Been out for awhile - Question on Replacement Bilsteins

Been out of the hobby for awhile! I need replacement rear shocks. I lifted my truck years ago and installed a set of 5100s (I think) on the rear. I do recall one was longer than the other. Are guys still running Bilsteins and if so, are these 5100s still the way to go? For the leaf springs I put in a set of Deavers. (In the front I have a set of Donahoe coil-overs.)

 

They are still a good shock for the money. Plenty of other options though. How are the fronts? Still good damping? If so I would go with what you removed if it was working well.

 

The front coilovers started leaking a few years ago and I sent them to a shop in So Cal for a rebuild.

 

Ahh, then yeah, go with the ones ya had if they are a good match to the front. I have ToyTec Aluma 2.0 shocks on the rear that match nicely with their custom threaded Bilstein coilovers and they have been nice. Lots of options.

 

OME makes great replacements. Fronts aren't available from Toyota anymore, and my experience with aftermarket was either stock height cheap crap, or quality lift. I didn't really want a lift...but didn't want cheap crap. I went with OMEs for the front, shocks and coils, and I like them. I've been running Bilstein 5100s for years, and still have them on the back. But I tow, and even with airbags and HD leaf springs, one of my rears started leaking just after one year. Next time I replace the rears (which won't be long), I'm going with OME. But of course that assumes you're ok with ~1" lift.

 

If you have the Donahoe coilovers- just keep getting those rebuilt as necessary (around every 75K). The company is now Icon, and those are still great coilovers. Bilstein shocks are still great shocks for the rear unless you're wanting to step up to a rebuildable rear shock.

 

Installed the replacement Bilsteins on the rear. What a PIA getting the shock rubber over those studs on the vehicle. It took a bunch of lube and a big C clamp.