Shock’ing Discovery

Will watch the video later. However my current Bilstien5100 flex pretty good in the rear. May be when I remove them will see the difference stock shocks vs Bilstien5100 (i still have old shocks of my ORP).

 

Sure!

It’s interesting how many things start to interact with each other the higher you go. A 3/2 lift is really on the high end. Seems like a safer and a more useful bet is a 2/1 lift. And when I say lift, I mean suspension lift (not spacer).

I like that he said the shock also functions as the limiting strap for full extension under normal circumstances. But you just need to make sure the shock is not reaching full extension on a frequent basis under your normal driving situations.

 

I’ve been doing some research on limiting straps for suspensions. Apparently it’s common on extreme off road vehicles like Razors. If I can figure out some good anchor points on the front, I may be able to use straps to restrict the excessive droop.

For the back, I need to find some shocks that have about 3” more travel than stock.

https://www.4wheelparts.com/v/toyota-4runner/suspension/limiting-strap/_/N-1snq4Zcm7oi

 

Those are only needed for long/extended travel setups.
the UCA will limit how much the suspension drops.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/limiting-straps-on-basic-lift-set-up-lets-discuss.451962/

 

Normally true, but thanks to my spacer lift, the UCA is ramming into the coil springs and also binding the upper ball joints. See my earlier posts.

It’s a getto fix, but it’s a last ditch effort to keep the 285’s.

https://www.drivingline.com/articles/how-to-protect-your-ifs-with-limit-straps/

 

After searching I’ve discovered that quite a few Tacoma guys and a few 4R owners are utilizing straps to keep their shocks from topping out.

 

Get rid of the 3" spacers. 2"front/1" rear is still plenty to run 285s. You could get 5100s and do it "right", or even just go with shorter spacers.

3" of lift is just too much for these unless done properly, and spacers are not properly.

 

From what I've seen rear shocks not been long enough is the problem. One can run full 1.5in spacer on top of the stock suspension to give 3in lift front and use 2in spacer in back with Bilstien5100 replacing just rear shocks. I could be wrong. Suspension experts can correct me if im wrong.

 

Umm… I am running 285/75/17 with a minor lift. Just do a little trimming and remove the 3” spacers. If you have a little bit of money saved up get an aftermarket suspension like Ironman foam cell pro (What I have) and call it a day. Otherwise if money is a stopping factor just remove the lift and trim a bit and you should be fine.

 

He's saying his (front) UCA is banging on the shock body.

You are correct though, too short rear shocks are an issue as well.

Personally I would strongly suggest spending the money to do it the correct way. The proper length 5100s are fairly inexpensive.

 

Good points, so do the 5100’s come in different lengths?

would I have to replace the front and rear springs as well?

Thanks

 

Honestly, I wouldn’t mind having less lift and being able to keep the 285’s. I think the 3/2 lift is a little much.

 

We have three full service 4x4 custom shops in my area, so I’m gonna go talk to them and see what my options are.

 

This is why I lifted my front end 1.6" using Eibach adjustable shocks and my stock coils. The angles aren't extreme, I can fit 285's no problem, and the ride is fantastic. $140 per shock. Done.

You could also lift the front 0.85" with these shocks if you choose (same height as the Pro).

 

The Ironman foam cell Pro shocks have peaked my interest.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G12zF12UnB0

 

Bro, don’t do that to your truck. 1) Putting limiting straps to restrict it will keep the UCA off the spring, but you are going to feel that in your ride quality. Spacers lift the truck essentially via using up existing downtravel without increasing uptravel, already reducing your overall travel. You want to put a strap to limit it further? Not the best idea unless you never drive off road. 2) Rear downtravel is restricted by shocks, brake lines, control arms…if you just add the extended shocks without addressing all of those other things there will be problems off road. You will find yourself adding limiting straps to keep your coils from tipping out when you flex it hard and that is the least of the problems you may encounter.

