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My New Front Bilsteins (?)

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by NYProud, Oct 26, 2010.

  1. Oct 26, 2010 at 2:58 PM
    #1
    NYProud

    NYProud [OP] Active Member

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    First Name:
    Chief
    OKC, OK
    Vehicle:
    98 Tacoma Ext Cab SR5 4x4 TRD
    CATZ Hyper White Fog Lamps in Front Bumper, LowRider Hard Shell Bed Cover
    Just had a set of new Bilstein shocks/struts put on the front my 98 Taco 4x4 TRD. They seem to have raised the nose of my Taco - 1 or 2 in. higher than the old ones (although a level check shows no differene)...and they ride REALLY HARD.

    Can any of you guys tell me if this is normal for new front Bilsteins...or is something messed up ? Also, do they eventually settle down (as a friend told me)? I'm really confused.

    Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

    Chief
     
  2. Oct 26, 2010 at 2:59 PM
    #2
    08pretaco

    08pretaco Well-Known Member

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  3. Oct 26, 2010 at 3:01 PM
    #3
    johnw

    johnw Well-Known Member

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    orlando florida
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    06 prerunner v-6 4.0L 4 door
    well you asked for specs..... 06 trd sport speedway blue 5.3l v8 4.0 camburg lift spindles extended travel icons total chaos lowers allpro 4" leaf pack 17" xd hoss rims 37/12.5/17 mickey thompson baja atz Allpro hybrid bumper grill craft grill wicked flow muffler inside i have..... wet okole real tree camo seat cover blue oznium dome light stealth sub box with 2 10" kicker comp subs kicker 400 watt amp weathertech floor mats
    pics would be a major help. truck over all each side spring and shock pics would be nice
     
  4. Oct 26, 2010 at 3:35 PM
    #4
    MTgirl

    MTgirl too many frogs, not enough princes... Moderator

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    Then: 12 T4R SR5 Now: 99 - 3.4L SR5 4WD
    Wheeler's/Alcan 5-pack leaf springs, OME 881's, de-badged, Jungle Fender Flares, Herculined bed, HomerTaco grille, Anzo headlights, clear corners,
    did you do new coils too? if so what kind?
    (assuming you got 5100's) are they set at zero?
    are the coils seated properly both top and bottom?

    pics would be most helpful

    FWIW - I got about 2" of life out of my OME 881's and Bilsteins @ 0. The ride took a little getting used to but wasn't terrible like you're describing.
     
  5. Oct 26, 2010 at 8:21 PM
    #5
    MowTaco

    MowTaco Well-Known Member

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    I've heard of a defective one that didn't compress... but only 1. For you to have gotten 2 bad ones in a row... that seems unlikely.
     
  6. Oct 28, 2010 at 8:36 AM
    #6
    patacoman2001

    patacoman2001 Member

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    Do you have the regular yellow bilsteins?
    If so, it's possible to install the lower spring seat upside down on these,
    giving unwanted lift and a harsher ride.
    And yes... I learned this the hard way.
     
  7. Oct 29, 2010 at 8:48 AM
    #7
    NYProud

    NYProud [OP] Active Member

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    Chief
    OKC, OK
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    98 Tacoma Ext Cab SR5 4x4 TRD
    CATZ Hyper White Fog Lamps in Front Bumper, LowRider Hard Shell Bed Cover
    Thanks for the help guys - Bilsteins are the normal 2284-H1 replacements (yellow), bottom flange (seat) is on correctly. Didn't change springs. Don't have pix yet. Spoke with my shop guy who installed the shocks/struts, and he thinks the Bilsteins could be defective - over pressurized gas charge basically locking the strut (?). So at this point, unless anyone here has a clue, I'm gonna replace the Bilsteins with KYB gas-adjusts for my Taco, and see if that cures the lift and hard ride problem.

    Thanks again....Cheers....Chief :mad:
     
  8. Oct 29, 2010 at 9:03 AM
    #8
    TacoNut

    TacoNut IgnoringChrisWatchingEdLi veVicariouslyThroughMJP2

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    Another thing to consider being a 1998 is maybe your old struts were so worn out it was like you were riding on jello. Did they only replace struts or did they replace springs too?
     
  9. Oct 29, 2010 at 11:33 AM
    #9
    Boosted17

    Boosted17 Well-Known Member

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    Looking for a new Toyota Truck.
    2006 Corvette Z51 M6. Best mod ever!
    I have a 98 Tacoma and just put a set of Bilstein HD's on and the ride is a lot better then before. My leaf springs are in good shape though.
     
  10. Oct 29, 2010 at 4:54 PM
    #10
    NYProud

    NYProud [OP] Active Member

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    Chief
    OKC, OK
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    98 Tacoma Ext Cab SR5 4x4 TRD
    CATZ Hyper White Fog Lamps in Front Bumper, LowRider Hard Shell Bed Cover
    I thought the bottom spring seats were in correctly...but after checking my repair manual...I'll be damned...they ARE put in UPSIDE DOWN! And they measure about 1-3/4 inches high!! So there's the lift problem, and the hard ride, as well. Thanks so much for the advice. Now I have to go back to the shop, and make a fool out of my shop guy! I, too, had to learn the hard way...literally.
     
  11. Oct 31, 2010 at 12:09 AM
    #11
    arizonataco

    arizonataco Well-Known Member

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    Firestone Airbags ARE Camper Shell
    Make sure you post what transpires at the dealership.Dont let them get away with charging you money for their error.
     
  12. Oct 31, 2010 at 7:04 AM
    #12
    NYProud

    NYProud [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
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    Messages:
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    First Name:
    Chief
    OKC, OK
    Vehicle:
    98 Tacoma Ext Cab SR5 4x4 TRD
    CATZ Hyper White Fog Lamps in Front Bumper, LowRider Hard Shell Bed Cover
    That wouldn't be the case if it was my local Toyota dealership that did the job - they're excellent, just EXPENSIVE. A local auto/transmission repair shop did the work, and they're reputable, so really don't expect them to try to charge me again. Thanks for the heads-up.
     

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