Bilstein 5100s pics with settings

Alive and well.

 

Check out the link in post #2.

 

I appreciate it. Will do! Thank you.

 

Hey guys! New here. I’m looking for a way to reduce the nose dive and motion sick feeling I get driving my 4Runner. My 2021 ORP has KDSS. I’d like to try a set of 5100s at .8” on the front. Can anyone walk me through install on these with KDSS? My dealer didn’t have a clue, and the 4wd shop here has never heard of it. Just changing shocks here. Stock alignment settings after install?

 

Search "4runner kdss lift installation" on Google. Plenty of threads/videos on the process. I could rewrite my installation, but it's been well documented.

'The 4wd shop here'? As in, the only 4wd shop? KDSS has been around for several years...did the shop know how to change struts on a non-KDSS 4R?

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

I am not doing coils or UCAs, which I understand can make it much more difficult. I can’t find a write up or video for only swapping to 5100s. The shop has done many non KDSS 4runners but didn’t know if the KDSS or swaybars needed disconnected. I don’t want to leave things up chance. Also, with .8” front lift do stock alignment specs still apply ?

 

The rear shocks are a no-brainer, just remove and replace. The front, though, is more involved. You say you're not "doing coils or UCAs,", yet just installing the Bilstein struts @ .85 is as involved as putting on new coils, because you still have to pull the stock coils to put them on the Bilstein struts. There are several methods of pulling the struts & coils, some of which involve disconnecting the front anti-sway bar from the lower control arms (the method I used), and others that don't. I researched for weeks before I attempted my install of Eibach struts and shocks, which was exactly the same as you are wanting to do, just a different brand.

As far as alignment goes, I took mine to a Toyota dealer for the alignment. I don't know what the specs are, they just did what they do...it does need an alignment after the installation.

 

Great to know. Did you keep the stock alignment specs to align after your install? What was the process you used to properly disconnect the sway bars?

 

I edited my post above in regard to the alignment - I took it to the Toyota dealership service dept. for the alignment, so I figured they knew what to do.

On the KDSS, I put a ratchet strap around the cylinder at ride height to keep it compressed, then proceeded to unbolt the anti-sway bar from the control arms and just hang free, also with the truck still on the ground. Once I had the truck on jack stands, replaced the struts on each side and everything was back together and back on the ground, I reconnected the bar and took off the ratchet strap. I'll see if I can find some photos of my install.

I have read other install methods that don't disconnect the ant-sway bar, however.

 

I understand your concern about the KDSS system and what is involved. The shop I was going to have install mine, however, knew what was involved. I just ended up doing it myself after all. If that dealer and shop you talked to are your only options, I'd be concerned also, since they are unfamiliar with the KDSS system...which seems odd for the dealer. Unless the never install lifts of any kind...

Where do you live?

 

Erie Pennsylvania. People in this area are incredibly cheap. The dealer will only stock base SR5 because people here are too cheap to pay for any options. They have NEVER sold a KDSS 4Runner. They didn’t even know it was a thing. I bought my 2021 500 miles away because the dealers here wouldn’t even order an ORP KDSS

 

Just do some research regarding the install on google and YouTube. Plenty of KDSS suspension install videos out there. Your install will be just like theirs. You will need an alignment and yes, just use the OE specs with a .8 lift and, I'm assuming, stock sized tires. You should have no problem getting OE spec alignment with that lift. I recommend changing the rear shocks at the same time, also to 5100's.

 

Here's some photos from my installation.

Showing the KDSS cylinder strapped up, done at ride height before doing any lifting of the vehicle for suspension work, even though it shows the wheels off later on:


Disconnecting the two lower control arm sway bar brackets, also done at ride height, after strapping the KDSS cylinder:



The rest of the install was just following YouTube 'no spring compressor method' videos for replacing front struts.

This was my synopsis of the process:

https://www.4runners.com/threads/glwood54-vs-stock-4r.12659/page-3#post-142135

 

Excellent! Thank you! Did you strap both sides or just driver side?

 

There's only one cylinder, on the driver side. The other side has a solid link, no cylinder. The rear is the same way, but you don't do anything to the rear KDSS to change shocks.

 

Just got mine done on Monday/ front only 1.75. I’m still stock in back which is roughly 1 inch higher to take into consideration for passenger and gear. Happy so far with the look and also ride feel

 

I know each dealership experience will be different, but have any of you had the 5100s installed at a dealership? If so, any concerns? Price?

 

Where are you taking measurements to determine the rear is still one inch higher? Thank you.

 

I measured from the ground up, but after reading many posts I ended up ordering the 1 inch corn fed spacer to ensure it would account for passengers/gear. Also adding rear billstein 5100. Install should be in next couple of weeks

 

Thank you for your reply. After reading through this thread, many posts said .85 would level so I was just curious about your experience and what you measured. Again, the information is much appreciated! Thank you.

 

NP 913! There are so many informative posts here that truth be told, I just liked (personal preference) the look of the 1.75 better. The great thing about the Billstein is the flexibility to go with 0-2.75 on four settings. I was incorrect with my original post as even with the back higher, it was almost a reverse rake when I had cargo in back. I’ll make sure to send updated pics once the back gets installed

 

10 4. I agree, everything comes down to personal preference. Your 4Runner looks clean. Looking forward to the photos. Sorry, one last thing ... were there any issues with installation or alignment? Again, thank you for the information!

 

Thanks 913! Appreciate that. I had zero issues with alignment to date. Just took her out Saturday/Sunday for a 600 mile spin and also no issues 75+ on Highway. I’m not a fast driver by any means (we don’t buy these amazing vehicles to go fast!)....but it was my first long Highway trip and I was pleased with the ride.

 

Good to hear there were no issues! Thanks again!

 

2” front 1.5” rear on 275/70/17 Falken Wildpeakes

 

That's looking really good! I'm going to guess that the Eibach's set at 1.6 will look almost exactly like this as well. I think I may end up setting mine at that height instead of the .85 setting I was initially planning on.

 

Good luck Reldn! Billstein has 0, .85, 1.75 and 2.75. I read so many informative posts on this forum and ended up with 1.75. Take before and after pics! Sure it will look great for you.

 

Hey guys. New to the forum. I have a base 2021 trd off road. Got the 265/70r17 ko2’s. It only has 1600 miles, decided to get the bilstein 5100 on the front for the mean time, rears are on back order. My issue now is that after doing the lift on the second Clip .85 to get it leveled it got more, about 2” and now it has a reverse rake. The front is sitting taller than the rear. The gap between the tire and the fender is the same front and rear. Has anyone experienced something like this. Mine doesn’t have the kdss. My alignment came out ok but is already maxed out. Will have to re-do the whole thing again and try the first clip to see if is going to level.

 

Sounds like your spring perches might be upside down.

Take a picture and we can confirm or debunk.