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What are realistic drop in coil spring replacement options for an 04 DC 4x4?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by scooterprint, Mar 23, 2020.

  1. Mar 23, 2020 at 2:03 AM
    #1
    scooterprint

    scooterprint [OP] Idiot with a wrench

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    Greetings,
    I took my truck in for an alignment, and my caster was pretty far out of spec, and I was told my suspension is wearing out (mostly on the front driver's corner), so I guess It's time to drop some paper on new suspension.

    What are some good choices/realistic options for coilovers on first gens?
    I've seen people say Bilstein 5100s a lot, along with the Toytec Boss coilovers, but I'm curious about alternatives.

    I'd like to move to a LT kit, but I don't exactly have 5 big ones sitting around right now.

    Thanks,
    Jeremy.
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  2. Mar 23, 2020 at 2:17 AM
    #2
    GNTundra

    GNTundra The Notorious Troll Sniper

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  3. Mar 23, 2020 at 4:48 AM
    #3
    imDementeD

    imDementeD New Member

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    There are quite a few options for suspension but if your overall goal is LT in the future, I would get a set of 2.5 coilovers now in anticipation for future setup. Then when you're ready to get the LT kit, you're not buying everything at once.

    Below are the options I am aware of:

    • Bilstein 5100s
    • Bilstein 6112/5160s
    • Old Man Emu
    • Icon
    • Fox
    • King
    • Toyotec
    • Dobinsons springs (usually on 5100 shocks)
    • ADS
    • Rancho

    I went OME and so far happy with the setup. I went with a heavier spring for the steel bumper, future winch, and plates but right now I am definitely sitting about 1" higher at the front (lifted me 4" in the front). I came from KYB shocks (not sure how long they were on) with a spacer lift and the ride quality is significantly improved. I originally intended on coilovers but after more consideration, I realized I am never going to adjust them from the time they are set and I don't know enough about suspension to fine-tune them. Didn't hurt that I was able to purchase my OME setup for almost half the cost of the front coilovers on black friday.

    I don't think you can go wrong with any of the brands listed just depends on your goals and how much you want to spend.
     
    revtune likes this.
  4. Mar 23, 2020 at 4:55 AM
    #4
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    Stock replacement? Get some Monroe quick struts, maybe $200 for a complete shock/spring/mount.

    Next would be 5100s or Eibach leveling $250ish for the shocks, add another $75ish for new top mounts, and whatever time for moving the springs over.

    After that you'd be into complete coilover territory and the only limit is what you want to spend.
     
    Rica25 and revtune like this.
  5. Mar 23, 2020 at 7:10 AM
    #5
    speedtre

    speedtre New Member

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    You've got 210K miles, right? It's likely you need to do significantly more than new shocks (possibilities are LBJ, LCA (maybe UCA) or LCA bushings, tie-rods (inner/outer) . cam bolts etc etc). First, you need to figure out what all needs replacing besides your shocks, decide on a budget and then go from there...like others have posted, plenty of good options for shocks once you know what you want to spend...:thumbsup:
     
    TCMiTundra likes this.
  6. Mar 23, 2020 at 8:14 AM
    #6
    zombie

    zombie Master at Something

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    maxresdefault.jpg rancho-quicklift-strut-pair_7.jpg Coil overs are adjustable, struts are fixed.
     
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  7. Mar 23, 2020 at 8:17 AM
    #7
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

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    If you are going LT (really going, not daydreaming) then get something very budget friendly for now because it won't be transferable to a long travel setup.

    If you're not going to go LT then decide what you really need, and don't buy Fox.
     
  8. Mar 23, 2020 at 8:33 AM
    #8
    JimboSlice413

    JimboSlice413 Super Nice Guy

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    Bilstein 5100/5160 Toyo at2 295/70r18 Ray10 GunMetal
    5100's are nice but they don't come assembled, some of the nicer shocks do. I would compare the cost of install vs popping in a preassembled nicer coilover yourself.
     
