloud.

 

[beklemmung]

You guys have probably already considered these, but would any of them work? Don't take my word for any of these suggestions, I'm just a noob trawling old posts.

1. These Tokicos that are listed in this Sonoran Steel build.

1991-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Shock Absorber 48531-69417 | Toyota Parts

2. These OEM rear shocks for a 98 Landcruiser (I believe it's what this post is referring to):

1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser Shock Absorber 48531-69835 | Toyota Parts

3. These Bilstein 5100s for FJ Cruisers.

Amazon.com: Bilstein (33-187174) 5100 Series Shock Absorber: Automotive

 

[the_welfare_wagon]

You guys have probably already considered these, but would any of them work? Don't take my word for any of these suggestions, I'm just a noob trawling old posts.

1. These Tokicos that are listed in this Sonoran Steel build.


1991-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Shock Absorber 48531-69417 | Toyota Parts
From what I've read those ones go with the LC coils which are longer than 890s so I'd most likely spit a spring even with a swaybar

2. These OEM rear shocks for a 98 Landcruiser (I believe it's what this post is referring to):

1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser Shock Absorber 48531-69835 | Toyota Parts
I'm not sure about these but I will look into them

3. These Bilstein 5100s for FJ Cruisers.

Amazon.com: Bilstein (33-187174) 5100 Series Shock Absorber: Automotive

Sorry about my messed up replies under your above questions im on mobile and it messed everything up

I've considered those FJ ones as well but I'm afraid they may be too long. At pretty much 15 inches compressed I'd have to extend bumpstops, which I'm not opposed to but getting good quality ones is $150+ on top of the 180 for the shocks.

I think what I'm going to do next is throw on a pair of 2nd gen swaybar links on the rear and see if I pick up any travel. I've hopped under the car at full flex and it seems my current shocks have roughly 2-2.5 inches before bottoming out so ill see if they get any closer and report back.

It just sucks about the tundra 5100s because I think the length would be perfect. Too bad the ride quality sucks

 

[beklemmung]

As [MENTION=388984]jross20[/MENTION] mentioned, he has been trying to find a good option for months now. He compiled a list of options in this thread, which you probably already saw. Doesn't look like anyone has come up with any decent options for 890s other than the Tundra 5100s and the OME Nitrochargers (both too soft, it seems).

Sorry about my messed up replies under your above questions im on mobile and it messed everything up

I've considered those FJ ones as well but I'm afraid they may be too long. At pretty much 15 inches compressed I'd have to extend bumpstops, which I'm not opposed to but getting good quality ones is $150+ on top of the 180 for the shocks.

I think what I'm going to do next is throw on a pair of 2nd gen swaybar links on the rear and see if I pick up any travel. I've hopped under the car at full flex and it seems my current shocks have roughly 2-2.5 inches before bottoming out so ill see if they get any closer and report back.

It just sucks about the tundra 5100s because I think the length would be perfect. Too bad the ride quality sucks

 

[jross20]

As [MENTION=388984]jross20[/MENTION] mentioned, he has been trying to find a good option for months now. He compiled a list of options in this thread, which you probably already saw. Doesn't look like anyone has come up with any decent options for 890s other than the Tundra 5100s and the OME Nitrochargers (both too soft, it seems).

Basically.

Though I wouldn't say just too soft, it's more like... Either too hard or too soft. But generally they ride like concrete.

If I decide to bite the bullet and get kings I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

[the_welfare_wagon]

Basically.

Though I wouldn't say just too soft, it's more like... Either too hard or too soft. But generally they ride like concrete.

If I decide to bite the bullet and get kings I'll let you guys know how it goes.

"OME 890s too stiff to flex - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum" OME 890s too stiff to flex

This thread might be helpful. The black 4runner with the massive amount of flex is saying he is running the 4runner specific 5100s. Whether he means the 4runner 5100 thats 20.79 long or the "4Runner" (Tundra) ones I have no idea as the link doesn't work. But he is seeing a huge amount of flex with the 890s and swaybars attached. As you can see in the photo his tire is well below the frame and still touching. As you can see in my photos my tire is about even with the frame. Could it be just swaybar links? The guy who created the thread seems to have the same issue as us

I've realized that with these 890s im only seeing 2-2.5 inches of lift so could it be that these shocks actually are the best for this spring? Center hub to bottom of flare is 22.5

 

[jross20]

"OME 890s too stiff to flex - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum" OME 890s too stiff to flex

This thread might be helpful. The black 4runner with the massive amount of flex is saying he is running the 4runner specific 5100s. Whether he means the 4runner 5100 thats 20.79 long or the "4Runner" (Tundra) ones I have no idea as the link doesn't work. But he is seeing a huge amount of flex with the 890s and swaybars attached. As you can see in the photo his tire is well below the frame and still touching. As you can see in my photos my tire is about even with the frame. Could it be just swaybar links? The guy who created the thread seems to have the same issue as us

I've realized that with these 890s im only seeing 2-2.5 inches of lift so could it be that these shocks actually are the best for this spring? Center hub to bottom of flare is 22.5

Has anyone ever actually done some sci nice to see what shock length is good for what length of droop or coil length?

