recommendations for new rear shocks

I'm going to be replacing my rear shocks soon. I just put Bilstein 5100's up front and would like to run bilstein's on all 4 corners. My question though is about the bilstein 5125 shocks. All I currently have for lift on the rear is a 1 inch block and I don't know if I need the 10 or 12 inch shock. I don't plan on going any higher. I will be changing the lift from the block to a AAL or adjustable shackle. Any suggestions?

 

I was told a long time ago to do 5150.. but I know bili. has upgrade them & go by a different # now

 

Billies are good but they are stiff as hell for our trucks. I wish they made the unloaded valving a little lower.

 

there's not enough room for running a 10-11 inch shock stroke
using the factory original mounts.
They'll bottom out and bleed out the seals.
relocation of the mounts... plausible

I have the 5125's 1" - 3" lift.
OEM unequal passenger and driver shock stroke lengths. (8.5"/8.0)
they work/ride well with my progressive Deaver 9 lf spring paks.
I run about 2.50" - 2.75" lift over factory ride height.

I also had them installed with my factory leaves and a crappy procomp AAL
the ride was acceptable but firm. Additional weight in the bed was better.
IMO the springs were of blame for being too stiff for my wants/needs...
reducing the articulation (flex) that I was looking for.
Tho' they could carry a heavier load off the bumps
I'm not into hauling gravel loads or engine blocks daily...
just wheelin' it.

I feel the 5125's are valved decently for a 1st gen Tacoma
sporting larger then factory sized tires.
But any shock's ride quality will be dependent on what leaf springs...
and if they're new, old, progressive, std or something custom !?

Just be sure that the correct eye bushings are included/installed.
As the 5125's were originally intended to fit a chevy, I think it was.

Wheeler's Off Road is a good place to order from
cause they will include the correct bushings.
just throwin' that out there.

Realize the 5100's come with a limited lifetime warranty. 0" - 1" lift
The 5125's do not. (nor do others Bilstein sells)
They still offer some warranty... just not a LLW
(gotta say... I'm still sporting 5125's that I purchased/installed back in '04... still good)

------------------------

Bilstein 5125 series shock stroke lengths available

8" Rear for Tacomas 1" - 3" lift (BE5-6252-H5)
8.5" Rear for Tacomas 1" - 3" lift (BE5-6253-H5)
10" Custom Application (BE5-6248-H5)
12" for Custom Application (BE5-6249-H5)
14" for Custom Application (BE5-6250-H5)

 

Everything that Dell said is right. I would just add, though, that at 3" of lift you can fit a 10" 5125 back there. I have 3.5-4" of rear lift on a 6" shackle and I am running 12" 7100 short bodies in the rear of my truck. They've worked great for 2 or 3 years now. Just be sure to measure on your truck to be sure. (pull shocks, flex truck and measure)

 

I just installed the same shocks as lumpskie with a similar amount of lift from OME dakars and toytec shackles. I don't have much experience, but for what it's worth this setup is at least an order of magnitude better than OEM leafs w/AAL and 5125s.

You'll just need longer bumps so you don't bottom out the 7100s. I got mine from wheeler's.

edit: used to run OEM springs w/AAL and 5100s, not 5125s.

 

Actually I only used my D560 Bilstein 5100s for about 10,000 miles. Just swapped em out. They came with this kit:

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Bilstein-lift-kit-with-5100-shocks-_p_1137.html

pm me if you want em, I'd part with them for pretty cheap.

edit: you'd need to lift the back about 2" to fit these if youre riding stock right now.

 

IMO... equal length shocks mounted to the factory mounts...
is fubar from the start.

The factory mounts are staggered and of unequal lengths.
(about 1/2" difference)

Therefore installing equal length shocks
will simply allow one side of the axle to droop lower
then the other.

Fubar IMO... to allow the axle to droop more so
to one side then the other.

Ext. bump stops can be utilized to keep the shocks
from bottoming out...
But what's the point ?
'cause yer reducing the shock's full travel capabilities.

If running equal length shocks...
IMO... their mounting positions need be relocated
so that both will offer an equal travel stroke.


In other words...
just because one can do something...
does not mean it's a good idea.

 

Im running 10" travel skyjacker 8000s with 2.5" lift. I did have to make some canadian bump stops (hockey pucks) on frame to make sure the shocks didnt bottom. It rides just fine, better than stock actually but i plan on relocting both shocks to rear of the axle

 

I prefer my OME Nitrochargers > my 5125's even with my Wheeler's 5 leaf pack. I tried both and like my OME's better.

 

Details?

 

What's with the negative arch on that spring, or are my eyes playing tricks on me?

 

looks like a bit of axle wrap

 

He's flexing in that picture.

 

No, that's negative arch at full compression. Here's what the tire looks like in that state:


Dell: I see your point about using unequal shocks but don't necessarily agree with the "fubar" comment. I'm running 12" travel shocks but only use 11" of that travel on each. Where that travel occurs is almost an inch off between each side. I'm spring limited on both compression and extension and don't have to run bump stops. I've been running these springs for over 5 years now without a single issue and get travel as good as anyone with a shock relocation.

Extension: