Trying to Locate Bilstein 5100 (or equiv) for 1st Gen

Hello Everyone,

Been lingering on the site for awhile, but I'm now needing to ask the experienced on this site a question.

It seems like overnight, my wife's '02 TRD lost a front shock. The truck is absolutely unsafe to drive. So I'm needing to get the fronts replaced like right now, so she can get to work. (I'm doing the work)

Been researching and calling around, and this is where I'm at:

- stock fronts are $140 ea (ouch!) and have to be ordered, will take over a week

- Bilstein 5100, still trying to correctly identify which one for a 1st gen
Tacoma. DownSouth lists the 5100 for $185, will not be in stock till Wed,
and then shipping time on top of that.

- Bistein 5100 at local 4x4 shop for $100

This aint jiving.

Is there a difference between the 1st and 2nd gen 5100's?

Can anyone recommend something better than stock that could likely be purchased at a local auto parts store? I need to get this truck on the road ASAP.

Not looking for anything off road.

TIA,
Mike in Denver

 

Call or stop in at Toytec Lifts, they're in Northglenn which should be spitting distance from you. They might be able to help you out.

 

Also wheelers. They have them a bit cheaper than toytec. And they ship fast. 1st geen you the have bushings on both ends you bolt in. And the 2nd gen you have to screw the top part I believe. Mt wording isn't great.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I was at ToyTec at 8 AM when they opened. They had the 5100s in stock (whew!)

Ben at the front desk was very cordial, and offered to move the c-clip at no charge.

Got the shocks replaced in a few hours. I used 3 ratchet straps to compress the spring; worked like a champ.

I spent more time trying to lower the control arm, as the new shock was longer than the stock by about 3/4" on the left side, and 1/2" on the right.
I wound a ratchet strap around the rotor, and placed a block of wood in the strap, and stepped on it to lower the arm. It wasn't easy or pretty, but I got it back together.

Mike

 

no problem, getting it done.