Bilstein 5100 1ST GEN!!! 95.5-04 DSM Update

I'm pretty serious about getting these - especially considering they are less expensive than the typical Bilstein HD shocks. @ 115,000 miles, my stock fronts are pretty well spent. I don't have a TRD, just an SR5 2.7L. Is this shock going to be god-awful rough riding? Why doesn't it come with a boot? It should have one on it when installed, right? I'm assuming this is the price per pair ($172.99 after sweet discount...)

 

The ride will depend on what setting you install them on. If you go 1", it should be a good ride. As far as the boot, Bilstein doesn't include it in the 1st Gen Tacoma or Tundra shocks for some reason, and you don't really need them. And the price is for a pair.....

Thank you.

 

This is great. Hope I didn't miss the window here. I was leaning toward 5125s but I don't have a clue what to put for valve and travel. 2001 access 2WD, no lift, stock shocks. Any input would be great.

 

Got mine this week. Awesome experience and price. Definitely buy from these guys!

Question:

I have a 2003 2.7L Extended Cab Prerunner. I bought OME 880 coils for the front and a 5 leaf pack for the rear.

For the front, what height setting should I set the 5100s at so that the truck sits level?

 

u got the 5 leaf pack, setting at 0 will level it out.

 

just wondering, while i was installing the billys on today, i notice it come with the washers and bushing for the top plate but comes with the bushing for the rear. question is, does all the bilsteins for 1st gen. not come with the top plate bushing or just depends on luck?

 

I got mine end of last week, and put them on yesterday... I was very impressed. Thanks DSM for the deal and getting them to me quickly.

 

For the fronts, I ordered replacement strut bearings / cushions from Toytec.

so, the 5100s on 0 with the OME 880 coils will give me 1.5" in the front? Wheelers says that the 5 leaf pack will give 1.5" lift in the rear.

Remember that I have a 2.7L, so I will get more lift in the front than a v6, since it's a lighter engine.

 

The 881's are more likely to level you out.

 

I heard from another member that the 881s are too tall for the 2.7L He had them on his and took them off to sell. replaced them with 880s. That's why I went with 880s.

I guess we'll see.

 

What is the difference between these 5100's ?

http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-1...acoma-pre-runner-4wd-pre-load-adjustable.html

http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-1...a-pre-runner-2wd-4wd-pre-load-adjustable.html

I have a 2002 Prerunner with the 2.7 and I want to replace all four shocks with one of these sets. I noticed the second link has more height adjustments then the 1st link. I just want my tacoma to look level would that be the around the 1" or 2" mark in the front?

Thanks,
Jacob

 

The second link is for a Tundra.

 

Correct...thanks.

 

Wow, I need to open my eyes. Thanks for your help; obviously it is a no brainer then. Which setting would you guys recommend for a level ride height the 1"?

Thanks,
Jacob

 

I set my 5100's on 1" of lift and I love the way everything has settled out. The shocks made a world of difference in the ride, compared to the blown out stock shocks. My rear springs were sagging pretty bad, so I ordered the ICON progressive AAL 3 leaf pack from Down South Motor sports at the same time.

I put the front shocks in first, and I could not get over how much better they absorbed shock. I could really FEEL the back axle because it was so much worse. Originally I wanted to upgrade the rear shocks too from the matching Bilstein series, but went for that AAL. The ICON spring set really made a HUGE improvement to the ride. Firm - but smoooooooth would be the best way to describe the ride all around. When I get a chance, I'll be slapping on the matching bilsteins for the rear shocks to replace the 2 year old KYB Excel G crappers...

I can't say if 1" really leveled my truck, because I had a negative arc to my springs out back. The AAL raised the back a little over 1.5", and the whole package looks awesome - more importantly it rides better than it ever had. Washboard used to really throw my Tacoma around on gravel roads, now I track straight and am no longer jarred around.