Bilsteins front and rear (1 Viewer)

[damdifino]

I may have posted a similar question several months ago, so please excuse. What Bilstein part numbers would I spec for close-to-OEM shocks, both front and rear. Toyota dealer is quoting $3,700 (!) for four OEM shocks plus lower front control arms, so I plan to check out an independent garage. Seems excessive to amortize for an '09 LC200 with 235,000 miles.

 

[ryanCA]

Bilstein 6112/5160 Installed

Last Thursday, I picked up my LC from Bilstein with the 6112/5160 shocks and springs installed. (While I loaned my LC to Bilstein to test the heavy springs, they are not ready for release yet and I got the normal load springs.) The lift in front is 2.3 inches and 2.0 inches in the rear. The...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[bloc]

61s/51s are overkill for close to stock performance.

Genuine Toyota shocks are actually quite cheap from the discount sites.. something like $60 each for the rears (from memory)

Alternately bilstein does make oe-replacement models like the B6/4600 setup. Yes they are more expensive than OE but not crazy, nor specialty (meaning they come with compromises) like the 61/51.

I’m betting a big chunk of that cost was the lower control arms and labor. Also MUCH cheaper through the discount sites, especially if you wait for a sale.

 

[VER1TAS]

Stock KYB:
Front - KYB (340062) Excel-G Gas Strut ~ $160 each
Rear - KYB (345087) Excel-G Gas Shock ~ $70 each

Bilstein:
Front - B6 4600 (24-214018) ~ $199 each
Rear - B6 4600 (24-269049) ~ $150 each

 

[LCMemphis]

I'm following this post b/c I want to upgrade DD handling around town, on highway, and when towing...all without doing a lift. How do the KYB shocks compare with the 4160's that I've been reading about.

 

[VER1TAS]

I'm following this post b/c I want to upgrade DD handling around town, on highway, and when towing...all without doing a lift. How do the KYB shocks compare with the 4160's that I've been reading about.

The KYB are stock stocks.

 

[LCMemphis]

Very good...thanks for clarifying.

 

[bloc]

Just to clarify B6 would be considered an upgrade from stock, with slightly firmer damping. But they do bolt right in with no other mods, and you can use stock springs.

 

[LCMemphis]

Just to clarify B6 would be considered an upgrade from stock, with slightly firmer damping. But they do bolt right in with no other mods, and you can use stock springs.

Thanks for that. I'm leaning hard towards the B6's ...what's this about adding 10 mm OEM spacers? Is that for coils and if so, front or rear? thx

 

[bloc]

Thanks for that. I'm leaning hard towards the B6's ...what's this about adding 10 mm OEM spacers? Is that for coils and if so, front or rear? thx

Front only, it’s intended to reduce factory “rake”.

You should definitely verify the new shocks don’t add any extra travel before stacking the 10mm Toyota spacer on top. It increases down travel to the limits of what the CV can handle with a stock shock. If your new ones increase travel (like some high end off-road shocks) the spacer can push things too far.

More info:

OEM Front Coil Spacers Installed

I've been on the fence about adding the OEM coil spacers since I bought my 200 back in March. There was a mild rake on the cruiser but not terrible and I just wasn't sure a 1" lift up front would be worth the cost of the spacers plus labor to install. I ended up having the spacers installed...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[LCMemphis]

Front only, it’s intended to reduce factory “rake”.

You should definitely verify the new shocks don’t add any extra travel before stacking the 10mm Toyota spacer on top. It increases down travel to the limits of what the CV can handle with a stock shock. If your new ones increase travel (like some high end off-road shocks) the spacer can push things too far.

More info:

OEM Front Coil Spacers Installed

I've been on the fence about adding the OEM coil spacers since I bought my 200 back in March. There was a mild rake on the cruiser but not terrible and I just wasn't sure a 1" lift up front would be worth the cost of the spacers plus labor to install. I ended up having the spacers installed...

forum.ih8mud.com

Thanks..I know what rake is but is this strictly an aesthetic issue or handling related? How do I verify "extra travel" since I'll have someone else install? Also, I believe I read that if I'm not adding lift and staying with aftermarket shocks that have similar range, then 10mm spacers are well within range. Thanks in advance.

 

[Yossarian]

Bilsteins for the 200

Bilsteins for the 200 installed-adjustable height Ok, I've finally had enough and I ordered the Bilstein 4600s for the 200. I'll install and post a review. I think I'm the first to install. Here's a pic of the stock rear Shock Support the axle from below with an axle jack. The top of the...

forum.ih8mud.com

The 200 has been out for some time now and most things have been covered previously. The 4600 Bilstein's make a great slight upgrade over stock and wont break the bank. FYI, do not put the adjustable spring perch on the highest position if you want to maintain alignment specs.

 

[LCMemphis]

Bilsteins for the 200

Bilsteins for the 200 installed-adjustable height Ok, I've finally had enough and I ordered the Bilstein 4600s for the 200. I'll install and post a review. I think I'm the first to install. Here's a pic of the stock rear Shock Support the axle from below with an axle jack. The top of the...

forum.ih8mud.com

The 200 has been out for some time now and most things have been covered previously. The 4600 Bilstein's make a great slight upgrade over stock and wont break the bank. FYI, do not put the adjustable spring perch on the highest position if you want to maintain alignment specs.

Thanks for that advice. That's exactly want I'm wanting...a slight upgrade over stock without affecting lift or alignment. I'm also think of changing out bushings on tie rods, sway bars, and control arms ..probably with new OEM ones or slightly stronger aftermaket. Any thoughts on bushings swap? Thanks

 

[Yossarian]

Thanks for that advice. That's exactly want I'm wanting...a slight upgrade over stock without affecting lift or alignment. I'm also think of changing out bushings on tie rods, sway bars, and control arms ..probably with new OEM ones or slightly stronger aftermaket. Any thoughts on bushings swap? Thanks

My thoughts, YMMV. The OEM bushings will hold up for a long time on this vehicle, it was built that way. Aftermarket may induce unwanted issues and increased maintenance. Look at the BP51's for example, great upgrade, but they aren't a set it and forget it solution. The Bilstein is designed to be just that, and OEM replacement.

FYI, the lower control arms if sourced new, come with bushings and a ball joint for not that much $$. I've changed both as this is snow country and the lower bushings do seize from corrosion. Easiest thing to do is swap the whole arm, much less of a hassle. This will assist in getting the alignment were it needs to be. HTH.

 

[LCMemphis]

Great suggestions and I do want stay as close to OEM as possible so I'll replace the lower arms as suggested. My vehicle was up north for about 5-6 years and there is some rust, so it all makes sense. Thx

 

[NMNORSSE]

Stock KYB:
Front - KYB (340062) Excel-G Gas Strut ~ $160 each
Rear - KYB (345087) Excel-G Gas Shock ~ $70 each

Bilstein:
Front - B6 4600 (24-214018) ~ $199 each
Rear - B6 4600 (24-269049) ~ $150 each

RockAuto has the Bilsteins today for $170 & $125.

 

[LCMemphis]

RockAuto has the Bilsteins today for $170 & $125.

WOW....thank so much. That's a phenom deal.