4Runner Bilstein 5100 Front Shock Install

In this video I do a complete front shock install of the Bilstein 5100s including removal of old shock, rebuild of new shock with compressor and installation. Please use these instructions at your own risk.
Link to Bilstein 5100 Rear Shocks Install:
• 4Runner Bilstein 5100 ...
Use Coupon Code "MikeC" for 10% off your order at Bilsteinlifts.com
BilsteinLifts.com Homepage:
www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/to...
Link to Bilstein 5100s:
www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/to...
Torque Specs: Front Suspension
Front shock absorber with coil spring x Chassis frame: 47
Front shock absorber with coil spring x Tube: 18
Front shock absorber control tube bracket x Chassis frame: 21
Front shock absorber x Front support to front shock absorber nut: 18
Lower suspension arm Shock absorber: 70
Skid control sensor wire clamp x upper arm: 9
Upper arm x Steering knuckle: 82
Skid control sensor wire clamp x Steering knuckle: 9
Upper arm x Chassis frame: 85
Wire harness Bracket: 71
Lower suspension arm x Chassis frame: 129
Lower suspension arm x Front lower ball joint attachment: 103
Steering knuckle x Front lower ball joint attachment: 118
Lower suspension arm x Front shock absorber: 70
Front stabilizer cylinder x Chassis frame: 96
Front stabilizer cylinder x NO. I front stabilizer control tube: 33
Frame apron seal bracket x Chassis frame: 21
Front stabilizer cylinder tube bracket x Chassis frame: 21
Stabilizer bar link x Chassis frame: 103
Stabilizer bar link x Front stabilizer lower bracket: 30
Front stabilizer cylinder x Front stabilizer lower bracket: 30
Lower suspension arm Front stabilizer end bracket: 55
Front suspension member brace x Chassis frame: 22
Stabilizer bar x Stabilizer bar link: 52
Stabilizer bar x Stabilizer bracket:64
Steering knuckle x Stabilizer bar link: 52
Front NO. I stabilizer bracket Chassis frame: 36
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#Toyota4Runner #5thGen4Runner #Bilstein5100s #ytmikec

[@909Thumper909]

Absolutely stellar instructional. You went through and explained every little step. Thank you soooo much for doing this!!!

[@wickedcrypto6004]

Great video dude thank you for taking your time in explain. Perhaps the best video on Bilstein 5100

[@danchirpich8592]

Appreciate the video Mike! I'll be doing the same job soon, and don't feel I need to research the job any more (short of looking up torque specs). Your video alone covered enough to bring me up to speed. Thanks!

[@Planetcat2071]

Just did this on my 2022 4Runner. Great upgrade and your vid helped me through it. I had a shop and lift to use, so big props to you for filming on your garage floor.

[@jderek0007]

Mike- Thanks so much for this video! I am in the same boat as you as this is my family vehicle as well as my sometimes trail rider (mostly for fishing holes). I went with the same option stated here. It's subtle yet changes the profile and gives me the support of upgraded shocks. The video is so well detailed I had the confidence to go at it. Thanks again and I hope to see more 4 runner videos in the future!

[@nickjohnson4835]

Did you notice an improvement with the nosedive when breaking hard?

[@slor008]

With no experience, I was able to do this following your video. Thank you!!!

[@starbridges7887]

Thank you Mike! Just got my 2019 4Runner upgraded with these and man, what a difference! Your video made it possible. Thank you.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Glad I could help!

[@chadspinalbosd007]

Literally the best, love how you went into detail !

[@DrivenCompanion]

I appreciate that!

[@mrleewong1]

Thank you Mike for these wonderful and amazing videos.

[@jdwacht]

Mike, thank you so much! I feel confident I can do this myself once my bilsteins arrive tomorrow.

[@DrivenCompanion]

You can do it!

[@raymondruz9634]

How did it go?

[@ecrissman]

Watched a lot of other videos, but this was by far the most helpful. My first real diy mechanical project. Feels good to save $4-500 on labor, and now have all the tools for future work.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Glad it helped!

