Replacing 215k OEM Shocks - New OEM or Bilstein/OME? (1 Viewer)

[Snowrydr01]

I run OEM shocks with OME springs/spacers in the rear and cranked TBs up front - run it as a daily driver and off road a good bit - zero issues. The OEM shocks are comfortable yet firm and were designed to handle this truck on or off the road, they do a great job.

its off topic but what spacers did you use with your stock springs? The wife wants a little lift for the look but i dont want to go dont the full on suspension rabbit hole. its 99% road 1% beach cruiser

 

[crimsonaudio]

its off topic but what spacers did you use with your stock springs? The wife wants a little lift for the look but i dont want to go dont the full on suspension rabbit hole. its 99% road 1% beach cruiser

They're OME springs (865) with Slee spacers.

 

[ad27326]

They're OME springs (865) with Slee spacers.

I just put OEM shocks up front, have them for the rear as well and some 865's. I am worried the additional lift of the 865's will require me to crank the tb's more and have a negative effect on the factory shocks, your opinion? Do you tow, if so how do the 865's do? Thanks!

 

[crimsonaudio]

I just put OEM shocks up front, have them for the rear as well and some 865's. I am worried the additional lift of the 865's will require me to crank the tb's more and have a negative effect on the factory shocks, your opinion? Do you tow, if so how do the 865's do? Thanks!

As I said above, I've got 865s with 1" spacers in the rear, cranked TBs up front, OEM shocks all around. Whether daily driving on the road or weekend trips off road, I'd seen / felt zero evidence that the factory shocks are stressed and I've been running this setup on a and off road for over 30k miles.

 

[CruiseLanderAZ]

I put in Bilsteins a few thousand miles ago and like them. Definitely feel small bumps and expansion joints a little more, but the body roll and spirited driving is much better. Highway driving is great.
Check out 4 wheel parts. I got all 4 with bushings for 279 shipped.

 

[78f150tx]

As I said above, I've got 865s with 1" spacers in the rear, cranked TBs up front, OEM shocks all around. Whether daily driving on the road or weekend trips off road, I'd seen / felt zero evidence that the factory shocks are stressed and I've been running this setup on a and off road for over 30k miles.

Thanks for the details @crimsonaudio What's the load you carry? Are you empty or do you have drawers, fridge etc or a trailer you pull?

 

[crimsonaudio]

Thanks for the details @crimsonaudio What's the load you carry? Are you empty or do you have drawers, fridge etc or a trailer you pull?

As a DD I have the third row seats in, a smallish Dometic fridge, some tools, Slee rear bumper with both swing outs on it (ladder and tire carrier w/ 33" BFG KO and Hi-Lift). When loaded for a camping trip, I probably add another 500-750# or so.

Here's a pic of the truck loaded after a four day camping / offroad trip (top) and unloaded in its DD configuration (bottom):

Almost no towing here, just an occasional pulling of a trailer load of supplied - no offroad towing.

 

[78f150tx]

Thanks @crimsonaudio I appreciate the details and photos. This seals it. I am going oem shocks until my experience proves I need something more.

 

[crimsonaudio]

I can't imagine you'll be disappointed - unless you like to feel like your driving a truck with leaf springs all around, in which case the stiffer shocks might be your cup of tea.

 

[fooldall1]

Good call, I have Close to OEM (Gabriel Ultra) and they're pretty awesome for my purposes- mostly road and some forest roads/light trail.

 

[firewood]

Been doing some reading and think I am going with the same setup @crimsonaudio: (2000 LC 200k) - Rear OME 865, new OEM shocks all around, rear 30mm spacers from Slee, cranked T-bars/aligned.

 

[firewood]

Edit: nm

 

[implayaz9]

Very informative thread. Might follow the advise here

 

[firewood]

I've done some digging regarding OEM shock hardware and was hoping someone could clarify the exact hardware parts & quantity needed.

List from this thread From OME 2.5" to OEM + Spacers - best solution for DD?

Okay, I got my suspension swap done this past weekend and the shock retainer order was pretty easy to figure out once I had an old front and rear shock out. Pictures are rear shock retainers (left) and the front shock retainers (right).View attachment 1430102

Just comparing the size of the rubber bushings that come with the front and rear shocks, you will realize that the front shocks require the 8 larger retainers. The rear shocks require the 8 smaller retainers. From here, you can almost match them up directly with the stock LX retainers. However, the LX retainers do not have circular openings like the LC retainers (at least mine didn't). The top-most and bottom-most retainers for each shock will be flat. If you look at the picture, you'll see that some of the retainers are "cupped" to maintain their position with the truck's shock mounting surfaces. Anyway, here's the retainer order from top to bottom for my pre-March 1999 LX470 (your mileage may vary). I also included where the bushings and shock mounts are located once assembled (for the learning impaired like myself):

REAR:
90948-02173
BUSHING
90948-02173
SHOCK MOUNT
90948-02170
BUSHING
90948-02173​

FRONT:
90948-02174
BUSHING
90948-02176
SHOCK MOUNT
90948-02182
BUSHING
90948-02174​

I will take a wild guess and assume that the post-March 1999 100-series trucks require the additional cupped retainer (this would be part number 90948-02184) for the rear shock that attaches to the top of the shock mount (hope that makes sense). Everything else should be similar.

And this thread From OME 2.5" to OEM + Spacers - best solution for DD?

 

[firewood]

Recommended OEM 2000 LC shocks parts list via Camelback Toyota, placed order today. Thanks a lot @murf

 

[Quick]

I noticed a slight leak on the passenger front, so ended up changing both and stayed with OEM

 

[cj007sd]

2000 Toyota land cruiser with EMU Heavy Duty Coil Springs before we use your 5100 Bilstein shocks. I would like to replace all shocks but if possible a better/softer ride But it seems like the 5100 series has been changed so if you would please find out the correct 5100 or other series that will fit and if possible a soft3r ride even thought it has armor. thank you
Respectfully,
chris johnson
Semper Fi

 

[jimoldguy]

200 series landcruiser: make sure you check that the shutter valves on the KDSS are loose before starting the project. I did not: and developed a lean that could not be fixed. Need a new KDSS. Check out Rusted KDSS forum. Got new shocks, but the car is unsafe sitting at Toyota.

 

[cj007sd]

I have 2000 year model, 100 series and think I will change to Bilstien 4600 or OME 60000 and 60002. and advise or experience. Has heavy coils and lots of added weight. Would like a smoother and softer ride IF THAT is possible. I feel every pot hole now. I need some people who have had one of the two companies installed and if better. 4 OME shocks is about $ 420+/- not sure on price on the Bilstien 4600 model. appreciate and advice or thoughts. thanks!!

 

[cj007sd]

I put in Bilsteins a few thousand miles ago and like them. Definitely feel small bumps and expansion joints a little more, but the body roll and spirited driving is much better. Highway driving is great.
Check out 4 wheel parts. I got all 4 with bushings for 279 shipped.

What model number were your Bilstiens?? 4600 ?? thank you