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Stiff rear end after lift? You got the wrong shocks

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by ThunderOne, Jan 21, 2017.

  1. Jan 21, 2017 at 1:19 PM
    #1
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Like many of you, I put Bilstein shocks in the rear of my truck after lifting it, either of the 5100 or 5125 variety.

    The problem with many of these shocks is they are valved 255/70, which is VERY stiff for an empty truck bed.

    I went on the Bilstein website and checked out what they had. My previous shocks had 8.16 and 8.6" travel, respectively, with the back breaking 255/70 valving. What I found was a shock with 8.5" travel valved at 170/60 (part # 33-230443), a decent amount softer.

    I ordered and installed them today, and it made a SIGNIFICANT improvement over the previous shocks I used. If anyone is dealing with back breaking suspension, check your shocks!


    Here are the shocks I used:
    Bilstein 33-230443 5125 Series Shock Absorber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I97UXFS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6-8Gyb4VY3NZV

    And the bushings you will need if you don't want to swap your old bushings over:
    Energy Suspension 9.8108G 3/4" Hourglass Shock Eye Bushing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CN9D4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vw.GybERF312D

    Bilstein part list where I found these shocks:
    https://cart.bilsteinus.com/portals/0/PDF/BILSTEIN_Off-Road.pdf

    Happy Saturday!

    IMG_9020.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2018
    750ml, rogerman, GQ7227 and 6 others like this.
  2. Jan 21, 2017 at 2:45 PM
    #2
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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    Solid, thanks for heads up
     
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  3. Jan 21, 2017 at 2:57 PM
    #3
    PNOYTACO627

    PNOYTACO627 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the tip. I did have the 5100 installed front and rear and I noticed the rear shocks is very stiff and harsh when I hit pot holes. I might give the 5125 a try see if that'll do the trick and plus my OCD don't like how the boot is all deformed look . Cheers bud.

    20170118_013620.jpg
     
    ChadsPride likes this.
  4. Jan 21, 2017 at 3:03 PM
    #4
    devinzz1

    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

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    Fix the boot. Its rubbing the shaft as is and if dirt gets in there it can wear away at it over time.

    Not sure what kinda options 3rd gens have because of the top mounting design
     
    DrFunker, ChadsPride and TXpro4X4 like this.
  5. Jan 21, 2017 at 3:11 PM
    #5
    TXpro4X4

    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

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    I have fixed the boot a few times now. When extending the rear end they seem to crinkle back up this way.
    :notsure:
     
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  6. Jan 21, 2017 at 3:12 PM
    #6
    devinzz1

    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

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    i just removed mine. mud kept getting in them
     
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  7. Jan 21, 2017 at 3:12 PM
    #7
    PNOYTACO627

    PNOYTACO627 Well-Known Member

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    Same here I think that's normal for the boot to look that way. I tried spinning it but same results
     
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  8. Jan 21, 2017 at 3:43 PM
    #8
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    If that's stem/eye, you may want to check your travel and the Bilstein list I put in my original post...Looks like only the 5" and 10" travel stem/eye shocks are valved softer. But you're not limited to the 5125.. the main thing is getting softer valving
     
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  9. Jan 21, 2017 at 3:47 PM
    #9
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You should be able to slide the upper part of the boot up so it's not so compressed. It's just held on with a zip tie. In your case since the boot is on top slide the lower part of the boot down. I had to do that with mine. The rubber can only compress so much before it gets all deformed.
     
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  10. Jan 21, 2017 at 3:50 PM
    #10
    DrFunker

    DrFunker Well-Known Member

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    Zip tie that sucker.
     
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  11. Jan 21, 2017 at 4:05 PM
    #11
    Clay_916

    Clay_916 Well-Known Member

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    It's also worth mentioning that most after market springs are a large step up in spring rate than the already-stiff-with-an-empty-bed stock springs. I'm running AP standards with 5125's and the spring is way too much for the shock.
     
  12. Jan 21, 2017 at 4:17 PM
    #12
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's interesting to note. I have Alcan's with 2.5" of lift and 200# extra load capacity, and I drove around last night with no shocks and aside from it being sketchy, it rode like a Caddy. Like you, I always thought it was my springs causing the stiffness. Removing the shocks debunked that myth (at least partially).

    That being said, overtightened shackles will also make the rear end stiff. I tried loosening these some and while it did improve the ride quality slightly, swapping the shocks for 170/60 valving is hands down the best adjustment I've made.
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2020
    Running Board Man likes this.
  13. Jan 21, 2017 at 4:21 PM
    #13
    Clay_916

    Clay_916 Well-Known Member

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    I'll have to try removing them to be sure. I don't think there's a great alternative though. Might have to step up to that 10" and do some custom mounts for even more travel! Thanks for the suggestion.
     
  14. Jan 21, 2017 at 8:46 PM
    #14
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    8.5" travel won't work?
     
  15. Jan 21, 2017 at 10:42 PM
    #15
    TXpro4X4

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    I think it is made this way unfortunately because of rubbing. But better than no sock/boot i think. When i got mine the boot was perfect but only because it was not compressed.
    :notsure:
     
  16. Jan 21, 2017 at 10:44 PM
    #16
    TXpro4X4

    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

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    I tried that.
    Didn't work
     
  17. Jan 21, 2017 at 10:48 PM
    #17
    TXpro4X4

    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

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    I dont mud.
    I would be afraid of pitting. Although i would like to.
    Where i go ride my dirt bike is mosty desert with big nasty gougers!
     
  18. Jan 21, 2017 at 10:51 PM
    #18
    ThunderOne

    ThunderOne [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It honestly looks like you could slide down the bottom part of the boot a bit and it will help. It should be easy enough to do. It's just held on with a zip tie from the factory so it should slide easily enough
     
    TXpro4X4[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Jan 21, 2017 at 11:01 PM
    #19
    TXpro4X4

    TXpro4X4 Fuck Cancer!

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    I will try tomorrow again. Hopefully when i go wheeling and extend the shock it will go back nice and not get all crinkly again
     
  20. Jan 21, 2017 at 11:35 PM
    #20
    Clay_916

    Clay_916 Well-Known Member

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    They don't appear to come in a lower valved option.
     

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