Maybe we are doing this the wrong way lol.

Side note, my 890's also have like crazy flex.

 

[the_welfare_wagon]

Has anyone ever actually done some sci nice to see what shock length is good for what length of droop or coil length?

Maybe we are doing this the wrong way lol.

Side note, my 890's also have like crazy flex.

I think one of the reasons it so hard to come by is that no one is willing to spend the money/time to try out different shocks. Most people prefer to just buy kits and slap them on and assume that whoever created them knows best.

Could you post a photo of you flexing out your 890s? I want to compare it to mine?

Next time I'm out I'm going to measure how much droop I get and see how close the shock is to bottoming out.

I just can't believe that there is no clear answer or product for this despite the newest 3rd gens being 20 years old.

 

[jross20]

I think one of the reasons it so hard to come by is that no one is willing to spend the money/time to try out different shocks. Most people prefer to just buy kits and slap them on and assume that whoever created them knows best.

Could you post a photo of you flexing out your 890s? I want to compare it to mine?

Next time I'm out I'm going to measure how much droop I get and see how close the shock is to bottoming out.

I just can't believe that there is no clear answer or product for this despite the newest 3rd gens being 20 years old.

I will say this is the one thing that just really bothers me about this generation it's the best one except it seems to have barely any choices for suspension.

I don't recall if this was maximum droop, but it's probably close:

 

[the_welfare_wagon]

I will say this is the one thing that just really bothers me about this generation it's the best one except it seems to have barely any choices for suspension.

I don't recall if this was maximum droop, but it's probably close:

I agree. When I first got one I never expected the lift options to be 3 inches as a minimum or attempt to mix and match. I'm going to do some research and see how long stock 4th gen coils are. If they aren't too long then ill pull the trigger on some 4th gen shocks and extended swaybars

 

[Bad Luck]

The correct way to pick shocks for your coil is to flex one side of the rear axle up toward the body until you either reach your bump stop (ideal) or the tire hits the wheel well (not ideal) and take a measurement. That is your max collapsed shock length. Try to find a shock with a collapsed length shorter than that. Then droop the axle away from the body watching carefully to make sure you aren't going to stretch a brake line too much or damage any other components or lose your rear coil spring. Once you have reached your max droop take another measurement. That is the max extended length you want.

 

[the_welfare_wagon]

I will say this is the one thing that just really bothers me about this generation it's the best one except it seems to have barely any choices for suspension.

I don't recall if this was maximum droop, but it's probably close:

So after doing some research a stock spring for a 4th gen is 14 something inches free height. My 890s measured almost 18 inches free height. OME 895 which lifts a 4th gen 2 inches is saying that its free height is roughly 15 inches with a 17mm bar diameter. So does this mean those "long travel" shocks will fit? Seeing as it's now trying to hold an almost 18 inch long spring instead of a 15 inch one it should theoretically keep it in place? I follow someone on Instagram who runs those shocks with the toytec 3 inch springs. No idea what supporting mods but they do work. Any thoughts?

 

[RedSled]

I agree. When I first got one I never expected the lift options to be 3 inches as a minimum or attempt to mix and match. I'm going to do some research and see how long stock 4th gen coils are. If they aren't too long then ill pull the trigger on some 4th gen shocks and extended swaybars

Just as a reference this is the stock 5th. gen. rear springs out of my 17 SR5. Sorry i meant springs.lol

 

[the_welfare_wagon]

The correct way to pick shocks for your coil is to flex one side of the rear axle up toward the body until you either reach your bump stop (ideal) or the tire hits the wheel well (not ideal) and take a measurement. That is your max collapsed shock length. Try to find a shock with a collapsed length shorter than that. Then droop the axle away from the body watching carefully to make sure you aren't going to stretch a brake line too much or damage any other components or lose your rear coil spring. Once you have reached your max droop take another measurement. That is the max extended length you want.

Ill have to try this. I don't really live in an area where I can easily find a spot to flex out the truck but ill locate something and report back with measurements. ill have the 2nd gen sway bar links on the rear and see if that gives me the articulation I'm looking for.

Where should this measurement be taken from? I'm assuming from underside the top shock mount to the bottom mount?

Keep in mind this is what im seeing for full compression/droop(see below). This seem about right to you? stock swaybar links still attached with the 0-2 inch 4runner 5100s

 

[jross20]

So after doing some research a stock spring for a 4th gen is 14 something inches free height. My 890s measured almost 18 inches free height. OME 895 which lifts a 4th gen 2 inches is saying that its free height is roughly 15 inches with a 17mm bar diameter. So does this mean those "long travel" shocks will fit? Seeing as it's now trying to hold an almost 18 inch long spring instead of a 15 inch one it should theoretically keep it in place? I follow someone on Instagram who runs those shocks with the toytec 3 inch springs. No idea what supporting mods but they do work. Any thoughts?

Well if the shocks are too long the springs will become loose and flop around. I think it is best if the shock is the limiting factor just at the edge of the springs range.