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Considering Bilstein 5160s?

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Stones, Jun 12, 2025 at 6:29 PM.

  1. Jun 12, 2025 at 6:29 PM
    #1
    Stones

    Stones [OP] New Member

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    Dennis
    Grand Rapids MI
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    Researching shocks I was led to believe Bilstein 5160s were a good choice and that issues with leaks had been addressed by the manufacturer. Not true. The warranty claim process with Shock Surplus has been a days long nightmare. Can anyone recommend a quality shock from a reputable supplier?upload_2025-6-12_21-28-28.jpg
     
  2. Jun 12, 2025 at 6:58 PM
    #2
    HuskyMike

    HuskyMike New Member

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    How many miles on them?
     
    kolter45 likes this.
  3. Jun 12, 2025 at 7:02 PM
    #3
    Airdam

    Airdam New Member

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    A lotta folks go with the Bilsteins
    A lotta folks love the Bilsteins
    I personally have had quite a few leak over the years. I have since switched to Eibach and while they may not have the same comfort and street manners of an OEM shock, they seem to hold up well.
     
    CygnusX-4 likes this.
  4. Jun 12, 2025 at 7:13 PM
    #4
    Stones

    Stones [OP] New Member

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    About 3,000. Put them on in February.
     
  5. Jun 12, 2025 at 7:29 PM
    #5
    Airdam

    Airdam New Member

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    wow that looks awful for 3000 miles
    those puppies have been leaking since day 1
     
  6. Jun 12, 2025 at 7:35 PM
    #6
    BLKNBLU

    BLKNBLU New Member

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    If you're at 2 in or less lift you can stay with the stockers.
     
  7. Jun 12, 2025 at 9:47 PM
    #7
    HuskyMike

    HuskyMike New Member

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    Ugh... that's not good. Think I have about 20,000 on mine. So far so good, but I'll keep an eye on them.
     
  8. Jun 12, 2025 at 11:03 PM
    #8
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    Why didn't you install the anti-rotation washer/pins?
     
  9. Jun 13, 2025 at 5:04 AM
    #9
    Stones

    Stones [OP] New Member

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    Huh?
     
  10. Jun 13, 2025 at 12:22 PM
    #10
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    There is supposed to be a pin and washer to prevent the shock from rotating. This is what it looks like looking up from the bottom.

    20250613_122127.jpg
     
  11. Jun 13, 2025 at 8:28 PM
    #11
    Stones

    Stones [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the pic. I was totally unaware. I had these put on by a local guy who works on 4runners and Tacomas. Good guy and seemed quite competent. He's an Ironman distributor so I don't know how many Bilsteins he installs. I'll take a look tomorrow. Not going to submit a warranty claim if it's leaking from improper installation. May have to buy a new one, the other looks fine. May have to see if I can get hardware for the other side.

    I appreciate the heads up.
     
    PVT Pablo likes this.
  12. Jun 14, 2025 at 6:20 AM
    #12
    TrailSpecial22

    TrailSpecial22 Still here…

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    Adam
    Chester County, PA
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    2022 Trail Special Edition Lunar Rock
    2” lift Bilstein 6112 w/600 lb coils front, 1.5” lift Eibach T13 coils rear, Bilstein 5100 rear shocks, TRD skidplate, TRD stainless catback w/black TRD side exhaust, TRD shifter handle, Weathertech bug deflector, 20% tint front, LED door bulbs, 285/70/17 Falken WP AT3, Energy Suspension front bumpstops, SSO Slimline Bumper w/ Badland Shackles, Durobumps 4.25” rear
    i have 5100s in the rear of my 2011 (70k on shocks) & 2022 (50k on shocks) with no leaks. Im always suspect of those remote reservoir shocks regardless of brand.
     
  13. Jun 14, 2025 at 6:21 AM
    #13
    TrailSpecial22

    TrailSpecial22 Still here…

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    2022 Trail Special Edition Lunar Rock
    2” lift Bilstein 6112 w/600 lb coils front, 1.5” lift Eibach T13 coils rear, Bilstein 5100 rear shocks, TRD skidplate, TRD stainless catback w/black TRD side exhaust, TRD shifter handle, Weathertech bug deflector, 20% tint front, LED door bulbs, 285/70/17 Falken WP AT3, Energy Suspension front bumpstops, SSO Slimline Bumper w/ Badland Shackles, Durobumps 4.25” rear
    probably the reason why they leaked from pulling and twisting on that line.
     

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