Leaking 5160s

Interested in bilsteins reply

 

That shock looks to be way too short.

How much travel does it have and how much shock shaft is showing at ride height?

It's leaking because you keep topping it out, not because it's a defective shock.

 

Here is the kit I got.

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/st..._Kit_with_OME_Dakar_Leaf_Pack_(HS16BK-3).html

 

It does look like a lot of the shaft is showing, how much more travel is there with the shaft fully extended? [remove lower bolt and extend shock to it's fullest position.] You really want a 50/50 travel deflection at rest.

 

I don't have a tape measure with me, but it's about one Gerber length.

 

Thanks man. I like the look of the clip better than the bracket, just haven't seen anyone do it on a 3rd gen.
Did it come with the kit from HS or did you have to get them separately?

 

It came separately, I got mine from Amazon.

 

Cool. I'm sure it will work out and they will take care of you. Good luck

 

No extended/compressed length on those shocks. Wonder where the pictures are of Headstrong cycling Dakars to match shocks to those leaf packs and decide to sell you a matched kit.

Get a tape measure on it to confirm, but those shocks are clearly too short.

You have little to no downtravel, and are using your shocks as limit straps.

IMO, not bilstein's fault here.

 

We need @HeadStrong Off-Road
@TR8R Taco have your part #'s

 

It states in the description that the 5160s used by headstrong are 1/2 inch extra travel compared to normal. Specs are posted on the shock page.

Shock Specifications:
- Collapsed = 14.22"
- Extended = 24.06"
- Travel 9.84"

I don't know if this is what dakars require. Just giving you the info you assume headstrong isn't providing.

 

So what y'all are saying is Dakars should not be ran with 5160s..?

 

I asked Mike Ritchie at Bilstein about 5160s travel and he said technically only 1" lift over stock Tacoma in rear for 3rd gen. Anything more than 1" technically you will be voiding the warranty although unofficially he said they should be fine at up to 2" lift though 2" would be pushing it he said.

 

So it sounds like 5160s should not be ran with Dakars..

 

My baja when stock came with the "TRD" badged version of these. Both ended up leaking over time on the bottom similar to how yours are. Granted mine took a year or so to do so, but this was back before I got into wheeling the ride and only saw street miles. This is one of the main reasons that I got rid of my suspension as I just didnt have any faith if it was actually pushed off road as one of my shocks was on the verge of a second failure when it fell outside of the warranty time frame. I went to kings instead after that and havnt looked back.

I hope you get taken care of, as Toyota took care of me, but could be partially because this was considered a "Toyota" item and not a bilstein item although it is a billy part.

 

So headstrongs half inch extension should suffice. Maybe.

I guess I'll cross the 5160s off my lost then. My list sure is dwindling...

 

Many questions for headstrong... what's different about the 5160s they're selling and the ones you buy anywhere else for the 2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma? Are they using a different model number or is Bilstein making an exclusive headstrong shock? Hah!

 

My assumption is that headstrong will likely respond to this in the morning since its the weekend. I wonder if they didnt send OP the right sized shocks as I think others are successful with dakars and billys right?

 

Before I ordered these I asked Headstrong Off-road if there was anything else I need the s was their reply "Our kits come pretty comprehensive with everything needed for installation. Other items can be needed but it comes down to after lifted angles and if you experience any vibrations (upper control arms, diff drop, shims, sometime bump stops, etc)."

If Dakars are pushing 5160s to their limits, why are they selling them in a packaged deal?

 

Im Not going to put Mike Ritchie from Bilstein on blast here just to share what I already mentioned since they were personal emails back and forth but I can PM you a screenshot if you want to see it. Just rather not put personal correspondence on public forum. (Not that you asked me to)