Bilstein B8 5100 Front and Rear Shocks

I'd like to hear from folks who have them installed who can attest to the ride, handling, and overall performance of the Bilstein suspension system. Had these installed today by Dave Jordan in Fuquay Varina. Driving feels like I'm sitting on a pillow on a plane. Unbelievably comfortable, steady smooth ride.

 

Please keep in mind that the truck came stock with a slight rake (front of the truck being lower than the rear of the truck) to accommodate load in the bed/towing. I can't tell you exactly what the difference was, as these trucks are all 20 years old now... but let's call it around a 1/2".

If you don't carry weight, in any form, camper, toolbox, miscellaneous items, etc.. sure- desiring a level truck might be fine for you.

Bilstein shocks are pretty much a go to for most folks who don't opt for the more expensive adjustable/rebuildable options (King, Fox, ADS, ICON, etc). Their performance is going to be just fine.

That being said. If you are going to be super critical of your rake after installation, just know that it's going to be very difficult (not impossible) to fine tune the resulting ride height of 5100 Bilsteins. They have three notches that effectively alter the preload on the coil spring which result in the ride height differences. If you're trying to perfectly level your truck- you might get caught out in between two notches- with one being too low, and the next being too high. You can get 5mm-or-1/4" shims, but that requires compressing the coil spring to install them (as does adjusting the spring perch to change notches).

The more expensive adjustable coilovers have a threaded collar which can be infinitely (within the extent of the threaded body and coil spring) adjusted to your liking.

You may want to consider the adjustable coilovers if you're going to stick a level on the truck after you install the new suspension components and be upset when it's not dead nuts level.

 

Bilstein shocks are pretty much a go to for most folks who don't opt for the more expensive adjustable/rebuildable options (King, Fox, ADS, ICON, etc). Their performance is going to be just fine.

I'm not sure what your definition of expensive is, but $482 is plenty for 4 parts. I'll spend $300-$400 to get them installed and $90 for an alignment.

Thanks for the insight.

 

The good news is that these shocks are likely to last well over 100k miles. I think I ran mine almost twice that - only reason I knew they were bad is rear tires chirped over bumps.

 

I believe he was saying that they are inexpensive relative to the other options out there and it's true unless you go for the random cheap ones on rockauto which probably won't last. Hell, generally speaking in the shock absorber world, $482 is dirt cheap. I'm surprised that they are that inexpensive if they are as good as people say they are.

By the way, what springs are you running? I might have missed that in your post.

 

Asking on the 3rd gen forum might yield better results.

 

You're a 3rd Genner.

 

What matters is you're happy with it.

Save yourself the $300-400 and install them yourself.

 

Your going to have a hard time finding any. They are out of stock in most places right now and lots of back orders.

 

I have 5100's and Eibach springs up front on my '02. It rides way nicer than my '19--I keep thinking I'll find a set in stock to upgrade the new truck, but haven't found any yet. For everyday driving and weekend back roads you can't beat the 5100's.

 

No I don’t think I’ve come across them before. How are the reviews?

 

I would definitely be careful and do some research. I know pretty much all of the well know dealers are out of stock right now so for an unknown company with no reviews to say they have some would make me a bit suspicious.

 

@Nessal By the way, what springs are you running? I might have missed that in your post.[/QUOTE]

Genuine Toyota Springs - they're solid as a rock on both sides. I replaced both lower ball joints (had some play), plus bushings that were degraded, and the ride is beyond amazing. I find myself getting in it and driving without having anything to do, anyone to see or anywhere to go.