Post your Bilstein 5100 / 6100 pics, reviews, alignment specs, etc.

[js_panda_rnr]

I figure this is going to be a common setup for many of us 6th gen owners and right now there's a number of posts and replies floating around. I thought it'd be nice to have a go-to megathread for people to share their setups and have discussions. I'll start!

I got my 5100s installed yesterday. The front circlips were placed in the #4 position, which should give a ~1.6" lift according to Bilstein. It looks pretty much level to me. I really love how much more of prominent stance it gives the 4R. The ride so far feels better than the OEM red Bilsteins (Off Road trim). Some bumps feel the same. Some bumps feel much less jarring. Looking forward to taking it off pavement for a better assessment.

Before and after

After

Alignment specs

Shoot me any questions you have. Looking forward to seeing more from others!

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[emerson]

Never saved the print out on the alignment highest clip with 2" OME rear springs.

 

[mcd_ovrlnd]

I figure this is going to be a common setup for many of us 6th gen owners and right now there's a number of posts and replies floating around. I thought it'd be nice to have a go-to megathread for people to share their setups and have discussions. I'll start!

I got my 5100s installed yesterday. The front circlips were placed in the #4 position, which should give a ~1.6" lift according to Bilstein. It looks pretty much level to me. I really love how much more of prominent stance it gives the 4R. The ride so far feels better than the OEM red Bilsteins (Off Road trim). Some bumps feel the same. Some bumps feel much less jarring. Looking forward to taking it off pavement for a better assessment.

I'll add another post-lift profile shot when I can get one in the same spot as the pre-lift shot.

Before
View attachment 44821

After

Alignment specs

Shoot me any questions you have. Looking forward to seeing more from others!

I only saw your first pic above the fold and I was like, that ain’t level. Then I scrolled down and saw the after pic and I was like, oh yes very nice and level.

 

[Bhoop]

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/threads/sr5-suspension-lift-bilstein-5100.10521/post-135709

From a nearly identical thread, started a few months ago.

Maybe the mods can merge them?

 

[Virtual-Chris]

I’m curious if anyone has considered a small 10mm (3/8”) spacer and going down a notch or two on their 5100s?

Of course using a spacer can create problems at full droop if it allows the CV angle to exceed operating tolerances. But my understanding is that Toyota builds a bit of tolerance into it so a small spacer like 10mm won’t create an issue with CV binding.

The benefits of this are two-fold. First, you can run at a notch or two lower on the 5100s to achieve the same lift which means the shock is not extended so much and you maintain more articulation and a more compliant ride.

For example, you can use the 1.3” notch and a 10mm spacer to get a 2” lift that’s going to be a better ride and have better articulation than just using the 2” ring with no spacer.

When you use a preload on the spring to lift, you’re essentially shifting your travel/articulation balance. For example if the factory setup has 4” of up travel and 4” of down travel and you install 5100s on the 2” lift preload ring, you've essentially extended the shock piston up by 2" at rest, so you’re going to end up with 6” of up travel and 2” of down travel - making pot holes feel harsh. But if you only go with a 1.3” preload, you’re maintaining more down travel (closer to 3") and the 10mm spacer is getting you back to your desired lift without compromising on articulation.

Apparently not having the shock running near the end of its travel will also help with ride quality.

I did this on my FJ Cruiser and it worked really well. I may repeat this on my incoming 4Runner.

Anyone else consider this?

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