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Warning about bilstein 5160

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Pavo, Nov 29, 2020.

  1. Nov 29, 2020 at 2:54 PM
    #1
    Pavo

    Pavo [OP] New Member

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    One of my 5160s developed a leak, no offroading done except mild fire trails less than 4k miles on them.

    Do a search it's pretty common. I actually regret doing mods, if I can do it over I would have kept it stock except for tires. Even $3,000 kings rust
     
  2. Nov 29, 2020 at 2:56 PM
    #2
    Antman

    Antman New Member

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    2021 4Runner: King Coilovers King rear shocks Camburg UCA’s Spc rear Trail arms Icon 52700 rear springs Icon panhard bar SCS Ray10’s Rci Sliders Rci Full Skids 2022 Tacoma Offroad: King Coilovers King rear shocks Deaver leaf springs Camburg UCA Scs Gen 5 Bamf front hybrid bumper Rci Full Skids Rci Sliders
    Had 5160’s on my taco for 30k+ and no problems. But cool!
     
  3. Nov 29, 2020 at 2:58 PM
    #3
    Pavo

    Pavo [OP] New Member

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    Had them on my taco with no problems too. Search the other 4runner site and tons of guys have issues, guess the ones they make for the 4runner are garbage
     
  4. Nov 29, 2020 at 3:00 PM
    #4
    Mtbpsych

    Mtbpsych New Member

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    Maybe some research before buying something would be beneficial for the future?:notsure:
    I mean even the 4runner frame will rust at some point:popcorn:
     
  5. Nov 29, 2020 at 3:01 PM
    #5
    Pavo

    Pavo [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for your words of wisdom, don't be a fucking smartass
     
    Mtbpsych[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Nov 29, 2020 at 3:44 PM
    #6
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

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    I have all the take offs from my 17 SR5 if you’re interested. They have about 4000 miles on them.
     
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  7. Nov 29, 2020 at 3:53 PM
    #7
    Pavo

    Pavo [OP] New Member

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    Thanks! I still kept all my stock components so im probably gonna go back to stock. I appreciate it though
     
    mrmike7189, Thatbassguy and 7385 like this.
  8. Nov 29, 2020 at 6:47 PM
    #8
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    S/E Wisconsin
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    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    @Pavo I've heard of the 5160's leaking as well. I went 6112/5100 and no leaks after 15K miles and beating them pretty hard on occasion.

    I wouldn't let leaky 5160's turn you off to the aftermarket completely. There are a lot of great products available. Just avoid 5160's and Icon and you should be fine. And, research products extensively before buying.

    However, if you want to go back to stock, there's nothing wrong with it.
     
  9. Nov 29, 2020 at 7:12 PM
    #9
    ThePnsh3r

    ThePnsh3r New Member

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    Cough **** ironman foam cell pro*** cough...
     
  10. Nov 30, 2020 at 4:56 AM
    #10
    EffinNewGuy

    EffinNewGuy Completely clueless

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    That's the set I've been drooling over. I think I'll be in a better position to buy them next year.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  11. Dec 1, 2020 at 3:45 AM
    #11
    DRobs

    DRobs New Member

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    Pinstripes, lots of em. Plus a couple dents.
    I don't have KDSS so I would never go back to that horrible stock suspension.
     
    esavi87 likes this.
  12. Dec 1, 2020 at 5:10 AM
    #12
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    S/E Wisconsin
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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Even with KDSS, there is still nose-dive. The Bilsteins are a huge improvement.
     
  13. Dec 1, 2020 at 8:58 AM
    #13
    koukimonster

    koukimonster DYNO4

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    Bigger A/T LT Tires, Slight Lift, Sliders, Rack, Lights, etc.
    Are you guys talking about nose-dive during off-road driving? Or while stopping on the streets? I never mind the stock suspension on the streets, but wonder how aftermarket may help on the trails. I have noticed that the truck likes to rock back and forth a good bit when modulating the brake pedal down a large obstacle. That said, I'll honestly be upset if my choice of aftermarket suspension is much stiffer because the whole reason I initially purchased the 4Runner was so I could drive over all of these pot holes without care.
     
