BajaNomad

Bilstein 5100's - are they for me?

mojo_norte - 3-26-2011 at 07:00 AM

New shock time. My dedicated Baja rig is a FS PU (bone stock) carrying a FS overhead camper. Total weight of the fully loaded truck+ camper is about 1000#'s less than the GCWR. I mainly drive Hiway 1 with occasional washboard graded roads and very light off road to get to camping spots. I mainly want ride comfort and handling. Do the 5100's fit my needs or are they more of an offload shock - stiff? One question I have is the blurb on the ordering page " may require modification of suspension bump stops.." what's up with that? is this necessary for stock applications?

TMW - 3-26-2011 at 07:39 AM

With the weight of your truck I don't think they would be too stiff but the 5100 series is an off road shock. The best off road version for stock type trucks is the 5160 series with external resevoir. But it is a back order item. I've been waiting 3 months for mine so far. If you don't drive much on rough dirt roads you wouldn't need that series.

woody with a view - 3-26-2011 at 07:59 AM

or go with the bilstien HD's i got em and have had nothing but a positive experience...

baronvonbob - 3-26-2011 at 08:05 AM

I put a set on my xterra and they worked ok, much washboard stuff. Was concerned about the fit with that disclaimer. Actually had no adjustments to make and fit fine.

now after 50000 miles they still feel the same and the washboard road still feels the same. So they sure last longer than the originals, which were stock bilsteins.

David K - 3-26-2011 at 08:19 AM

On my '05 Tacoma I upgraded from the stock yellow Bilsteins to the 5100's in back... I noticed a better ride right away! No, they are not stiff off road racing shocks... they are just one level up from what Toyota put on.

fishabductor - 3-27-2011 at 09:39 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW
With the weight of your truck I don't think they would be too stiff but the 5100 series is an off road shock. The best off road version for stock type trucks is the 5160 series with external resevoir. But it is a back order item. I've been waiting 3 months for mine so far. If you don't drive much on rough dirt roads you wouldn't need that series.


It's a bummer isn't it. I was going to throw a set of 5160s on my prerunner(daily driver), but the B/O deal was a deal breaker, as I was only in the states for 3weeks to start, but an illness caused us to be there for 6 weeks, which still wouldn't have been sufficient time to get the shocks. I ended up going 5100's.

5100's are for lifted applications, and won't fit a stock truck. you need hd's if that is you. They are the blue boot/yellow body version . 5100's are black/silver.

By the way.... they are stiff shocks, but drive very nice on road, they really limit body roll.


[Edited on 3-27-2011 by fishabductor]

David K - 3-27-2011 at 10:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by fishabductor
Quote:
Originally posted by TW
With the weight of your truck I don't think they would be too stiff but the 5100 series is an off road shock. The best off road version for stock type trucks is the 5160 series with external resevoir. But it is a back order item. I've been waiting 3 months for mine so far. If you don't drive much on rough dirt roads you wouldn't need that series.


It's a bummer isn't it. I was going to throw a set of 5160s on my prerunner(daily driver), but the B/O deal was a deal breaker, as I was only in the states for 3weeks to start, but an illness caused us to be there for 6 weeks, which still wouldn't have been sufficient time to get the shocks. I ended up going 5100's.

5100's are for lifted applications, and won't fit a stock truck. you need hd's if that is you. They are the blue boot/yellow body version . 5100's are black/silver.

By the way.... they are stiff shocks, but drive very nice on road, they really limit body roll.


[Edited on 3-27-2011 by fishabductor]



So there is no confusion... the 5100 shocks fit on a stock (non-lifted) Tacoma... Here is the left rear 5100 on my 2005 Tacoma. The front 5100's are height adjustable to give you lift, if you want it.

fishabductor - 3-27-2011 at 10:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by fishabductor
Quote:
Originally posted by TW
With the weight of your truck I don't think they would be too stiff but the 5100 series is an off road shock. The best off road version for stock type trucks is the 5160 series with external resevoir. But it is a back order item. I've been waiting 3 months for mine so far. If you don't drive much on rough dirt roads you wouldn't need that series.


It's a bummer isn't it. I was going to throw a set of 5160s on my prerunner(daily driver), but the B/O deal was a deal breaker, as I was only in the states for 3weeks to start, but an illness caused us to be there for 6 weeks, which still wouldn't have been sufficient time to get the shocks. I ended up going 5100's.

5100's are for lifted applications, and won't fit a stock truck. you need hd's if that is you. They are the blue boot/yellow body version . 5100's are black/silver.

By the way.... they are stiff shocks, but drive very nice on road, they really limit body roll.


[Edited on 3-27-2011 by fishabductor]



So there is no confusion... the 5100 shocks fit on a stock (non-lifted) Tacoma... Here is the left rear 5100 on my 2005 Tacoma. The front 5100's are height adjustable to give you lift, if you want it.



