Broken Shocks and loose leaf spring / garbage trd sport suspension repair

Let me start this off by saying I really like my truck, every vehicle has its problems. My truck spends a lot of time in the dirt, service roads and the like but nothing too gnarly, maybe that is why i have a dead shock idk.

Two days ago I purchased Bilstein 24-265108 5100s for my TRD sport and installed them on ring #3 to get a 1.1" lift up front. The original shocks were completely dead at 17k (Hitachi garbage) I could take the drivers shock and compress it by hand with minimal effort.

While I was under the truck I checked my U-bolts on the leaf pack only to find out that I was able to turn one of the nuts by hand ! I have read a few threads about u-bolt torque specs and torqued them to what I thought was best. You are free to do your own homework on these torque specs.

Everything went smooth as butter and the ride is much better. The truck feels comfortable and the axle wrap is completely gone. The nose dive under braking is small compared to before. I didnt install the dust boot because i didn't want to, if you choose to install them that is up to you. Lets not make this a thread about dust boots.

New wheels too ! PM me if anyone wants the original sport wheels or ill just put them up in the B/S/T section eventually. First $450 takes them.

 

nice...might be interested in the Sport Wheels you have.

How's the ride quality with the new Bilsteins? I have a Sport also but rides a little rough over bumps and potholes. Looking to invest in these Bilsteins that you have. thanks

 

The ride is certainly more plush even with the suspension angles changing by 1.1" I will be very honest and say it doesn't ride like my 4runner but worlds better than stock sport shocks. The overall feel of the truck makes me want to drive it more aggressively on road as it feels more in control and balanced.

 

just curious... if you spend so much time on dirt, why not get the OR?

 

nice..looks like more money out of my account now.

 

I think mostly because i came from a sports car and transitioned to a truck. I wanted something a little more stiff in the corners.


When I say garbage sport suspension I am referring to the quality of the OEM shocks and maybe a little bit disappointed in Toyota's service department when it comes to them overlooking settled leaf springs.

 

Should have added new springs and left the 5100s set to zero... and AALs for the rear. That with the 5100s will tighten up the suspension a lot more but still rides soft on roads and off road much more aggressive. Keeps the feets on the floor. Stock Sport suspension sucks unless you have a load in the back... I had to drive with a bale of hay until I put on my suspension.

The 5100s are valved the same as the OR Bilstein shocks cept for longer travel...

 

What I should have done is bought a Lotus with a trailer. Haha

I'm very happy with the outcome of my suspension.

 

Where did you get the Bilsteins and for how much if I may ask? I was looking at HeadStrong's site and they have them on there.

Thanks.

 

Just trying to help bro since you go off road a lot... I couldn't get that crap off my truck soon enough.

 

No worries, I was just joking.

That did come out a little salty.

 

Source? The OR bilsteins and the 5100's arent even the same diameter shocks. Or bilsteins are little 1.6in shocks, 5100's are 2in shocks... How are these valved the same?

 

That's basically what I've been reading on TW.

 

I've never held a shock obsorber that I couldn't compress with my hands and they're not supposed to spring back after being compressed.

Your truck looks good with that lift!

 

Yeah dont believe everything you read on TW. You will get lost in the shit. There are several threads that compare the OR bilsteins to 5100s.

 

I cant wait to upgrade to 5100s!