Bilstein 5160’s - Left & Right interchangeable?

Long story short, I ordered a Bilstein 6112/5160 kit. When I received the kit, what I got for the 5160’s were (2) shocks marked as 25-242539 Right Rear.

After some digging, I’ve found that Bilstein also has part number 25-242379 for the Left Rear. I’ve been able to ascertain from several other TW posts, that the Left side shocks at one point were somewhat difficult to find, and that some folks have used (2) right side shocks. No mention that I could find about how using (2) rights might have worked out. Anyone have anything specific to contribute on how this has worked out?

I’ve also found that Bilstein part numbers 25-242539 & 25-242379 have both been discontinued, and replaced with a single common part number 25-311259. If I were to guess, the only difference between the discontinued product numbers and the new product numbers would be labeling that removes the right & left wording, but I don’t know that for sure. Anyone able to provide further insight?

 

I believe you are correct, but I can't find where I read that.
Yes, 25-311259 is not dependent on side (https://hotshotoffroad.com/collecti...-5160-rear-shock-0-1-5-rear-lift-05-23-tacoma).
I can't imagine the shock actually being packed, or valved slightly different per side.

 

If I understand you correctly, I’d need to make a modification or 2, in order to use 2 right side shocks?

If that’s the case, I hope the place I bought them from makes it right by either sending me a proper left side shock OR a pair of the “new” 5160’s…and provide return shipping for the incorrect stuff. No way should I have to make changes to how things mount because of a lack of proper inventory. They should’ve asked before shipping, or made some sort of effort to inform me. I just sent them an email this morning (it’s Saturday), so I don’t really expect to hear anything until early next week. We’ll see how it goes.

Thanks for the info! Should’ve just reached out to you guys straight away. Lesson learned.

 

Yeah, they should make it right. I wonder how long ago this change was made; at certain point, you’d think a trailer would advertise as “discontinued inventory” at a reduced price. But, that still doesn’t justify trying to pack a “kit” with two right side shocks.

 

I installed 5160’s about a year ago and just realized I swapped left and right. It didn’t even occur to me they would be side specific. Easy enough to switch. Add that to my next oil change to-do’s

 

The only difference is the right side shock comes with the extension bracket for the brake lines. Every thing else is identical on the older shocks.

 

My 5160’s showed up today but came with mounts for the frame, not to the shock body. They don’t appear to be labeled as left/right side on the shock body like I’ve seen on older versions.


I wonder if I also get an older set or if they changed back?

I didn’t see a brake line spacer like the drivers side used to include, anyone have experience with that?

 

yes I did! I’ll grab some pics when I get a chance - they are black labels though.

 

Just emailed you some photos, Colton. Looks like the new part number on both! But, a frame mount if I’m not mistaken. Which I’m cool with actually.

the brakes for factory brake lines was to extend the reach a little though, right? Getting that on the old ones would prevent the need for new lines if I’m not mistaken?

 

Sounds great, thanks for the help!

 

The 5160s I bought from you end of April have black label and frame mount. I’m not familiar with the other style, but these are very nice, I’m happy with ‘em.

 

Yep they are the same, don't sweat it.

 

Not to highjack the thread, but what was the point of the brake line spacer anyway? I just installed it on my truck this past weekend, and was wondering what the need for it is. Seems to lift the existing bracket about a 1/4 inch, the best I can tell.

 

Are you talking about the brake line clamps that attach to the factory leaf springs?

 

Glad I stumbled on this. I have been looking at these but now that I know they went back to frame mount I have to see if I can still use them. Sometimes reading little shit like this saves so much time. Thanks @memario1214

 

I wasn’t, but now that you mention those, that was also a head scratcher…

I was talking about the little spacer block that came with the shocks, for use on the drivers side. Was a bit of a pain to install, as a 3rd hand was almost required. Not sure why it’s needed, as it only seems to raised the Y-bracket up about a 1/4 inch, but I installed it anyway.

Back to those brake line clamps that attach to the factory overload springs (that are no longer present because they were replaced with the ICON AAL)…there’s literally no place to mount them now, as they put too much tension on the lines when connected to the AAL’s. I’m pretty sure they can be cut off and disposed of, but that’s a one and done kind of thing. I’d rather be 100% certain before doing that. As of now, they’re just rattling around doing nothing.