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Bilstein 5100 Left vs right

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by chutez17, Feb 14, 2015.

  1. Feb 14, 2015 at 10:12 AM
    #1
    chutez17

    #1
    chutez17 [OP] Member

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    I recently installed some 5100s in the rear. My truck is stock right now. I put them on according to the notes that Wheeler off road provided. But it looks like the left side sits about an inch and a half lower than the right. I checked and double checked that the shocks were on the correct side. Any thoughts on any this may be.
     
    chutez17, Feb 14, 2015
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  2. Feb 14, 2015 at 10:14 AM
    #2
    Brake Weight

    #2
    Brake Weight But it hasn't rained in weeks...I'll make it.

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    The shocks are different per side. This will not alter the ride height, though.
     
    Brake Weight, Feb 14, 2015
    #2
  3. Feb 14, 2015 at 10:15 AM
    #3
    taco52

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    taco52 Well-Known Member

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    The driver side of your truck will sit lower than the passenger side of your truck due to the gas tank and battery sitting on that side. Shocks have no affect on ride hight. If you put the longer one on the passenger side you should be good to go.
     
    taco52, Feb 14, 2015
    #3
  4. Feb 14, 2015 at 10:21 AM
    #4
    pudge151

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    pudge151 Well-Known Member

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    you sure both spring perches are mounted correctly. an inch and half isn't normal "taco lean"
     
    pudge151, Feb 14, 2015
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  5. Feb 14, 2015 at 10:29 AM
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    taco52

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    taco52 Well-Known Member

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    My truck leaned a good inch and a half before i replaced my suspension. Id say depends on how many miles. after all it is a 99 so its most likely worn out
     
    taco52, Feb 14, 2015
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  6. Feb 14, 2015 at 10:36 AM
    #6
    senor taco

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    senor taco ROLLIN ON RUST

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    You probably put the driver side spring on the passenger side.
     
    senor taco, Feb 14, 2015
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  7. Feb 14, 2015 at 10:49 AM
    #7
    libagui

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    libagui Well-Known Member

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    Bilsteins 5100 set at .085 Rear custom 1" add a leaf 265/70 R17 tires. Custom made aluminum tonneau cover with bike rack. 4x4 conversion with 4Runner transfer case.
    You are talking about rear. they have same part number(
    $84 24-186728 5100 Series Shock Absorber
    24-186728), so there is not a longer one than other. My truck is stock and it measures 20 3/4" left and 21.5 right. I'm also buying bilstein 4 corner in couple of weeks an will level it with different bended add a leaf each side.
     
    libagui, Feb 14, 2015
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  8. Feb 14, 2015 at 1:43 PM
    #8
    chutez17

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    chutez17 [OP] Member

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    One shock is most definitely longer than the other!
     
    chutez17, Feb 14, 2015
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  9. Feb 14, 2015 at 2:46 PM
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    T4RFTMFW

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    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    My 5100s didn't have any difference in markings and no difference in height, either.
     
    T4RFTMFW, Feb 14, 2015
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  10. Feb 14, 2015 at 2:57 PM
    #10
    Brake Weight

    #10
    Brake Weight But it hasn't rained in weeks...I'll make it.

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    Then you didn't get sold a pair.
     
    Brake Weight, Feb 14, 2015
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  11. Feb 14, 2015 at 3:07 PM
    #11
    T4RFTMFW

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    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    Did, and no problems with measurements or otherwise. Maybe I didn't receive a "pair," but I ordered 2 rears and I got 2 rears without a difference between them that I noticed (I looked).
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2015
    T4RFTMFW, Feb 14, 2015
    #11
  12. Feb 14, 2015 at 4:44 PM
    #12
    Brake Weight

    #12
    Brake Weight But it hasn't rained in weeks...I'll make it.

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    One side is about +/-1" longer than the other for a pair of replacement Tacoma shocks. This is due to the way they are mounted opposing each other with the axle between. Not saying you're losing any performance by it, but it's not OEM correct. My 5125s I put on mine are the same length, but that's how I ordered them.
     
    Brake Weight, Feb 14, 2015
    #12
  13. Feb 14, 2015 at 7:09 PM
    #13
    copacetic1

    #13
    copacetic1 Don't get stuck on stupid.

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    Truth. My '03 had the Taco lean, replaced rear shocks w 5125's (a pair, diff lengths and part #s for L and R from Down South Motorsports). Still had the lean. Replaced rear leafs with Wheeler 5-leaf, no more lean.
     
    copacetic1, Feb 14, 2015
    #13
  14. Feb 14, 2015 at 7:47 PM
    #14
    TIPICOTACO

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    TIPICOTACO Well-Known Member

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    2nd gen guys confusing this thread! Brake Weight is 100% correct here.

    OP, sounds like your leafs are just shot causing an extreme case of taco lean. How many miles on your truck? I would also take a look at your leaf mounting points, especially that front main eye area, and make sure there's no structural issues, like a crumbling frame!
     
    TIPICOTACO, Feb 14, 2015
    #14
  15. Feb 14, 2015 at 8:14 PM
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    T4RFTMFW

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    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    Oops didn't notice first gen section. Sorry lol
     
    T4RFTMFW, Feb 14, 2015
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  16. Feb 14, 2015 at 8:25 PM
    #16
    libagui

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    libagui Well-Known Member

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    My bad too. Sorry for the confusion with second generation
     
    libagui, Feb 14, 2015
    #16
  17. Feb 15, 2015 at 5:29 AM
    #17
    chutez17

    #17
    chutez17 [OP] Member

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    There's 225k on it. I'll crawl under again today and take a look at it. I believe that the frame is fine. The last owner kept pretty good care of it. I'm starting to think it might be shot leaves
     
    chutez17, Feb 15, 2015
    #17
  18. Feb 15, 2015 at 3:25 PM
    #18
    chutez17

    #18
    chutez17 [OP] Member

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    I went and looked at it again on a different plane. It looks like the left side is only a centimeter lower on the left. Nothing to worry about I guess
     
    chutez17, Feb 15, 2015
    #18

Products Discussed in

Bilstein (24-186728) 5100 Series Shock Absorber
$83.12
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