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  9. Mar 23, 2020 at 9:40 AM
    #9
    revtune

    revtune New Member

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    2006 Tundra: Stock air intake 3 inch catback Magnaflow 13742 2.5 inch front lift 1.5 inch rear blocks 2014 sr5 4Runner wheels (17x7) 1.5 inch hub centric wheel spacers p285/70/17 Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Weathertech floor liners

    As far as bang for your buck, these 2 options are excellent:
     
    Darkness likes this.
  10. Mar 23, 2020 at 10:24 AM
    #10
    Tundyfundy

    Tundyfundy Petunia The Tundra, and her sidekick Colbie

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    SUSPENSION: Bilstein 6112 coilover (1.9") w/ Powder Coated Springs and Spring Perch (TRD Red), JBA Upper Control Arms, Bilstein 5160's w/Billet Aluminium Reservoir Brackets, +2 Coachbuilder Shackles, Diff Drop Kit, Carrier Bearing Drop Kit, Brakeline Extensions, ABS Extension, Poly Bushings for Leafs, Coachbuilder Shims (2 Each Side), Coachbuilder Bumpstop Extensions, TRD Rear Sway Bar, TRD Front Sway Bar, Air Lift 5000 airbags w jounce bumpers, Daystar Airbag Cradles WHEELS AND TIRES: BF Goodrich KO2's 275/70/r18, BORA wheel spacers 1.25", TRD Wheel Caps,TRD Valve Stem Caps, Spare Tire Lock PERFORMANCE: Bullydog GT Tuner(Performance Tune), TRD Intake, TRD Dual Exhaust (with Modified Exhaust Hangers for Levelling Tail Pipe),TRD Brake Pads, TRD Oil Cap (US), TRD Radiator Cap, TRD Oil Filter, Optima Yellow Top Battery,GP Battery Distribution Blocks, StopTech Slotted Cryo Treated Rotors, Goodridge G-Stop Steel Braided Brake Line Kit PROTECTION: PNP Engineering Type 4 Rock Sliders (With Full Dimple Plate) ,ADD Stealth Fighter Rear Bumper w Red/Blk Shackles and Custom Stomp Pad, TRD Skid Plate with ReadyLift Spacer Kit, Victory 4x4 LCA Skid Plates, JOMAX ABS Sensor Armor, Rear Diff Breather Mod, ARK splash guards INTERIOR: Husky Liners X-Act (Front and Full Coverage Rear and Front Weather Beater Trans Hump), Interior LED Bulbs, WheelSkins Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover(EuroPerf), Clazzio Genuine Leather Seat Covers(BLK/DRK GRYwith custom stitching and embroidered headrests), Clazzio Seat Heaters (Front and Rear), Entune Startup Screen MOD, Entune Off Screen Mod, Tinted Windows with Windshield Visor, AJT Key Fobs,Eagle Claws Floor Mat Clips, Bodyglove Visor Organizer,Custom Door Cup Inserts, Glass Break Sensor,AJT Radio Knobs, Custom Dior Cup Inserts EXTERIOR: Full Debadge, LED Brake Light Bulbs, LED Rear Turns, LED Reverse, LED Plate Lights, LED Cargo Lights, LED Third Brake Lights, LED Front Marker Lights, LED Fog Light Bulbs, Lamin-X Fog Light Covers (Amber),2018 OEM LED Headlights, iHacker harness, VLED Universal Puddle Lights, VLED Interior Footwell Lighting (Front and Rear),VLED Extreme Amber Fornt Turns, NSV Knight Rider Light bar, Baja Designs Sport Squadron Pods in Rear Bumper (Driving/wide), Painted Red Tow-hooks, Bed Rail System, Blind Spot Mirrors, Hitch-safe, Tail-gate lock, EAG Raptor Grille, Custom Grille Badge,Full Vinyl Wrap (Matte Black/Matte Pine Green Mettalic), Charvonia Designs Tie Bed Tie-Downs, Bull Ring Bed Rail Anchors, Line-X, Tundra Bed Mat, Bakflip F1 Bed Cover SOUND: Noico 80Mil Sound Deadening and Noico 170 Mil Thermal Insulation (All 4 Doors, Roof, Floors, Rear Panel, Dash). Hertz Uno K170's Component Speakers (Front Doors with Upgraded Sail Panels), Hertz Uno K170 Coaxial Speakers (Rear Doors), JBL C1-075ct Tweeters (Total 4) in Side Dash and Center Speaker, JBL Stadium 5 Amp w/Remote Bass Adjustment Knob and Amp Rack, 12" Infinity Reference Subwoofer in Custom Enclosure w/ “TUNDRA” Logo, Fast Rings Foam Speaker Rings System(4 Doors), Fix 86 DSP
    Yes also he asked for coil overs and 5100 isnt acoilover. The 6100 is the bilstein coilover for our trucks. I love mine.
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  11. Mar 23, 2020 at 11:31 AM
    #11
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

