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Replacing Front Struts to Level 4Runner

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by natedogg, Jan 2, 2021.

  1. Jan 2, 2021 at 3:00 PM
    #1
    natedogg

    natedogg [OP] New Member

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    I own a 2014 4Runner, and just took it to the shop to get some all terrains in 275/70R17. I am getting my front struts replaced with Bilstein 5100s this week to level it, and then I'm having an alignment done. I was curious if there is a downside (in terms of reliability, comfort, etc.) to just replacing the front struts and not doing the rear shocks as well. I am on a budget, and will probably put a pair of Bilsteins in the rear further down the line.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  2. Jan 2, 2021 at 3:02 PM
    #2
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

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    You should be fine as long as the rears are still good.
     
    Thatbassguy, A&P, glwood54 and 2 others like this.
  3. Jan 2, 2021 at 6:27 PM
    #3
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    I agree.

    I still have the stock shock on the rear of my truck after replacing the front struts with Eibachs 40,000 miles ago.

    The rear end will ride a little softer than if they had Bilsteins in the rear, but I actually like it that way.

    If you end up not liking it, you can always save up and change them out when you're ready.
     
    Thatbassguy, A&P and glwood54 like this.
  4. Jan 3, 2021 at 5:33 AM
    #4
    Agent_Outside

    Agent_Outside A Guy A Girl and A Trail

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    You can go that route, but I personally wouldn’t.

    Bilstein uses digressive valving, whereas stock shocks (and most aftermarket stuff) use progressive valving. They have a different ride characteristics and most people would prefer the front and rear or their vehicle to respond in a similar fashion.

    You can read about the differences here:
    https://accutuneoffroad.com/article...t5FjrUAbGZFEvMiPEo3OwY2tnxrO5_yIaAucUEALw_wcB

    Entry level Bilsteins are cheap, just do all 4
     
  5. Jan 3, 2021 at 7:19 AM
    #5
    Dabigono

    Dabigono Just Joined

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    at $100 a piece, it might not be 'cheap' but affordable to some...
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  6. Jan 3, 2021 at 8:49 AM
    #6
    Agent_Outside

    Agent_Outside A Guy A Girl and A Trail

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    When it’s an unexpected repair needed and you’re short on cash, sure, when you’re choosing to do mods because you want to, there’s really no reason to not come up with the little bit extra to just do it the “right” way.
     
    Dabigono[QUOTED] and Thatbassguy like this.
  7. Jan 3, 2021 at 4:24 PM
    #7
    Lab Hiken

    Lab Hiken New Member

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    I just picked up a set of 5100 for the rear for 171 shipped. I got them from Wheelers OffRoad. Sign up for emails and get a discount on first order.
     
    Agent_Outside likes this.
  8. Jan 3, 2021 at 5:38 PM
    #8
    a47chuck

    a47chuck New Member

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    If you just want to just "level", why not just do a spacer leveling. Budget friendly, too. Ride quality is still pretty well balanced. Just a thought. Good luck.
     
  9. Jan 3, 2021 at 5:42 PM
    #9
    edgesalon

    edgesalon New Member

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    thanks man very informative
     

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