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mojo_norte
Senior Nomad
Posts: 725
Registered: 2-14-2006
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Bilstein 5100's - are they for me?
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?
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TMW
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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.
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woody with a view
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or go with the bilstien HD's i got em and have had nothing but a positive experience...
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baronvonbob
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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.
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David K
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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.
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fishabductor
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Posts: 800
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| 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]
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
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Location: San Diego County
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| 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.
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fishabductor
Senior Nomad
Posts: 800
Registered: 5-29-2010
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| 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.
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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.
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5867
Registered: 8-19-2003
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David, is that an airbag I see under your truck? Why would you need an airbag?
The SAME boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It's about what you are made of NOT the circumstance.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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| 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'.
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
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Yes, David... I missed the 2007 posting. Even if I did read it, I would have probably forgotten it after four years. 
Thanks for the explanation. Good stuff!
[Edited on 3-27-2011 by Bob H]
The SAME boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It's about what you are made of NOT the circumstance.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
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Location: San Diego County
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| 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.
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?
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Bob H
Elite Nomad
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| 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.
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.
The SAME boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It's about what you are made of NOT the circumstance.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Awesome... what a nice beach in front too!
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TMW
Select Nomad
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| 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.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65410
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Location: San Diego County
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| 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! 
Now, if we could just grow taller... like Surfer Jim there... or run everyday, like John M... then we would have it made!   
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fishabductor
Senior Nomad
Posts: 800
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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...
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mojo_norte
Senior Nomad
Posts: 725
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| 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.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
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Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bob H
Yes, this was our view from our condo lanai! We had a great time, indeed.
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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?
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fishabductor
Senior Nomad
Posts: 800
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| 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
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