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    @scooterprint could you take some good pics of your suspension and share? Be sure to get pics of where the shock joins the lower arms, might help us see what you're working
     
    revtune and Rica25 like this.
  12. Mar 23, 2020 at 12:30 PM
    #12
    imDementeD

    imDementeD New Member

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    Definitely a good thing to consider! Some places will offer assembly for a small fee.

     
  13. Mar 25, 2020 at 2:48 AM
    #13
    scooterprint

    scooterprint [OP] Idiot with a wrench

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    Update: I just picked up a set of Rancho Quicklift front lift struts for $389.xx from Autozone. The price was too good to pass up. Worst-case scenario I don't like them and replace them with a better setup later.

    Thanks for all the input guys.

    [​IMG]
     
  14. Mar 25, 2020 at 5:24 AM
    #14
    SC T100

    SC T100 New Member

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    Rancho Quicklift/RS9000XLs, Rancho rear 1.5" blocks with RS9000XL shocks in rear, SuspensionMAXX extended sway bar links.
    I have the Quicklifts, too, and I think they are just really pretty good for the price. I don't do any hardcore offroading and they feel great in everyday driving. I have mine set at 7 or 8 I think (but i have the heaviest beast in the DC 4x4).

    The only time I felt they could be better was when I hit some washboard at 30 mph or so. I felt like at the settings I was running the nose dived like they couldn't rebound fast enough. I don't know if that's normal for all shocks (I hardly ever have to deal with washboard), or if running them softer would remedy the diving and darting I had. But in virtually every other situation they've been great.
     
    scooterprint[OP] likes this.
  15. Mar 25, 2020 at 9:19 AM
    #15
    scooterprint

    scooterprint [OP] Idiot with a wrench

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    We'll see how she goes. My local mechanic is going to install them for $100 out the door.
     
    SC T100[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Apr 2, 2020 at 2:38 AM
    #16
    scooterprint

    scooterprint [OP] Idiot with a wrench

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    Update: Quick lifts are in. Gained about 3 inches over the worn out stockers. It’s about 1/3-1/2 an inch higher in the front. Hopefully it settles a bit and brings it to a near perfect level.

    lifted:
    [​IMG]

    Worn out stock:
    [​IMG]
    (sorry, bad photo. It’s all I had.)
     
  17. Apr 2, 2020 at 4:00 AM
    #17
    Tundyfundy

    Tundyfundy Petunia The Tundra, and her sidekick Colbie

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    Looks great!
     
    imDementeD likes this.
  18. Apr 2, 2020 at 5:22 AM
    #18
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    Looks Great! My Brother's Tundra has the Rancho Quick lifts and I thought they were too soft for my taste. What are your thoughts on the ride quality?
     
  19. Apr 2, 2020 at 7:13 AM
    #19
    scooterprint

    scooterprint [OP] Idiot with a wrench

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    So far it’s just been driven on the pavement and a fairly smooth gravel road.
    They’re set on the middle stiffness setting.
    I really don’t notice much difference from the old ones, meaning they’re a little soft. I may turn them up a click or two and see if it stiffens them up a little.
     
    lsaami[QUOTED] likes this.

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