Hello, have a 4runner 2019 trd off-road premium - Some advice Bilstein 5100 Kit

With your 3.6 degrees of positive caster can you feel a noticeable difference in stability, I mean like driving on the freeway on a windy day?

 

Thank you very much. Now, if Magnuson would just come out with a supercharger for the 2020

 

For sure. That's definitely one of the benefits of higher caster numbers. Besides trying to clear mudflap and body mount rub, there is more stability at higher speeds, less play in the steering wheel and it snaps back into place faster after a turn.

 

1. That is what I thought, thank you for clarifying a bit more.


2. Unbelievable, they shipped me the rear Bilstein 5100 shocks, which I received a while ago. I called the dealer and asked, where are my front adjustable shocks? They are telling me 5 months ETA. When I ordered they said that they had them in stock, this is outrages. Hence, I asked for a refund. I am not a happy camper.

Moving forward, because I already purchased Dobinson’s C59-302 Front Lifted Coils I added IMS 59-50700 monotube IFP front struts (0-3″ lift).

I will use the Bilsteins shocks for the rear and the Dobinson’s C59-505 Rear Coils.

So, still the same lift front 2.5” rear 1.5”

Would this work ok Jake?

 

Yeah, that coil combination will give you the same stance......2.5" front and 1.5" rear.

My only suggestion would be to return the rear Bilstein shocks and get some Dobinson rear shocks to pair with the fronts. Reason being is that I believe the Dobinson shocks are progressively valved (if I'm not mistaken). The bilsteins are definitely digressively valved shocks. That could cause some weirdness with handling/shock dampening.

If the Dobinsons happen to be digressive, you can keep the rear Bilsteins.

 

Progressive/Digressive, do you really think this can have a negative impact? I assume that the Dobingsons are far superior looking at the specs. "That could cause some weirdness with handling/shock dampening" can you elaborate if I may ask.

These Dobinsons are kind of expensive shocks, they are adjustable by the millimeter plus the build is superior which is great, hence, the price tag is related to the quality. The reason that I kept the 5100 Bilsteins for the rear is cost, in case this would really have a negative behavior on the ride or could dammage the vehicle, I would purchase dobinsons for the rear as well.

I was confused, I thought monotube is digressive and twin tube progressive, my mistake.

IMS 59-50700 monotube IFP front struts (0-3″ lift)

• Fully re-buildable and re-valvable
• Zero shock fade in all terrains with full load
• Direct, bolt-on replacement for easy fitment
• Progressive valving
• Uses existing full range of coil springs and top mounts
• Highest quality rubber bushings top and bottom for maximum NVH dampening
• Corrosion resistant (EDP Surface Protection)
• Heavy duty single piece lower leg
• Enormous oil capacity
• Heavy Duty 3 Stage FKM HNBR Sealing System for the ultimate in reliability
• Race inspired hi-flow CNC 6061 Billet alloy piston – for the ultimate in offroad handling
• 56mm/2.2” Bodied Series - 50mm hi-flow CNC 6061 Billet alloy piston - 50mm bore
• 66mm/2.6” Bodied Series - 60mm hi-flow CNC 6061 Billet alloy piston - 60mm bore

The body size is 56mm with a 50mm piston for these vehicles:
4th/5th Gen 4Runner
2nd/3rd Gen Tacoma
Lexus GX470 and GX460

 

IMO you definitely want to run matched shocks, when possible. Further, those Bilsteins are basically bottom of the barrel as far as upgrades go, whereas the IMS Dobby's should be a fair bit better..

If cost is a concern, does Mike have a full set of their twin-tubes in stock?

Finally, the springs you chose lift a pretty good bit.. probably more like 2.75 in the front. Nothing wrong with that, but IMO 285's are the only way to go at that point. Anything smaller will look puny.

 

Regarding springs, yes I purchased Dobinsons front and rear. I like the IMS front shocks millimeter adjustment 0-3" is great and sure the quality will be better than the 5100 Bilstein shock's. Hence, the springs are doing the lift, the shocks damping. I just do not understand, the Bilsteins & Dobinsons are mono shocks why should a digressive shock in the rear give a negative impact on the ride?

For sure BF Goodrich KO-2 - 285/70/17
Future: Rock-sliders, don't know which brand yet, any suggestions? I want to make a small modification in the front, i need a better approach angle, i would like to avoid cutting.

 

Well every shock will have different dampening characteristics which come from the design of the shock. It can be mono-tube or twin-tube, but it can also have vastly different shims on the piston which will affect if it is a progressive, digressive, or linear tune. AFAIK, the Dobinsons are progressive or fairly linear, whereas Bilstein is digressive.

If you run the setup and like it, then there is nothing really "wrong" with it. It wont send your 4Runner off a cliff all of the sudden, or anything. But, why not do it the better way?

 

I would just get something like these @Roland. They aren't that much more expensive than the 5100's.

https://www.dobinsonsdirect.com/pro...-runner-5th-gen~yr_2010-2021-suspension-parts

 

Confusing to say the least.

More expensive shocks have a stronger built, different alloys, slightly different construction and are larger to dissipate heat.

