New Bilstein 4600

Well, after 220k miles, I decided it was time for new shocks on my taco. I went with Bilstein 4600 shocks both front and rear. I wanted to keep stock ride height so no lift was added. The rears were in pretty bad shape and leaking oil and I figured if I had it on jack stands id do the front too. The fronts didn’t go as smooth as the rear. I purchased new strut mounts from Autozone but they didn’t end up fitting…. Anyways, here’s some pictures. Gained about 1.5 inches in the rear and maybe .25 in the front. Rides much nicer now and doesn’t bounce when I hit bumps. Also took off the running boards to give it the look of some extra height.




EDIT: after everyone said stuff about the height gain in the rear, I re-measured on a more level surface and I’m sitting about the same as before +/- .5 inches from before. I guess my driveway isn’t very flat

but now I’ve got about 50 miles on the new suspension and I’m very pleased with how it turned out.

 

If you don’t mind me asking, where did you end up purchasing everything?

 

I purchased all 4 shocks on Amazon because the free shipping but the Bilstein website had them for the same price. The strut mounts were purchased at Autozone but they didn’t end up fitting even though they were purchased vehicle specific. I had a buddy take the struts to his shop to swap out the shocks

 

That's a lot of height gain from just shocks.

 

Holy fuck, you were a good 170k miles past due.

 

It's a Toyota brah! I finally replaced my suspension at 180k. I'm probably the exception though. Leafs still had a condescending smile, no leaks from shocks and pretty much handled like new. That is until I replaced everything minus cab mounts that I realized this shit is worth replacing because only then, it handles like new. Just needs an LS swap now Sorry, another side track. 40s n tons help?

 

Yeah just a little

 

Yeah I was genuinely surprised. Was sitting at 20 1/4” all the way around from center to fender. Now the rears are at 22” and the front is 20 1/2”

 

My comment was offhanded. Shocks don't, or shouldn't, gain you any height.

 

I’m in the exact same boat as the OP. 192k on original Tokico blues, although they don’t appear to be leaking.
New Bilstein 4600’s going on in the next week. Leafs some day, since mine are also sad.
I ordered KYB strut mounts (top hats) and KYB top bushings.

 

Once I hit 50k miles I'm planning on replacing my stock shocks, front and rear, with 4600s.

At that mileage, would it be necessary to replace strut mounts and top bushings as well?

How much was it for parts and labor?

Did you notice a change in ride height like OP did?

Appreciate any advice, things to look out for, as I would like to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

 

50k miles? I wish I had 50k miles on my 1st Gen!

 

Ha!

I should've clarified, I have a 2020 SR5 with 33k miles.

Just planning this in advance to avoid any surprises.

 

Did you take those measurements right after the truck was back on the ground, or did you drive it around the block a few times?

If you changed out the springs in the front, I would expect some difference due to that, but the rear absolutely should not have changed (unless you did something other than a shock replacement).

 

I took that measurement after I drove about 10 miles home but I took them on my slightly uneven driveway so that probably has something to do with it

 

I need to replace my shocks as well. I am currently running the stock shocks as well. 175k and looking to do the exact same thing you did.

 

Yessss. It’s noticeable. Way less bouncy when you hit a bump. And piece of mind that you’ve got all new shocks

 

Does anyone have a link to the strut mounts that actually fit correctly. I am looking to buy everything this week

 

These are the ones I bought for my 5100’s when I was in a pinch. They fit just fine & did the job
I have adjustable CO’s now.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...acoma?q=2004+Toyota+Tacoma+strut+mounts&pos=5

 

from the looks of it, the KYB mounts should fit