  14. Dec 1, 2020 at 9:51 AM
    #14
    Huzer21

    Huzer21 New Member

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    I've got about 15k on my 5160s with no leaks. Sometimes shit breaks, sometimes it doesn't. Doesn't mean they ALL do.
     
    Luna Runner, nimby and Thatbassguy like this.
  15. Dec 1, 2020 at 10:07 AM
    #15
    DRobs

    DRobs New Member

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    Pinstripes, lots of em. Plus a couple dents.

    The body roll for on road handling of the stock non-KDSS suspension was my biggest complaint.
    The nosedive isn't as annoying.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  16. Dec 1, 2020 at 10:38 AM
    #16
    Raijinbu

    Raijinbu New Member

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    San Diego
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    Bilstein 6112 front, 5160 rear, Dobinsons 1.5" rear coils, raptor lights, H9 mod, led inside lights.
    6112/5160 combo here with no leaks after about 20K. I do about 20% off road which is not much, but better than none :D
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  17. Dec 1, 2020 at 11:41 AM
    #17
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

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    I had these on a 2014 truck.. saw it a few months back and they were still on it. Had 20k when I sold the truck 5 years ago. As mentioned, most every brand has a lemon or 2
     
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  18. Dec 1, 2020 at 11:46 AM
    #18
    koukimonster

    koukimonster DYNO4

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    Bigger A/T LT Tires, Slight Lift, Sliders, Rack, Lights, etc.
    What's the difference between the 5100's and the 5160's?
     
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  19. Dec 1, 2020 at 11:48 AM
    #19
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    5160's are basically a 5100 with a remote reservoir.
     
    Singleminded likes this.
  20. Dec 1, 2020 at 12:24 PM
    #20
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    nimby and Thatbassguy like this.
  21. May 3, 2021 at 7:40 AM
    #21
    PJSnow

    PJSnow New Member

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    I just wanted to share my experience to maybe help with the statistics. Seems to be more 5160 leak evidence on the other 4Runner forum but I am not able to upload photos there.
    I have a 2018 4Runner TRD Pro with the Bilstein suspension and I found the rear shocks had leaks around 25,000 miles. From my research, the rear TRD Pro shocks are similar (if not identical) to the 5160 shocks. Luckily, these were still covered under warranty and the dealer installed new TRD Pro rear shocks. The 5160 warranty does not appear to be as good (90 days?!?!). Here are a few photos of the leaking shocks before they were replaced:

    IMG_3723.jpg IMG_3724.jpg
     
  22. Jun 21, 2021 at 3:40 PM
    #22
    catus

    catus New Member

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    My LR 5160 is leaking badly. Actually, it's probably not leaking any more based on the oil stain on the driveway. I'll take it to the shop tomorrow to see what's next. Less than 20k miles/2 years old. The other three are still OK.
     
  23. Jun 21, 2021 at 3:48 PM
    #23
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    S/E Wisconsin
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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    That sucks! This issue is why I have 5100's in back rather than 5160's. I wish Bilstein made a rear shock comparable to the 6112.
     
    catus[QUOTED] and Singleminded like this.
  24. Jun 21, 2021 at 4:08 PM
    #24
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    Don't those use old school twin tube design while every other "premium" off road shock company uses a monotube?

    Trying to figure out what makes the Iron Man lift special. I like Iron Man stuff, I just don't get the suspension.
     
  25. Jun 21, 2021 at 5:37 PM
    #25
    ThePnsh3r

    ThePnsh3r New Member

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    they have great product description on their website. Plenty of folks have been running their suspension with absolutely zero issues and Ironman offers unmatched warranty. I no longer own a 4runner, but if I ever decide to lift my GX460 I will absolutely only consider ironman.
     
  26. Jun 22, 2021 at 1:11 PM
    #26
    catus

    catus New Member

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    Replaced by RSG under warranty! The culprit:

    [​IMG]
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.

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