I misrecalled the the details off bilsteins catalog attached below, Obviously I was wrong. I thought the 5100's were only for lifted applications. My bad.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/off-road/5100-series-shoc...

The 5100 Series offers traditional Bilstein technology with applications for lifted trucks, Jeeps and prerunners. 5100 Series shocks feature Bilstein's superior single tube high gas pressure design for the upmost in consistent fade-free performance and long life.


The product benefits at a glance:

•Monotube gas pressure construction
•Self-Adjusting Deflecting Disc Valving
•High-Flow Piston Reduces Harshness
•Independent Rebound & Compression Tuning
•Larger Working Piston Area for Exact Damping
•Superior Control for Large Diameter Tires
•Designed for specific manufacturer lift kits utilizing the stock O.E.M. mounting configuration.

Bob H - 3-27-2011 at 10:30 AM

David, is that an airbag I see under your truck? Why would you need an airbag?

David K - 3-27-2011 at 11:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob H
David, is that an airbag I see under your truck? Why would you need an airbag?


Bob... you missed the highly detailed series I posted on Nomad back in 2007, I guess?

The 2005 and newer 4 door Tacomas have a nice ride, but when loaded, some bottomed-out when hitting bumps. Toyota has a TSB (Tech. Services Bulletin) that addresses the problem and will change the springs to a 4 leaf to stiffen up the ride (more like a truck)... for free.

My dealer didn't tell me about it when I questioned them on the soft rear suspention... so I took matters into my own hand and researched my options (here on Nomads and at Off Road Warehouse). Rather than adding a leaf or re-arching my springs, so they ride stiff all the time, I went with the recommended Ride-Rite Air Springs that permit ride adjustment changes with air presure.

It was perfect, and I was very happy with them... problem solved and I could also adjust my ride height... easily!

When I traded the '05 for the '10, I had the salesman remove the air bags from the '05 in case I needed them on the '10...

Well, I still have them in a box here, as the 2010 has better springs and I have not yet bottomed out with the new truck.

I learned about the 'TSB' after I got my 2010 when reading Tacoma World forums and seeing that was a common problem with the 2nd generation Tacoma double cab or access cab trucks... called a 'Harsh Ride'.

Bob H - 3-27-2011 at 12:03 PM

Yes, David... I missed the 2007 posting. Even if I did read it, I would have probably forgotten it after four years. :tumble:

Thanks for the explanation. Good stuff!


[Edited on 3-27-2011 by Bob H]

David K - 3-27-2011 at 12:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob H
Yes, David... I missed the 2007 posting. Even if I did read it, I would have probably forgotten it after four years. :tumble:

Thanks for the explanation. Good stuff!


[Edited on 3-27-2011 by Bob H]


I asked you somewhere, but haven't seen your answer... Are you back from Hawaii?

Bob H - 3-27-2011 at 12:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by Bob H
Yes, David... I missed the 2007 posting. Even if I did read it, I would have probably forgotten it after four years. :tumble:

Thanks for the explanation. Good stuff!


[Edited on 3-27-2011 by Bob H]


I asked you somewhere, but haven't seen your answer... Are you back from Hawaii?


Yes, this was our view from our condo lanai! We had a great time, indeed.

David K - 3-27-2011 at 12:25 PM

Awesome... what a nice beach in front too!

TMW - 3-27-2011 at 12:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob H
David, is that an airbag I see under your truck? Why would you need an airbag?


Because like the rest of us he is eating and drinking too much and that little Tacoma was sagging when he got in.

Just kidding DK, just kidding.

David K - 3-27-2011 at 12:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW
Quote:
Originally posted by Bob H
David, is that an airbag I see under your truck? Why would you need an airbag?


Because like the rest of us he is eating and drinking too much and that little Tacoma was sagging when he got in.

Just kidding DK, just kidding.


When we are standing together Tom, I see we both enjoy eating and drinking! :lol:



Now, if we could just grow taller... like Surfer Jim there... or run everyday, like John M... then we would have it made! :light:;D:yes:

fishabductor - 3-27-2011 at 06:56 PM

the faster you go the smoother my bilsteins feel.

to bad I couldn't afford to get the 9100's

Front
http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/off-road/9100-series-coil...

back
http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/off-road/9100-series-exte...

hell i'd even take the 9300s
http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/off-road/9300-series-blac...

mojo_norte - 3-27-2011 at 07:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by whistler
Mojo,how did your truck ride with the stock shocks?The replacement shocks are valved for the vehicle without the camper's extra weight.If it was satisfactory with the stock shocks then the Bilstein will probably be ok.