Damping and Psi

I called Bilstein, Fox and Mike selling Dobinsons to ask about the Psi. Bilstein 5100 rear shocks 200 Psi – Fox rear shocks 300 Psi – Dobinsons rear shocks 120/140 Psi All for 4 runner TRD Off-road/premium or Pro 2010 – 2019 or 2020; regardless progressive or digressive. The main difference in less expensive shocks and more expensive shocks is quality materials, size and brand name.

 

Jake, thank you for the link

Confusing and not confusing...

More expensive shocks have a stronger built, different alloys, slightly different construction and are larger to dissipate heat.

Damping and Psi

I called Bilstein, Fox and Mike selling Dobinsons to ask about the Psi. Bilstein 5100 rear shocks 200 Psi – Fox rear shocks 300 Psi – Dobinsons rear shocks 120/140 Psi All for 4 runner TRD Off-road/premium or Pro 2010 – 2019 or 2020; regardless progressive or digressive. The main difference in less expensive shocks and more expensive shocks is quality materials, size and brand name.

In other words, all depents what are you going to do with your rig, race = high Psi - rock crowling & high ledges less Psi - All around highway, city, light/moderate off-roading, somewhwere in the middle.

This is all subjective and depending how much you like your ride, sure, a good quality well built shock is always a must.

All information obtained comes directly from the sources I called.

What do you think about this analogy?

 

This explains the difference between progressive, digressive, and linear shocks better than I can explain it.

https://accutuneoffroad.com/article...2U782XP7Re8XGgOrJcgOVR47qeJxJdngaApluEALw_wcB

When it comes to mixing and matching shocks, I can make the argument for a digressive front and progressive rear, but I can't make the argument for the other way around. My thought is that the rear end will feel like a bucking bronco with progressive shocks up front and digressive in the rear and that gets really old if you've ever had a vehicle that felt way too stiff in the rear end. I'd personally rather have a softer, more controlled ride in the rear.

I don't have any direct experience with progressive fronts and digressive rears so take my recommendation with a grain of salt.

 

Verry interesting info in the link, nevertheless, the entire article explains the differences in shock build etc. The bottom line is application, for example, take your wife and kids or friends plus some gear and ice box to Moab and do some easy/moderate trails. If I’m correct, I might scrape the rear end all over.

Driving by myself, the rear end will buck, depending how fast I go, sure softer shocks will give me a smoother ride according to the terrain. Progressive front and back.

This is not a perfect world. Jake and koukimonster I will take your advice and purchase the rear Dobinson IMS shocks to complement the front IMS.

Here is my problem, I don’t know much about 4 runners and less about aftermarket 4 runner parts.

I visited Moab a lot and drove most of the trails with a 2008 Hummer SUT off-road package, the only mod I did 37” Bf Goodrich KO. I sold the rig because I drove 187.000 miles with it as a daily driver and off-road rig, time to say goodbye.

I really like my 4 runner, I understand that the 4 runner is a different vehicle all together. We all have different likes, for me; I like to drive and do some off-roading. The 4 runner looks great as is.

I appreciate all of you, giving me your time and advice and educating me with your best intentions.

Thank you.

 

Hello Jake,

Do you know anyone that would be interested in my Bilstein 5100 rear shocks? I tried to post in the for sale forum, didn't work?

I have a brand new pair of Bilstein 5100 rear shocks for sale - In the box. The reason I selling them I ordered the kit and only received the rear. I made the choice to buy a full set springs and shocks from another brand.

So, $170 for the pair. If someone is in the El Paso TX area they can pick them up. Otherwise I charge $10 for shipping in the continental US. Payment options: PayPal or Cash.

Thank you

 

I don't know of anyone personally, but I'm sure someone will pick them up. They are a pretty popular choice.

Could you not return them to the place you bought them?

 

Hello Jake,
More than 30 days, can't retun them anymore. Btw. I received the Dobinsons red springs Fr & R - They look good. I received the front IMS shocks as well. Waiting for the rear IMS59 - 50705 comfort valved.

 

Nice! Looking forward to hearing how the Dobinsons ride for you once they're on.

I would put those Bilsteins in the for sale section here, maybe on toyota-4runner.org, offer up, and/or your local craigslist. I wouldn't think you'd have a problem selling them.

 

Now I see why I could not post on the for sale forum here, you need to be a member for 30 Days, I'm to new. Yeah, the Dobinsons, I'm curious if it will be possible to put the Bf Goodrich 285/70/17 KO 2 on without any cutting.

 

Will you be using your stock OffRoad Wheels?

 

Came with TRD Pro wheels and Nitto Terra Grapplers 265/70/17 - I will using those wheels.

 

You'll probably have to do some cutting.

 

My IMS59-50700 shocks came in. Will start soon with the install.

Wondering, with my front Dobinsons IMS59-50700 shocks and coils C59-302 if the coil seat should be set at 213mm (8.38") from the strut bushing eye to support my 2.5” lift. Not sure. Any imput Jake?

 

I wish I could help you with that measurement but I don't know what it should be.

Best to ask @Crikeymike.

 

213mm measured the way this photo shows.

 

Thanks a lot Mike.

 

Jake,
I did email Mike and got a reply right away. As you can see Mike posted on my thread as well. Great guy.
Thank you