Bilstein 5100 suspension lift kit installed on a Limited with AVS - review (ride quality improved)

[dbrock34]

I received and installed the Bilstein 5100 suspension on our 2025 4Runner Limited this weekend. The Limited had a rough ride from the start. You could feel every bump in the road. I had installed the Westcott preload lift front and rear and that didn't make it worse but it sure didn't get any better. So, I left the .75 inch spacer in the rear and installed the 5100s there. I removed the front collars and spacer and installed the 5100s set at 2.2 inches. Install was overall pretty easy. Hardest part was disconnecting the darn AVS connectors. I was concerned I would get warning lights on the dash but we've driven it about 75 miles and still no issues.

The ride is sooo much better. An added bonus was that we had always had a rattle in the rear every time we hit a bump. Now, it's so much smoother it got rid of the rattle. I forgot to add that we had already ditched the stock 20s and switched to the 17"methods with 265-70-17 BFG KO3s. That didn't help the harsh ride either. With this setup it is almost dead level. From floor to front fender is about 37.25 front and 37.5 in the rear. Was 37.5 all around with Westcott. I like the very slight rake better.

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[4running]

Thanks for the measurements and review. I've been reading that the 5100 improves ride quality so it's tempting...

Any photos before and after install?

 

[dbrock34]

Thanks for the measurements and review. I've been reading that the 5100 improves ride quality so it's tempting...

Any photos before and after install?

They are worth it. $600 well spent.
I meant to take pictures but got sidetracked. I'll try to remember to get photos tonight when the wife gets home from work.

 

[aj negi]

Thanks for sharing your experience
I am going to install 5100 tomorrow on trd sport

Will update you guys soon About my experience

 

[Desert_6Gen]

did you use the stock springs?

 

[romik]

I received and installed the 5100s on our 2025 4Runner Limited this weekend. The Limited had a rough ride from the start. You could feel every bump in the road. I had installed the Westcott preload lift front and rear and that didn't make it worse but it sure didn't get any better. So, I left the .75 inch spacer in the rear and installed the 5100s there. I removed the front collars and spacer and installed the 5100s set at 2.2 inches. Install was overall pretty easy. Hardest part was disconnecting the darn AVS connectors. I was concerned I would get warning lights on the dash but we've driven it about 75 miles and still no issues.

The ride is sooo much better. An added bonus was that we had always had a rattle in the rear every time we hit a bump. Now, it's so much smoother it got rid of the rattle. I forgot to add that we had already ditched the stock 20s and switched to the 17"methods with 265-70-17 BFG KO3s. That didn't help the harsh ride either. With this setup it is almost dead level. From floor to front fender is about 37.25 front and 37.5 in the rear. Was 37.5 all around with Westcott. I like the very slight rake better.

Could you share your alignment specs, especially since you haven’t changed your UCA?

 

[Ltd.Herit.'26]

Really appreciate the details here. Curious what went wrong w/ limited ride. It's the harshest riding vehicle I've ever purchased. Which I bought this trim expecting the exact opposite. I've heard they "wear in" some, but really curious how it landed so far from expectations. To confirm you no longer have avs functionality? Better rides a better ride, may do the same and skip the readylift level.

 

[js_panda_rnr]

What brand/type of strut does the limited come with from factory? I've seen discussion around the 5100 possibly being a lateral move (maybe even a downgrade?) in terms of ride compared to the factory Off Road Bilsteins, which imo are also stiff for an "off road" tailored trim. It's hard for me to imagine the Limited is even more stiff. I've been looking at the 6112 but my wallet would love it if I could improve the ride quality and level the front with 5100s.

 

[dbrock34]

did you use the stock springs?

Yes

 

[dbrock34]

Could you share your alignment specs, especially since you haven’t changed your UCA?

If I end up getting an alignment I'll share the specs. I'm debating on whether I need to since it's only .25 inches different than with the westcott lift.

 

[dbrock34]

Really appreciate the details here. Curious what went wrong w/ limited ride. It's the harshest riding vehicle I've ever purchased. Which I bought this trim expecting the exact opposite. I've heard they "wear in" some, but really curious how it landed so far from expectations. To confirm you no longer have avs functionality? Better rides a better ride, may do the same and skip the readylift level.

Correct, I no longer have AVS functions but I have 1 setting right now that hopefully rides great everywhere versus 4 that weren't good anywhere.

 

[dbrock34]

What brand/type of strut does the limited come with from factory? I've seen discussion around the 5100 possibly being a lateral move (maybe even a downgrade?) in terms of ride compared to the factory Off Road Bilsteins, which imo are also stiff for an "off road" tailored trim. It's hard for me to imagine the Limited is even more stiff. I've been looking at the 6112 but my wallet would love it if I could improve the ride quality and level the front with 5100s.

I didn't take the time to look over the stock shocks. I was just super happy to get them off. When I get a chance I'll take a look at them and see if I see a label.

 

[romik]

If I end up getting an alignment I'll share the specs. I'm debating on whether I need to since it's only .25 inches different than with the westcott lift.

You definitely need an alignment. Remember, Bilstein shocks are longer, and the way they change the suspension geometry is more significant than the Westcott design. It’s not just about that small height difference.

 

[HVLA]

If I end up getting an alignment I'll share the specs. I'm debating on whether I need to since it's only .25 inches different than with the westcott lift.

You should always get an alignment any time you take the suspension apart.

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