Thanks for the input. I have fairly new Deschutes shocks on the the rear and Monroe's on the front w/ quad (2 per side). The fronts have gone bad . Ride's OK - With the camper I go slow on the backroads. I drive Highway 1 at normal sensible speed. I'm mainly looking for improved sway control - corners, undulating sections, cross winds.

woody with a view - 3-27-2011 at 07:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob H

Yes, this was our view from our condo lanai! We had a great time, indeed.



looks just like the OLD DAYS when we would ditch school, scrape together $5 for gas and surf Baja Malibu all day.

that is a Coronado Island outback, RIGHT?

fishabductor - 3-27-2011 at 07:25 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mojo_norte
Quote:
Originally posted by whistler
Mojo,how did your truck ride with the stock shocks?The replacement shocks are valved for the vehicle without the camper's extra weight.If it was satisfactory with the stock shocks then the Bilstein will probably be ok.


Thanks for the input. I have fairly new Deschutes shocks on the the rear and Monroe's on the front w/ quad (2 per side). The fronts have gone bad . Ride's OK - With the camper I go slow on the backroads. I drive Highway 1 at normal sensible speed. I'm mainly looking for improved sway control - corners, undulating sections, cross winds.


then you'll love the 5100's

mojo_norte - 3-27-2011 at 07:33 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fishabductor
Quote:
Originally posted by mojo_norte
Quote:
Originally posted by whistler
Mojo,how did your truck ride with the stock shocks?The replacement shocks are valved for the vehicle without the camper's extra weight.If it was satisfactory with the stock shocks then the Bilstein will probably be ok.


Thanks for the input. I have fairly new Deschutes shocks on the the rear and Monroe's on the front w/ quad (2 per side). The fronts have gone bad . Ride's OK - With the camper I go slow on the backroads. I drive Highway 1 at normal sensible speed. I'm mainly looking for improved sway control - corners, undulating sections, cross winds.


then you'll love the 5100's


Sold! They're only a few bucks more than the yellow HD's.

mojo_norte - 3-27-2011 at 07:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
Quote:
Originally posted by Bob H

Yes, this was our view from our condo lanai! We had a great time, indeed.



looks just like the OLD DAYS when we would ditch school, scrape together $5 for gas and surf Baja Malibu all day.

that is a Coronado Island outback, RIGHT?


Miki?!

mojo_norte - 3-27-2011 at 08:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by whistler
Are you planning on running duals again?


The duals are a factory mount (option) - so yes- probably - why do you ask?

mojo_norte - 3-27-2011 at 08:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by whistler
If you run duals, they are generally valved lighter than a single shock.If you went to a dual shock set-up with a shock meant for a single shock application it would probably be a harsh ride. Not sure with the weight of the camper,though.Were the Monroes supplied by the factory?


Thanks - the Monroes were aftermarket but correct application- as you said , the 2nd shock is 'auxillary' and I assume - softer. I'm looking to order the 5100's online and the website seems aware of the difference of the quad setup. Some of the online research I've done suggest to just dump the auxiliary shock because it makes no difference and is just a waste of money- thus my question to you.

fishabductor - 3-27-2011 at 09:53 PM

I got mine through 4wheel parts. they beat anyone's listed price. I paid $83/ea.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/

[Edited on 3-28-2011 by fishabductor]

BajaBruno - 3-27-2011 at 10:10 PM

I can't comment on Toyotas, but I went through two sets of stock Chevy shocks in 70k of very tame driving before converting to Bilsteins and I have been very happy with them. I have a 2003 Chev 2500HD crew cab diesel and Chevy (as does Bilstein) shows the same shock as for the regular cab 2500HD gas model, which is much lighter. The Chevy shocks blow out very quickly, but the Bilsteins have held up admirably. Nonetheless, I wish they had a shock that was a actually made for that truck.

fishabductor - 3-27-2011 at 10:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
I can't comment on Toyotas, but I went through two sets of stock Chevy shocks in 70k of very tame driving before converting to Bilsteins and I have been very happy with them. I have a 2003 Chev 2500HD crew cab diesel and Chevy (as does Bilstein) shows the same shock as for the regular cab 2500HD gas model, which is much lighter. The Chevy shocks blow out very quickly, but the Bilsteins have held up admirably. Nonetheless, I wish they had a shock that was a actually made for that truck.


get 5160's they are valved for the application, they are a special order item I was told because they don't valve the shocks until they are ordered.

BajaBruno - 3-27-2011 at 11:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fishabductor

get 5160's they are valved for the application, they are a special order item I was told because they don't valve the shocks until they are ordered.


Those look edgy. Still, for some reason, the application chart for even these shocks lists the same numbers for K1500HD / K2500 / K3500 vehicles. I don't know the weight difference between a gas K1500 standard cab and a diesel K3500 crew cab offhand, but it must be significant. Shouldn't that make a big difference in the shock used?

TMW - 3-28-2011 at 10:35 AM

Whistler wouldn't the shocks run cooler if running duel shocks? If so they should last a lot longer.