 

Yes, you are correct,

I am currently researching my options for an appropriate shock coil setup. My plan is to completely remove the stock shocks and spacers and start from scratch.

I would like to reduce the lift as much as possible while keeping the 285’s. Currently is a 3/2 and I don’t think I need that much. Dealership did the front fender liner nip and tuck and I was able to keep the mud flaps which I prefer.

I’m seriously considering the Bilstein 6112/5160 setup. This would fit my budget. With coil springs as close to stock as possible. I have no intention of adding additional weight to the vehicle in the form of mods.

Thank you for the input.

 

This sounds like a plan.

2" front, 1" rear should be plenty. That's my intention for mine.

 

Thats what I was thinking too.

I have had no rubbing issues with my current 3/2 spacer lift. The 5100’s seem to be the standard go to shock but what attracted me to the 6112 was the 2.5” shock body. It’s a bit more money but seems like good bang for buck.

Most online reviews at this price point seem to favor the 6112.

 

Yeah, everyone has good things to say about them. Check out Shock Surplus and Alldogs Off-road on YouTube, they've done quite a few videos of them.

The only issue seems to be finding them, they never seem to be in stock anywhere.

I was initially set on the 6112/5160 combo myself, but since I'm on the fence about adding a winch, I'm thinking I might go with the Einach Pro 2.0. that gives you an adjustable front coilover, which you can adjust while it's still on the vehicle.

The 2.5-in body of the Bilstein is an attractive feature, but from what I understand that is really only a benefit if you do a lot of high speed driving on rough terrain. Even the shock surplus guys said that they didn't notice a difference between the 6112 and the 5100 on the street, it was only off-road they noticed a difference.

 

You will be a lot happier with the truck with the new suspension. I bought my truck used with a dealer installed 3/2 spacer lift and replaced it with OME springs and 5100s. The ride difference is indescribable - completely different truck. It stayed the same height & 285/65/18s don’t rub, but I have done some trimming. 2/1 should definitely be enough as long as you don’t catch the mod bug and start adding a lot of weight. Hehe They can get heavy fast.

 

Which OME springs did you go with - also, front and rear both with new springs? And, what was your ultimate lift amount?

 

I off road at least every couple of months, sometimes several times a month if the wind is good for slope flying. The trails in my area are brutal! with large imbedded lava rocks. Currently I have to go really slow or the back shocks clunk hard.

Also, I have a couple of destinations on my bucket list that would require driving long distance on corrugated dirt roads.

So that’s why I’m leaning towards the 6112 setup.

 

All the more reason for those Ironman. Just saying…

 

Yes, too many choices!

I can tell from previous threads that many people have preceded me with these important decisions.

My favorite thing about the Iron man shocks are those Gravedigger green coil springs. So cool!

 

I agree the green springs got my attention, might look cool under the lunar rock. I’m just not ready yet. Thank you for sharing this info, as I continue to learn for when I am.

 

It's interesting...

Eibach pro truck struts/shocks
FRONT
-Extended 22.39" -16.55"compressed
Rear
-extended 21.45" - 13.25 "compressed

 

I got the OME/Bilstein Stage 1 kit and Dobinson’s UCAs. Front springs are 887 (stiffest) and rear are 898 (2nd stiffest). My truck has too much rake empty, so I just got a set of daily driver rear springs to level it out.(Eibach 2” @ +150#) Easy enough to swap out before a trip. I no longer have the measurements I took, but initially the truck was 1/2” lower front left than front right and 1/4” lower on rear left than rear right with the spacer lift. The 5100s on the lowest setting and those springs leveled the left with the right. I have since added skids and a hidden winch and the front has come down probably another 3/4”-1” and the rear has not budged. lol Looks like a fucking stinkbug if I take out my tools and kitchen.

 

Don’t buy based on color. You can paint any springs any color you want.

 

True, but they look pretty cool. After thinking about it longer, the green wouldn’t work, it needs to be red or something.

oh, and it’s always nice if I don’t have to paint.