How Install washers on Bilstein 5100 (rear shocks) 24-186728

I got no instructions and there are conflicting instructions on TW. Does the black washer go on top or on the bottom. One is silver and one is black, but they look the same otherwise.

 

I believe the black on goes on the bottom. There was a prior post about it somewhere.

 

Read post #11 here.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rear-bilstein-5100-install.382196/

 

I was wrong. Black on the top:

 

Yes I just called Bilstein. They said black goes on top.

 

Related question - why is the rear shock on my drivers side about 1” shorter than passenger side now that they are installed? The truck doesn’t lean, so I’m assuming it’s just how they are mounted left vs right?

 

Sorry, I do not know about that.

Are you saying that the shaft extension is 1.0in less sitting on level ground?

 

Yes it’s 1” less extended on the drivers side. But the truck is level side to side. I’m assuming because they are mounted in opposite directions (passengers side shock mounts in front and drivers side mounts in back of axle) that has something to do with it?

 

Crazy. I have the 5125s (slightly longer travel and with the shaft on the bottom) with the Icon packs, but I can check the measurement later if it would help?

 

Would be helpful. I measured from top of the frame mount to bottom of shock on each side.

 

Will do.

 

With about 75lb more than usual on the left side, I got:

-- 20.25in on the left.
-- 20.50in on the right.

That was measuring from the top of the frame bracket to the center of the lower mount also the length of the shock.

 

Ok thanks. So there is some difference. Mine is 3/4” so I wonder if it’s just manufacturing variance with where they weld the mounts.

 

You're welcome. A bit of frame twist, lean, and tolerance can add up.

 

So you think not a problem?

 

0.75in seems like a lot. If it was my Taco and the difference concerned me, I would check other measurements on a good surface. Also note that things change slightly with the amount of fuel in the tank, you not in it, and how worn, or even how mismatched, all of your springs might be. You could even go so far to have it measured on a frame rack.

On my side, I didn't even know that I had Taco Lean until I started measuring my suspension before swapping it.

 

Yeah it has a full tank of fuel but I’m not measuring 3/4” lean when I measure ground to fender for example. I’ll poke around with it more tomorrow and update. It’s a 2021 and I’ve only done mild off-roading, so I’d be surprised (disappointed) if there was frame twisting or other bending.

 

Hopefully it is something minor, easy to fix, or something that you can live with.

Of course, there is always the option of the warranty.