Bilsteins for the 200 (2 Viewers)

[landcruiserLV]

Arich, I recently bought a used 200 and was happy to find dealer put new Bilsteins in front but in the lowest position.

I've since put new 305/50r20's and now have rubbing on mud flaps @ full lock, wondering if moving to the higher position will solve this but I was told by one dealer that spacers would be a better solution. I understand you've gone thru a few sets of shocks and you also have some 20" wheels so I'm hoping you're experience will shed some light.

I want to eliminate tire rub while maintaining a mostly street ride height and a more level look. Should I try the higher adjustment or go for spacers?

 

[sage1]

It's my best guess the dealer you spoke with isn't familiar with the adjustable Bilsteins. Adjusting them up to the next setting would be the best choice...that's what they were designed for.

 

[arich]

I had 305s. Can't remember the size. There's a lot of variables that go into the run like offset, alignment, tire type etc.

If they're too big you may Have to trim. I agree with above, adjust them as they were intended.

 

[sage1]

" Question " .... OP stated do not open the KDSS valves when doing the shock swap. I'm surprised as the directions for adding the Toyota spacer to the OEM shocks state to open the KDSS valves and then close on the ground after install so the system can regulate to the new front end height. Wouldn't the KDSS system be fighting/resisting the higher front end if it was not allowed to adjust to the new height?

 

[mark71]

sage1, I understand your logic and concern. However, if you replaced both struts the truck would be sitting nose high, but left-right level. KDSS, as I understand the engineering, would be in a neutral position. All good.

 

[sage1]

I'm not one so we could probably use a KDSS expert to weigh in here, I've read and been told that the KDSS system will apply force to correct the level of the front end. Which is why it's opened and and allowed to re-balance when OEM spacers are added to the top of the OEM shocks.

 

[arich]

This was a long time ago, before I know how to open the KDSS. So the height was so similar to stock I didnt get a lean but I can tell you we wrestled those sway bar back into place against the KDSS with swaybars.
I'd defiinitely release the KDSS pressure if I knew then what I know now.

 

[Lc200ik]

I was the first in the US to install the Bilsteins and while I love them they are a little too stuff for me. A friend let me drive his truck with Radflos and they better suit what I need the truck for, family trips skiing into the mtns.
My shocks will come mounted with stock springs so you can swap them out without visiting a mechanic. Just follow my tutorial above. No need for a strut press. The rears are simple. This will give you a one inch lift in the front and a .5 inch lift in the rear leveling the truck.
Contact me ASAP as I have the radflos on order. My loss and insanity will be your gain.
Ant

Hi Arich, your article was really helpful after I spent ages surfing dithering between options, the time you took to post details with helpful pics is really greatly appreciated. I'm now going to order Bilsteins all round (assume yours went ages ago) and fit them myself. By saying a bit too firm, I assume they're not uncomfortable, I like firm (no innuendo intended!) - I keep the adjustable dampers on Q7 to dynamic and would like firmer, also drive a proper sports car and in the UK we like firmer suspension. I see the original is an old post and you've had Koni 90s and others. If there is anything you've tried since (tough dog was my other choice or possibly ome nitrocharger) you'd suggest instead for stopping the nosedive when braking and racing round mountain hairpins going skiing with 7 or 8 onboard and not going unintentionally off road, but still ok for moderate off-road let me know. Found someone selling 4 for £600 (pay over the top in the UK) and will buy next week.

 

[jblatl]

I do realize this is an old thread but, did anyone get the alignment fixed with these shocks on either the middle or top settings?

 

[Yossarian]

Installed the Bilsteins this week, very straight forward thanks to all those who have gone before. Bilsteins information on this shock is limited, especially the installation procedures. Is the adjustable spring perch really meant to be moved to increase spring preload? I called Bilstein tech support, while I didn't get a definitive answer they suggested the perch be installed in the lowest position.

Measuring the OEM vs. Bilstein shock from the bottom notch in the spring perch to the top washer before the support sub-assembly. I got 14 3/4" on the OEM, and 14 1/2" on the Bilstein. This would support Bilsteins recommendation of using the lowest setting for the perch, but what fun is that?

 

[arich]

Installed the Bilsteins this week, very straight forward thanks to all those who have gone before. Bilsteins information on this shock is limited, especially the installation procedures. Is the adjustable spring perch really meant to be moved to increase spring preload? I called Bilstein tech support, while I didn't get a definitive answer they suggested the perch be installed in the lowest position.

Measuring the OEM vs. Bilstein shock from the bottom notch in the spring perch to the top washer before the support sub-assembly. I got 14 3/4" on the OEM, and 14 1/2" on the Bilstein. This would support Bilsteins recommendation of using the lowest setting for the perch, but what fun is that?

