Bilstein HD (yellow/blue) aftermarket Shocks

I have a 2007 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 5 speed auto Long Box, with the TRD Sport package that has the TRD Bilstein shocks.

Now there are the TRD Bilstein shocks, the Bilstein 5100 aftermarket lift shocks, but there are also aftermarket Bilstein HD shocks (Yellow/blue) that are their aftermarket replacement shocks for our trucks with stock ride height. A lot of guys have hard ons for the 5100's for a slight front end lift, and I don't think anyone has anything bad to say about the TRD Bilsteins other then they are a watered down Bilstein built for Toyota's TRD packaged trucks (originally anyways) that provide a decent stock ride (in my opinion). But the time is coming for me to replace my shocks, and I must admit I have a fondness for the aftermarket Bilstein HD Shocks.

My fondness was a result of owning a set of Bilstein HD shocks on my 93 Xtracab Toyota 4x4 pickup for a few years, which really enhanced ride quality compared to the stock shocks at the time. I do NOT need any lift, so I am not entertaining the idea, nor am I interested in the 5100's, period.

But I'm curious if any one has gone with the Bilstein HD Aftermarket (again, yellow/blue) shocks on their Tacoma and what they thought about them? My interest is their ride quality in comparison to the TRD Bilsteins. I would imagine they would be slightly firmer and provide a little sportier ride quality, on top of really enhancing the trucks loaded handling while towing or hauling like they did on my 93 pickup.

 

Wondering out loud here but if there isn't a huge cost difference how bout the 5100s set at zero?

 

i think most go with the 5100's because they are cheaper than the HD's and they improve the ride quality quite a bit. Not sure if the hd's will improve handling while loaded.

 

get the 5100's and set at the lowest setting for no lift.

 

I could be wrong, but don't the Bilstein HD's carry some kind of warranty from Bilstein where as the 5100's aren't warrantied by Bilstein?

I KNOW Bilstein HD's improve loaded handling from experience. On my 93 Pickup 4x4 Xtracab V6 with Bilstein HD's that is when these shocks really came into their own was when the truck was loaded up - they made a huge difference this way and the truck handled better, and safer - they significantly reduced the sway and effect the load had on influencing the handling of the truck which made the truck ride like a champ.

As far as price goes, I coud be wrong, but isn't the cost difference between the Bilstein HD's and the 5100's negligeable? Either way I am NOT interested in the 5100's, period. That is why I'm asking if there is anyone in here with the Bilstein HD's on their ride.

 

Can't say for the tacoma but the HDs were great on my Dakota.

 

Just got the HD's but I'm waiting to put them on until I get new leafs also.

The way I understood it from my research is that the HD's are made to be more of a smooth ride for a daily driver that still perfrom fairly well for off-road, and that 5100's perform better off-road and can add lift height but give a stiffer ride than the HD's.

 

Depends if the fronts are adjusted all the way up.

Ride better than stock IMO

 

I just replaced the Monroe Sensatrac shocks and struts on my Tacoma '97 SR5 4x4 with Bilstein 4600 HD series (the yellow and blue ones). I can't believe the improvement! I don't have a lift kit or anything - all stock suspension. I was not pleased with the performance I got from the Monroe shocks and they only worked well for a few years. The research I did led me to believe I would not be disappointed with the Bilsteins and I see that already. I'm not an expert and haven't bought many shocks like KYBs or Ranchos so I can't really compare the Bilsteins to them from personal experience.

I ordered mine through Autozone - they were reasonably priced and delivered the very next day.