Bilstein 5100 Experience?

[napir]

The suspension thread barely mentions them and any search results are for generic 5100s adapted to the 80 long ago.

I’m looking at them as a backup shock for when I want to rebuild my Fox’s (and whatever I end up replacing those with). Anybody running these on a stock-ish 80? Is there a softer shock I should consider for commuting duty? I wish there was an extended Tokico.

My 80 is a DD, pretty unloaded with Dob’s dual rate springs for about 2.5” lift on 35s. I’m not really worried about off-road, as I know they’re short, but I’d only have these installed during times I’m just primarily commuting or maybe camping. I just want good road compliance that won’t beat me up…so many 80s shocks seem made for built up rigs.

 

[Kernal]

IME Bilstein shocks (for a stock height truck) tightens up the ride a tad, a quicker return to level after a bump, less nosedive when braking, and less body sway when changing lanes, but not a harsh ride.

 

[Nframe]

For a backup for Fox’s being rebuilt, they’re fine.
They are no substitute for Fox shocks.
Had them on my Tundra, and they didn’t last. Not a bad ride though, on the stiffer side.

 

[efjayatee]

Can I suggest Toyota Tokico shocks. Better than Bilsteins and they are affordable as a back ups.

 

[JoeCova]

They are digressive while Fox, King, ADS etc use progressive or linear. This translates to a harsher ride.

Digressive shocks are great for more aggressive street driving.

 

[NeilC]

I am currently considering Bilstein 5100s for my 80. I only have about 1.5" of lift. From my research, they seem to have a better ride than OMEs and more robust and longer travel than the stock Tokicos. I think the basic Icons would be the next step up in quality and price. Value-wise the 5100s seem hard to beat.

 

[napir]

Thanks all. Despite driving Tacos/4Runners/Land Cruisers the last 25 years, I've somehow never been in one with 5100s so I don't know if they're designed to have a similar feel in everything they're made for or what. I've read a lot that they can be harsh (not on the 80, not much info there) but they also sell tons of them for nearly every kind of truck there is, they can't be all that bad. I'm not sure how they compare, but I'm very happy with the 4600s in my daughter's 4Runner as stock replacement shocks.

Someone mentioned the stock Tokicos. After a bunch of searching, many people say they're good for 2" of lift, I can't confirm that and I haven't found any actual measurements, but for the price and for what I'm intending (backup shocks only), I think that's what I might go with.

 

[NeilC]

I ran the 5100s on a 2006 4runner and was very happy with them. I used them to provide lift as they are adjustable in the coil over strut applications. As for the Tokicos, I am running them now on my 80 with about 2 inches of lift. I have blown 2 rears in the last 5 years but I carry a lot of weight. They also do not have near the extended length that the 5100s or most other shocks made for a 2 inch lift. The stock Tokicos do not manage the extra 500 lbs plus on the rear or the ARB and winch on the front well.

 

[efjayatee]

Good points. Tokico are stock shocks and not meant for heavy offroad. As a back up for mall crawling, its very affordable and its OEM.
For intended use like in my 80, Dobinson entry 0-3" tube shocks will not break your bank. Anything beyond that, you have lots if options. As the title of this thread stated, purchase something within your budget while your primary shocks are being rebuild.

My son's 80 with Dobs springs w/Tokico