How do Bilstein 5100s ride?

I am looking to replace my worn oem shocks. The best budget oriented shocks (so not Bilstein 6112) are the Bilstein 5100s that are specifically made for the 3rd gens. How do these compare to the original shocks? Do they ride well?

 

KYB’s are an awesome OEM replacement.

 

I went with whatever Advance Auto had. It was a better shock but can’t remember what kind.lol

 

Well, what are you looking to accomplish?

If you are only replacing your shocks, I would suggest something that came from the factory like Tokico's.

If you go with Bilstein 5100's, know you will need to accommodate said shocks with taller than factory coils.

I really hope when you say OEM, you don't mean shocks and coils from '97 as shocks generally warrant replacing every 50k miles.

And again if it's all OEM (and original), your coils will need replacing as well.

Which goes back to the Bilstein 5100's; they are not meant for stock coils as the shocks travel a bit more than factory. And seeing as how you'll be on poorly, worn in coils, will mean your 5100's will wear that much quicker and bottom out.

Bilstein 5100's will also ride 'firmer' as they are both a budget-performance shock, and feature digressive valving. Any performance shock meant for our vehicles are strictly for off-road application; don't take your vehicle off road? You'll be rewarded with stiffer driving on road.

I'd venture to say, if you wish to keep it stock, check out Tokico Trekmasters, and pair them up with OEM '99 4R coils (48131-35400 front right, 48131-35350 front left, 48231-35210 rear)

 

I love my 5100's but both of the jobs I work are up rough dirt roads. For what I am using them for the ride on dirt is way better than stock. On the road it is a bit of a rough ride but tolerable in my mind. With soft springs and my 33's deflated a bit I don't mind the ride. That said my friend had kidney surgery and the ride home from the hospital was agonizing for him.

 

Is Tokico still in business? Seriously. I don't see anything from them, I read the company has moved on from selling shocks after they were bought. The Toyota OE shocks are more expensive, like $190. Is there anything between those that offers a middle ground in price and on road performance?

Its also difficult to find replacement springs. The dealer that I usually use no longer has them, same with camelback Toyota. Getting springs from Toyota is starting to become difficult.

 

Several options for your truck are listed on the rock auto website. Plug in your vehicle and navigate to “suspension” or “shocks” or “suspension kits”. See what brands are listed and do a little google research on them.

Again, kyb is great. But I’d also be replacing springs if I was you.

 

Starting to consider KYB more. Everyone on the forums (particularly the other 4runner forum) recommends the 5100s, but they use them off road. I hate to say it but I most often am on pavement, and when I do go off road I'm not bombing down the trail.

What spring should I go with? The Toyota ones are hard and expensive to get, and I don't trust Moog at all.

 

You're reading those threads wrong; only time 5100's are recommended (and very often) is because -

1. someone is asking about lifting their 4R (threads asking about a lift is posted nearly on a daily on both 4Runner and Tacoma forums)
2. it's a great bang-for-the-buck performance shock

As I mentioned, and as you read, these shocks are not meant for you as you expressed no interest in lifting your vehicle, nor going off road.

The sooner you stop considering 5100's at all, the quicker we'll get to a solution.

As for OEM coils, plenty of Toyota dealerships have them. One of the most popular (mainly due to pricing) is McGeorge -

1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner Coil Spring (Left, Right, Front) 48131-35400 | Toyota Parts (mcgeorgetoyota.com)

1999-2000 Toyota 4Runner Coil Spring (Left, Front) 48131-35350 | Toyota Parts (mcgeorgetoyota.com)

1999-2000 Toyota 4Runner Coil Spring (Left, Right, Rear) 48231-35210 | Toyota Parts (mcgeorgetoyota.com)

About $40 more per coil than say, an aftermarket setup that provides lift, but it'll ride nice and comfortable for sure as you'll bring new life to your suspension.

KYB is a good choice, so I won't knock it, but Tokico Trekmasters are indeed still offered by several vendors. Part number for the fronts are GU3535 and GE3700 for the rear, respectively.

Considering they'll last you 4-6 years (the shocks) and about 7-10 years (the coils), they're a lasting investment.

Definitely cheap for what you get.

 

Or you can say fuck it, and drop $4.5k and get all this -

 

Although Bilsteins are a bit stiff, ride quality is still ok.

 

You could get the Eibach pro truck kit for $750 and call it a day. Comes with front struts and coils, rear shocks, and rear coils.

 

Not sure if they make them for 3rd gens, but I would see if Eibach makes some replacement shocks for your truck. Eibach adjustable front shocks allow you to set them at 0" of lift (when using the stock sized coil). You can add lift if you want by moving the lower coil perch up.

Eibach's ride better on road compared to Bilsteins IMO because they have a bleeder valve early in the travel that softens bumps and takes away the jarring feeling some of the full digressive shocks (like Bilstein 5100s) have on the road. Eibachs also will handle off road situations well.

 

just asking "If you go with Bilstein 5100's, know you will need to accommodate said shocks with taller than factory coils."

Bilstein 5100 are adjustable 0-2.5 so factory coils would be ok, you don't need taller springs. OP is not saying he wants to lift his 4R just replace shocks.

 

Ok, then that covers the front shocks but if the coils are original...they're long due for replacing.

Not to mention, they have digressive valving and will be stiffer than OEM.

 

Yes probably the front coils might be due for replacement, I think It's good advice; yes progressive or linear shocks might more enjoyable for some, others might like a firmer ride.

Depending on mileage, the best solution is to replace Front & Rear shocks and coils/springs. Hence, OP was asking about Bilstein's 5100.

Btw. Nice setup you have.

 

Yeah, he just needs to replace everything.

The part numbers above were suggested as a "closest to factory" as one can get.

Thanks btw.