Bilstein 5100 Question - Stock '03 Tacoma PreRunner

Have you ever researched something so much that you're even more confused afterwards
I have a stock '03 PreRunner 3.4 with about 110,000 miles. Currently has the original Blue Bilstein Shocks.
I don't haul anything, and all driving is in the city (no dirt roads, no off roading).

Should I replace with the original shocks or are the 5100's considered an upgrade....even if I'm not going to lift the truck, etc? I know they are adjustable, so "If" I did put them on the truck, they would be set at "0".

What I'm hoping to gain with new shocks:

• Better Cornering..Kinda like a slinky right now when making sharp turns.
• Better handling period. Steering input was greatly improved when I replaced the steering rack bushings with the Polyurethane bushings.
• To give the truck a little bit more stance or height even though trying to keep factory.

......and don't worry, I'm not going to ask for the part numbers So that thread!

Appreciate all your help and input.

 

I have a 2012 that I put 5100s on and I am super pleased. We are about to do the same as you on my Dad's 2000 Tacoma..he has the original shocks and wants new ones at stock height.
- My stock bilsteins..I thought were very spongey..they gave too much when cornering. My Tacoma seemed to bounce too easy over bumps or light offroad.
- After 5100s (I have the front at 1.75")..the ride & handling was firmer...but not a stiff ride...it came out perfect in my opinion. It handles turning/cornering much better. Handles bumps and offroad better.
- When we installed...they 5100s are significantly thicker than the stocks...they stocks seem like little play toys compared to the 5100s.
- The "stock" 4600s are almost the same price as the 5100s so..why not get the better shock.

Let me know what you decide and how it turns out..we plan on doing the same as you to my Dads this spring.

 

Primo, Thank you for the response. I'll go the Route of the 5100s since you said it helped with the cornering and your're right....same price.

Again, appreciate it.

 

I just want to make sure you read the same thing I did. For no lift. you want the 5125s on the rear & 5100s on the front....(not 5100 all around like for 2nd gens)

Read this:
http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-9...5-series-rears-95-5-2004-pair-front-rear.html
It says DSM will throw in the rear bushings for free.

Also you may want to invest in the bushings for the front. Apparently this is a factory OEM part...Toytec stocks them, but you can pick them up at your local dealership parts department. My old man and I plan on getting these for his 2000.
http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Front-shock-replacement-bushingwasher-kit_p_35.html.

Keep me posted I want to see how it turns out for you.

 

No, I did not see that so Thank you for the Heads Up!

 

Primo man, I pulled the trigger and ordered the 5100/5125 Package from Downsouthmotorsports. Total Price $344 (free shipping). Would have been $329 but I ordered the optional dust boot covers for the 5100s which were $14.99.
Then immediately went to Toytec and ordered the front bushing kit.
Total with shipping $30.
I was looking at the stock bushings on the front shocks today and they are cracked, so couldn't see myself reusing them with such a nice set of shocks on the way

Really looking forward to seeing how they improve the ride.

Again, appreciate your help and I'll post some pics and let you know how they perform.

 

Awesome..I am confident you will be happy with your setup. I can tell you are a man like me..if you are going through the trouble you are going to do it right the first time.
I installed the rears at the house...super simple. These newer valve shocks aren't like the old fashion kind that are super hard to compress again after you cut the cable on them. With gentle slow pressure they will easily compress if you miss the bolt on the first try.
The fronts I had my local 4 Wheel parts install and align it.
I am pretty sure you will need an alignment after installing the fronts even at stock height. It may drive straight, but it could end up wearing your tires in a bad way.

I am always glad to help out a fellow member...I can't wait to see the results.

 

Look what came in the mail!! Hopefully the weather will be nice this weekend and not freezing in the Garage. Can't wait to get them on.
For the past two nights I've been spraying some PB Blaster on the shock bolts to help loosen them up.
One thing that surprised me is that the Front Shocks came with Bushings installed. At Downsouthmotorsports.com it states that the Front Shocks do not come with Dust Boots or any other bushings per Bilstein. I did order the the optional Dust Boot covers for the front so maybe they were included.
More to come...............

 

Looking good!!...I am almost as excited as you. They are impressive compared to the stocks.

 

Primo man, the new Bilstein 5100's and 5125's are installed .
As you stated, the rear shocks were pretty easy to replace.
I had the Toyota Dealership replace the fronts and do a front end alignment.

Notes on factory Bilstein's that were replaced.

Top Rear Shock Mounts look new (Where shock mounts on frame)
Bottom Rear Shock Mounts, especially passenger side were rusty
Took a wire brush and cleaned off the rust best I could and brushed a layer of Loctite Rust Neutralizer before installing the 5125's.

I've always heard that you don't realize how bad your shocks are until you replace them and that is so true. Just putting the rears on helped with the "Slinky" motion when turning.
Just had the front shocks mounted today, and again, what a difference. I placed the 5100's at the lowest groove which is "Stock Height".
It definitely appears to sit a little higher, but that's probably because the stock ones were sagging from being worn out.

Would I recommend these to someone.........YES!!!

I'll post of some pics of the stock front shocks that were removed later this week.
Hopefully this weekend all the ice/snow will be off the roads where I can give her a bath and post some pics.
Below are some pics of the stock rears. Compared to some I've seen replaced on the forum, they look pretty good after 105,000 miles.

 

That is great news I am glad everything worked out. ...did it come out level? What is your measurements from center hub to fend on front and rear?

 

On both Front and Rear it's at 21 5/8".
Like I said, hopefully we'll have some decent weather coming up so I can get it cleaned up and post some pics.

 

I'm looking to do this exact same setup. I'll definitely be ordering the bushing/washer replacement set from Toytec. My local Stealership quoated me a price of $230 for the front and rear. That's just insane!!! I almost fell out of my chair.

 

Definitely consider Downsouthmotorsports when ordering. They go ahead and install the correct rear bushings on the 5125's. All you do is take them out of the box and install.

 

jammer,
What condition are your rear springs in? Is there any arch back there? Just wondering about your hub to fender measurements. My leaf springs are pretty sad, and I'm about to add a couple more leaves to the pack and install the same Billies. Just looking for a frame of reference on the height, thanks.

 

Hey Drewski,
Honestly I'm not sure what condition they are in. They "appear" ok in that they aren't covered in rust or broke. I took a couple of Pictures of the leaf springs for you to view.
I had not put the spare tire back on when I took these so it's gives a good view of the rear underside. Hope this helps.
Measurements from center of Hub to top of Fender is right at 21 5/8".

 

Finally got a decent day here in NW Arkansas so I was able to give the Tacoma a much needed bath. Below are some pics with the new Bilsteins installed. I took these pics before putting the spare tire back on so you could get a better view of the rear shocks.

 

That's a good looking truck...nice color. I just ordered the same Bilstein kit from DSM and the bushing kit from Toytech. I called DSM before I ordered and was advised the Bilstein struts/shocks were on back order and it would be 3 weeks before they ship. Thanks for the links Primo 95, I would have been lost without them.

 

Damn, that is clean under there. For reference, here is a shot of my front spring/shock.



And you needed more bushings? I thought the fronts came with the bushings already installed?

 

Damn Dreski, that thing looks like Fido's Rear That would eat at me like cancer if she looked like that....but the wife says I'm OCD....you should see the motor
The front shocks did come with Bushings. The picture of the other bushings/washers were from Toytec to replace the "cushion" bushings.