Should I upgrade to Bilstein 5100s or get new stock TRD shocks?

I’m replacing my shocks soon and trying to decide which of the two I should get. I currently have the yellow/blue TRD OR shocks and I’m sure it’s never been replaced. The stock shocks ride smooth and has held up quite well but it’s time to change them out.

 

5100 lifts the front. You either want that or your should get 4600/oem

 

I've heard that 5100s and 4600s have a little firmer damping, too... though "seat of the pants" opinions like that could be in error. If you want a soft ride, maybe see if you can find take-offs.

Also note that if your shocks are worn out, your springs may be also. Plus, it cost a lot of money for labor to have them replaced... so IMO it makes sense to make sure you get what you want and need. Maybe an Eibach kit with springs would make sense.

 

What about the rear? I don’t mind the lift if it could be the same for front and back

 

5100 have pre assemble, just have to tell them which height clip you want, and pay little more for springs and top mounts. I got lift shackle for my rear, it keep the factory ride

 

The rear has a little over 2" greater height than the front at stock. If you set the 5100s on the middle clip you'll still have a little rake. You can lift the rear with blocks, leafs, or shackles if you want.

 

Keep in mind if you plan on adding any weight to the front. I went with 5100's for my Frontier. Not on yet. I don't plan on adding any weight up front. I'll set them accordingly. I'm almost level now with TuwaPro rack setup. In my case I will probably set them at zero lift for now. I can always change that. My SV has OEM shocks up front. They need to disappear. I have Nismo Bilstein 5160 resi's out back.

 

4600 and 5100s will ride the same too

 

Yep. Pretty much the same except for adjustability with the 5100's.

 

My experience.

Rode the 4600s from new to 5000 miles. They were fine but wanted to level a bit.

Installed 5100s all around. They were slightly stiffer and slightly more harsh than the 4600s. I would guess that is partly due to preloading the front spring when leveling. I used the second notch…1.5 inches of lift.

Recently at 33,000 miles I switched to 6112/5160s. Fronts are set at second notch…1.3 inches of lift. After riding on them for a couple of weeks, I’d say they are 10% less firm (only slightly) and 1/2 to 2/3 less harsh than the 5100s. They ride very nice.

Side note, I do run trd sway bars front and back and have since new.