2004 DC 4x2 Bilstein 5100s

Just purchased some 5100s for the rear, and waiting to hear back on if they still have adjustable 5100 in stock for the front. My trucks current suspension is 100% stock and I would like to keep it as close to that once the 5100s are installed, in hopes of having to not get new aftermarket UCAs etc. Also going to replace the UBJs with OEM.

Question is, based off research I have done online and on this forum I "think" I am safe if I put the notch on either the first notch (stock) or 2nd notch (0.7" lift). I will be keeping the stock springs and replacing the current shock with the 5100.

Plan on renting the ball joint press, strut compressor, and pitman arm puller from local auto parts store.

2004 DC 4x2

 

You don’t need a strut compressor if you support the lower control arm, remove the coil over upper bolt and slowly lower the jack down to relieve pressure on the coil spring.

I’ve done 7 Toyota front coil over / spring swap outs and I’ve never used a spring compressor.

#2 should get you close to a level stance.

Also, it’s easier to pop out the upper ball joint when the knuckle is removed and you’re working on a bench.

Make sure to do lower ball joints as well. Only use factory Toyota.

Also, I’ve never used a pitman arm puller ever on an IFS Toyota. Loosen the castle nuts and the wack it with a 3lb sledge a few times and they pop free.

This is last weekend on the Sequoia.

 

Should be fine.

You could even do 2nd notch/1st notch (or 1st/bottom) to level out lean too.

 

2nd notch should be doable. I could not put it to the third notch with the autozone compressor

 

Thanks for the info, my LBJs were replaced with OEM roughly 15k miles ago so they should be good.

can you walk me through more of how to avoid using the strut compressor? Would I unbolt all 3 on the top and top nut on the shock then relieve pressure on the lower control arm?

 

I think he is thinking of a straight coilover replacement. You need a spring compressor to do 5100’s. The autoZone compressor struggles with truck springs. Being real

 

What do you mean it struggles? Would it be better to take it somewhere and just have them install then?

 

i tried to do one. I could not compress a DC spring enough to get it to clip 3. It felt super dangerous to try and go farther with the autozone tool

 

Also, if your LCA Cam Adjusters aren’t seized, it might’ve a good time to add some anti seize.

You 100% do not need a strut compressor.

Pop out the upper ball joint. Support the lower control arm with a jack, undo the center shock (coil over) nut, then lower the jack.

So much safer than using a spring compressor.

 

What about when you go to re-mount though? How would you compress the spring and get the center coil over but out without first getting the coil compressed.

 

Weight of the truck. There's a you tube video. I'll try to find it.

 

Not the one I was looking for, but will get you there.

https://youtu.be/5E6u7dC7EHg

 

slick method i dig

 

If I go this route would the coil stay bolted in the top hat the entire time? Jack underneath the lower Control arm, loosen center top bolt on shock. Lower jack, take out old shock, insert new shock and get bolt through that connect to lower control arm, raise jack again to apply pressure on coil until I can get center bolt threaded on new shock? Are those steps correct?

 

I would consider replacing the bushing on the top hat since it is so old

 

This is 5100 on #2

 

Stock coils?

 

For the UBJ, get this tool, makes it so much easier because the rental tools don't fit quite right.

 

Yeah all stock other than the 5100s. It’s also 2wd.