Glad it helped, This was a long time ago and I've installed MANY more different suspensions since this. As you saw from my pics I went with the highest setting and it leveled the truck out. These didn't last long as my wife found them harsh. Then the truck became mine and I started making changes.
I would have save a lot of $$$ if I would have just stayed with the Bilsteins!!!

Now a days I'm sitting LOW on the Koni 90s from Holland and Kings springs from Australia.

 

[Yossarian]

Glad it helped, This was a long time ago and I've installed MANY more different suspensions since this. As you saw from my pics I went with the highest setting and it leveled the truck out. These didn't last long as my wife found them harsh. Then the truck became mine and I started making changes.
I would have save a lot of $$$ if I would have just stayed with the Bilsteins!!!

Now a days I'm sitting LOW on the Koni 90s from Holland and Kings springs from Australia.

View attachment 1426051

Thanks for the shocks arich, sure took me long enough to get them installed. Just around the town in the last day I cant really tell a difference, but I was taking it very easy before doing the TRD brake pad break-in procedure. I must say the Bilsteins handled that well, almost full lock-up from 60 to 10 mph. My "lift" was negligible at all four corners, spacers on their way.

FYI, Bilstein said higher end shocks are in the works for other Toyota SUV's, ours included.

 

[arich]

Got any pics???

Again I forgot I sold those to you!!! That was years ago

 

[Mogwai]

I'm planning to install the Bilstein 6112s built for the Tundra on the front, would be nice to have a 5160 equivalent for the LC rears (I'm sure bjowett could modify Tundra/4Runner versions) but for simplicity and cost, for now I'm going to go w/ the Fox 2.0 IFPs w/ OME 2721 springs for the rear. (FYI this setup is <$1200 for shocks/springs on all 4 corners and what I ended up choising over the comparatively priced "medium load OME Nitrocharger Sport" setup. Ordering the remaining parts on Friday so I should have installed and an update w/in the next couple weeks!

 

[Yossarian]

Got any pics???

Again I forgot I sold those to you!!! That was years ago

I know right? I didn't take any pics from the outside, not really any difference, and I didn't bother cleaning anything that I didn't have to, it's supposed to snow here tomorrow.

BTW, I've been thinking about the adjustable spring perch, and the spacers, read this with interest. Slee - An overview of Toyota IFS Suspenison Lifts

Now Jowett stated that the OEM shocks had additional travel that could be used, so the rather thin spacer shouldn't be an issue, same with the Bilstein? Can the OEM spring absorb the additional preload without ill affects? Just thinking out loud.

 

[bamachem]

I'm planning to install the Bilstein 6112s built for the Tundra on the front, would be nice to have a 5160 equivalent for the LC rears (I'm sure bjowett could modify Tundra/4Runner versions) but for simplicity and cost, for now I'm going to go w/ the Fox 2.0 IFPs w/ OME 2721 springs for the rear. (FYI this setup is <$1200 for shocks/springs on all 4 corners and what I ended up choising over the comparatively priced "medium load OME Nitrocharger Sport" setup. Ordering the remaining parts on Friday so I should have installed and an update w/in the next ...

I installed a set of 6112 on my 200 a little over a year ago. Absolutely love them. They have a great feel, and level out the front end nicely. 0 issue so far with me. There's a thread on here somewhere about my install.

 

[Yossarian]

I really like the idea of the 6112's, but lack a matched rear spring/shock. Jowett was doing that for a while, but discontinued. It'll be interesting to see what Bilstein brings to the table in the future.

@Mogwai sounds like @bamachem setup, keep us informed.

 

[Mogwai]

I installed a set of 6112 on my 200 a little over a year ago. Absolutely love them. They have a great feel, and level out the front end nicely. 0 issue so far with me. There's a thread on here somewhere about my install.

Just realized you have the same Fox in the rear that im planning. Very similar setup, I plan to swap the CVs, LCA, OTRE, and UCA (Total Chaos) with Tundra parts to accompany the 6112s. And the old man emu springs vs stock in rear. A bit of a Frankenstein setup but I think will work well.

 

[arich]

I really like the idea of the 6112's, but lack a matched rear spring/shock. Jowett was doing that for a while, but discontinued. It'll be interesting to see what Bilstein brings to the table in the future.

@Mogwai sounds like @bamachem setup, keep us informed.

I did the testing for Brian, We tested three rear shocks and could not find an affordable solution. Nothing I tried matched the front and I had a lot of rear bounce.

 

[Yossarian]

I did the testing for Brian, We tested three rear shocks and could not find an affordable solution. Nothing I tried matched the front and I had a lot of rear bounce.

Other than a loss of lift, how are you liking returning to the Koni's?