An Honest Answer Please.....

Hello all and happy 1st day of summer. I'm looking to replace my tired stock shocks all around with some 5100's. I have spoken with Down South Motorsports as well as Wheelers. The problem is the rear shocks. DSM tells me I can't use the 5100s with stock height, I have to use the 4600's for stock replacement or install at least a 1 inch lift. Wheelers, on the other hand, tell me that 5100's CAN be used for a stock replacement and they will accept 0-3" of lift. Who is right and what problems would occur using the wrong shock? Thanks in advance for any helpful info.

 

5100s are fine from 0-2".


0" being stock height.



Also, order from @HeadStrong Off-Road and you wouldn't have this problem, and you'd save money.

 

^^^this. case closed.

 

Only thing I can think of for DSMs answer is that 5100s are valved for lifted applications, whereas 4600 HDs are identical shocks internally and are valved for stock height.

But, all that aside.. they're perfectly fine.

 

Thanks for the reply, but even Headstrong states "NOTE: These shocks are meant for at least a 1" block lift." I am new to lifting my vehicle and figured BOLD letters meant what they said. lol. I figured missing that 1" lift would overextend or bottom out my rear end.

 

Interdasting.

Well.. hundreds of guys run them and we haven't heard of any issues.

Best I can do, now.

Lol

 

Depends on if you have 5- lug or 6- lug.

$96 33-247717 Coupling, 3/4" (50)

33-247717,

$104 33-247724 Bilstein 5100 Series 96-04 Toyota Tacoma Rear Left 46mm Monotube Shock Absorber (33-247724)

33-247724
FITS: 1996-2004 TOYOTA TACOMA 6-LUG 4WD & PRERUNNER 2WD B8 5100 SERIES MONOTUBE SHOCKS
REAR LIFT: REQUIRES MINIMUM 1" REAR LIFT AND FITS 1"-1.5" Other Part Number: TACOMA REAR SHOCKS
Gas Charged Shock: Yes Placement on Vehicle: Left, Right, Rear

 

I'm a sixer

 

Didn't realize this was for a first gen truck.

I was talking about second gens. Ignore everything I've ever said.

I don't have a clue if they're similar.

 

F4-BE5-D560-T0

 

https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...ble-front-shocks-for-1995-2004-toyota-tacoma/

 

Why would lift matter? Like the front suspension, the bump stop is still at the same location regardless of lift. Therefore compression is still the same.

I think they're fine. Buy them from Wheelers since they say they'll work. Also if your'e stock height don't discount the 4600 shocks. Heck they're better than what I'm running in the back currently.

 

A reply from the administrator on Bilsteinlifts states:
Will these work on stock height 03 tacoma front and rear? answer now

"Front shocks can lift the vehicle, rear shocks can't and you need rear lift 1-2.5" in order to use the rear shocks
Bilsteinlifts.com can offer you some items for rear lift starting with 1″ Rear Lift Block https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...kit-1995-2014-toyota-tacoma-tundra-1999-2014/ . After installing the shocks you've chosen and the rear 1'' lift block you can gain 2,5'' front lift and 1'' rear lift, whick will level your truck. Please keep in mind, that such lift blocks are recommended for use in case you don't carry heavy loads and do no towing".

So, you can see my confusion

 

If you call and talk to Bilstein they advise the 5100 line only for lifted/leveled trucks due to the way they're valved. The 4600 line is specifically for stock ride height applications.

 

Well, I just got off the phone with Bilstein USA, and they reiterated what you just posted. If I am going stock height in the rear, go with the 4600 line. I can still use the 5100s up front on the middle setting for a little lift. Thanks for the info

 

Same here man. Sorry to add to your confusion.

 

Before you buy them. Don't. They suck. I cooked both of them in one day. Still have them on my truck tho. I had better luck with OEM TRD Billy's.

 

Just to play devil's advocate here, I've been running 5100s for a year now and I wheel with them at least a couple times a month on 4x4 only trails....even ran the infamous Mojave Rd. for 3 days (trying) to keep up with other TW members running Kings and Icons. I have no issues with their quality. They are what they are, basically a stock shock that can be adjusted for lift. They aren't going to perform like performance coilovers, if you expect them to or treat them like they can then you'll be disappointed. I was actually really surprised after the Mojave Rd trip that mine were still okay, because I pushed them way harder than I felt comfortable with at times.

Granted, I've heard of many accounts of people with 5100s that start leaking and blowing out with regular use, so maybe I just got lucky with my set. But aside from the fact that they're pretty basic, they get the job done for me. My next suspension upgrade will definitely be Kings though. I get tired of being the guy in the back of the line of trucks when we go wheeling because I don't want to hold up the guys with the performance c/o's, lol.

If you're looking for a kit that will give you the suspension lift and look you want, 5100s are a decent inexpensive option. If you want performance ability along with that, gotta spend more $$$ and look higher up on the shelf.

 

They are too long and will bottom out at full stuff.

 

Fair enough Blue. I absolutely had too high of expectations for them. Was running them in 100+ degree weather hauling a$$. If you need a basic off-road capable shock 4600 or 5100 are a good bang for the buck.

My expectations were set high by my yellow and blue OEM shocks and other heavy duty Billy's that were more than capable off-road and lasted a long time.