Bilstein 5100 + what else?

I'm the new owner of a 98 ext. cab SR5 TRD 4x4 with 151k on the clock. It needs a few things, but it needs shocks more than anything else as it shakes and shimmies over every bump in the road.

The 5100s seem to be the shock of choice for stock replacement. I'm a big Bilstein fan anyway so this is a no-brainer. Down South Motorsports seems to have the best deal going @ $310 shipped for the set of 4. I've read a few threads about the replacement, but I'm not sure what else I need:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/117323-bilstein-5100-washer-bushing-set.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/su...ng-front-bilstein-5100s-what-do-i-need-2.html

Both threads mention the washer and bushing set. I'm guessing this is a good idea to pick these up and do them at the same time? At 151k I'm guessing my stock bushings are also shot. Is Toytec still the only game in town for these parts?

One thread mentions the KYB shock mount, but I'm unsure why this is needed. Is it? If so, why?

I don't plan to lift the truck at all, and likely won't offroad much, so are stock coils fine as-is or do you recommend picking up a better set?

 

Call Downsouth and tell them you are a member on this forum. There should be a discount. I bought bushings from the dealer because it ended up being the same price as getting them through Toytec plus shipping. If you dont plan on lifting at all, I would just stick with your stock springs. I put them on my truck that had 180k miles and they hold up just fine.

 

Thanks on the discount. I'll check on that.

I figured as much on the springs. They don't appear to be sagging, but if I see any significant rust, I may look for some replacements.

Got anything on why I would need the KYB mount? Is that for different springs? More travel?

Also, what are people using for shock boots?

 

I never heard of anything on the KYB shock mounts. Mine went on just fine without them. As far as shock boots go, you can go without them if you want. I'm in CA, so I dont ever get harsh weather. Since you're in VA, you might want to just add the shock boots when you order them. The shafts are coated, but I think you'll need the extra protection based on where you live.

Also, on my 4x4 I had the setting at the 1" lift (middle tab) and it barely leveled out the truck. I think most people put it on that setting to get rid of the stock rake. If you like the rake, then leave it on the lowest tab.

 

Level is good. I'll likely try your setting. For $20 I'll just pick up the boots anyway. The truck will probably only see 5-6k miles a year, but most all will be rain/snow.

 

Well all the shocks made it onto the truck this weekend. The rears were relatively simple, though it took some effort to get the shock out.

The fronts were a cake walk to get out, but the spring removal destroyed one of my "suicide stick" spring compressors. I'll never use one again. Fortunately there were no injuries and the local gas station was able to swap both springs for a couple Jacksons.

The lower front bolt was a bear to get in, especially since it goes in from the rear of the vehicle. A 4 foot 2x4 was used to pry the LCA down enough to position the shock in place, and a pry bar was used to force the bolt forward through the hole.

During install of both the front and rear shocks, I used Astroglide to lubricate the bushings so the parts would fit with less friction. It's water based and very slick. If you're not familiar with this stuff, do a Google search before going into the auto parts store and asking for a bottle.

I did not use any new front spring cushions from Toytec or the dealer. Honestly I didn't see any parts that needed to be replaced, other than those which already came with the 5100s.

The truck rides like I just knocked 150k off the odometer. It's so much more stable and composed over bumps, and I can now corner without feeling like the truck will tip over.

 

congratulations!

 

Nice.....

 

Looks like you were reading one of my threads. You could reuse your factory shock mount but (honestly) if the rubber is that old (over 10 years old) and you are taking it all apart to replace the shocks anyway, why not just replace them? It just doesn't make sense in my book to reuse the old rubber (especially since yours is over 10 years old) but replacing the old rubber does add to the cost a bit so if you are trying to save money, it may make more sense to reuse the old rubber.