Add a leaf with stock Bilstein 4600?

Help me understand. I am going to install a Deaver AAL on my TRD OR. Is it a requirement to install different shock absorbers in the rear, or will this work with the stock 4600s? I believe the extended length of the 4600 and the 5100 are the same, so seems like it could work. TIA

 

It will work just fine. I have the Toytec (Deaver) 1.5" AAL with stock TRD Sport shocks. A little tip when you install them is to stick a large punch through the hole for the center pin to align the leafs.

 

That's great to know! how is the ride quality vs. stock?

 

It stiffened the rear end but in a nice way. I do not like how soft the suspension was. Especially driving manual. Cannot wait to do 5100's up front. Should be perfect. You will not regret the AAL, especially when there is weight in the bed.

 

Great! I'm looking at pairing with either 5100s or 6112s up front and hopefully saving a little in the rear by keeping the stock 4600s. Thanks for sharing your experience!

 

Did you leave the stock overload in? Or was it taken out? I was wondering also too because my 5100 seems to be wearing out and would like to get the comfort back.

 

Late to this post but stock Bilstein's are not 4600's. 4600's are a stock height replacement upgrade shock.

 

So if the shocks aren't 4600 then what are they? I'm curious too.

 

Just a stock style shock made by Bilstein. Nothing more.

 

I was always told that stock shock was a rebranded 4600, similar to the way TRD lift kit shocks are rebranded 5100’s. Is this not true?

 

This is incorrect. The 4600 is a larger bodied shock, similar in size to the 5100 but in a stock length configuration. This give the option of an aftermarket upgrade shock without a lift but with improved performance.



https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trd-off-road-vs-bilstein-4600’s.646751/

 

Got it. Thanks for the clarification. I hate when Toyota salespeople give out bad info.

 

AFAIK, adding an aal doesn’t change the range of motion (suspension travel) of the leaf pack. It just changes the spring rate and that in turn changes the truck’s ride height. I.e. it doesn’t change the upper or lower limits of travel. It just changes the starting point when the suspension is at rest. Therefore any OEM replacement shock will work.

 

I kept it in. Needed the extra support as I have a topper and keep a bin of recovery gear in the box at all times. Also my GSD and BMX bikes are often in the box.

 

So to be clear you're still running your stock shock with a aal? If so how's it holding up?

 

Stock shock with no issue. Truck was practically brand new when I put the AAL in so that helps. I will be upgrading suspension down the road so I am not too worried about it. 5100 should help as they accommodate 1" in lift.

 

I always thought an AAL and the resulting lift would "pre-stretch" the suspension and this would limit the amount of extra travel you have left.

 

I'm not sure I understand your terminology. What I am saying that an AAL (similar to a stiffer coil spring) will decrease the down travel and increase the up travel, but the total travel remains the same. For every inch of up travel gained, one inch of down travel is lost. The highest point and the lowest point remain the same, but the point of static equilibrium changes.

 

So if the equilibrium point is higher, you lose a bit of available up travel. Is the total travel of the stock shocks enough to accommodate a 1.5" AAL?

 

I answered this already twice. The answer is yes. I'm not sure what the confusion/miscommunication is.