[@melodydelacruz5850]

@@DrivenCompanion will this system work on my 2015 Toyota 4Runner limited xreas system

[@truth1007]

Best video with all the information I needed, I was a bit weary about assembling the shocks myself, now I'm pretty sure I can do this.

[@DrivenCompanion]

You can do it! Good luck!

[@5G4R]

Best 5100s 4runner install video! Gonna do a set on mine tomorrow!

[@americanmade422]

That dust guard protects the struts hydraulic seals. If you get sand or dirt in that, you'll be replacing it early. Great video!! I just ordered ironman 4x4 stage 1s for my 5th gen.

[@onemanzu]

Thanks for this. Complete and informative enough to give me everything I needed to remove the xreas on mine and install 5100s

[@Ryan-rn8gk]

I did the same with my limited model last weekend. Did you price the xreas replacement with OE parts? $$$

[@hinklej2]

@@Ryan-rn8gk What part numbers did you use? Bilstein website says they don't fit Limited

[@elichristenbury1668]

Incredible video. Could not be happier watching another video with someone so humble yet so knowledgeable. You literally covered every possible question someone could have. Most you tubers would make this a 5 min video and not give any informative tips. Thank you so much!

[@yotaforlife8408]

I'm gonna be doing this install next weekend at my buddy's shop for my wife's 4runner looking forward to feeling the ride difference

[@DrivenCompanion]

Good luck!

[@nouchang2609]

Such clean and crisp explanation

[@michael184272]

Very well done... Interesting and informative.. Thanks for sharing

[@ryansullivan6484]

Thanks Mike I’ve watched this video several times waiting for my Bilstein shocks to arrive. I went with Wheelers lift springs pre assembled shocks to eliminate compressing the coils. Going to install this weekend with the help of this great instruction. 2017 SR5

[@DrivenCompanion]

Awesome, good luck with the install!

[@JamesCardenasMyinsuranceguy]

How did it go?

[@ryansullivan6484]

@@JamesCardenasMyinsuranceguy great! Did it by myself in my garage with hand tools in 8 hours all in with breaks and cleanup. 4Runner looks and rides so much better.

[@shawndaoust3250]

What “setting” did you use for the front height? How level did things shake out? About to do this on my wife’s 2017 SR5.

[@dixy2k]

Thanks for the ring explanation. Now I know why my 4Runner stands about an inch higher than it should.

[@FloridaSunMitochondria]

Outstanding video and explanation! Bravo!!

[@leocadena6844]

This was a badass instruction video, THANK YOU!!

[@maxtinni]

Thank you so much for the tips. You got me in on my shocks replacement 👍

[@chrisfort7340]

Excellent video, job well done! I'm installing these on my 2007 FJ and I especially appreciate your trick with lowering the lower control arm. That looks much better than disconnecting the upper ball joint. Thank you sir!!!

[@marcoperez4712]

Thanks Mike for this video, followed it to replace the leaking xreas shocks and struts on my wife's 2016 limited. Went ahead and pulled out all the x-reas lines and set the front at 2.5 and added a 1" spacer in rear. I'm running 285 55r 20 bfg all terrains on the stock wheels with no rubbing at full turn. Awesome instructional video.

[@Silas12347]

Going to be putting these on my 2016 limited aswell, you notice any major differences in the ride quality without the X Reas brother?

[@marcoperez4712]

@joshuacox4629 After installation of the 5100s it rides a little more stiff on road but not very noticeable and slightly more body roll on turns than the xreas. Replacing the leaking xreas system with new oem components is pricey so I went this route. Something to consider, at 2.5 lift in front I do have slightly visible positive camber and slight positive caster that's not visibly noticeable but is confirmed by alignment spec sheet. The alignment was done right so I don't have any uneven wear on the tires. The lower settings on the 5100s would help with the positive camber and caster but you would need a shorter tire. Hope this helps.

[@brendanclark81]

Just want to thank you for such a straightforward, informative video. I watched it a couple weeks ago and my sons and I followed along as we lifted my wife's '20 4Runner. Everything went exactly as planned and took much less time thanks to this video. Much appreciated!

[@lofinplay9267]

How long did it take you guys?

[@brendanclark81]

​@@lofinplay9267 it was about a 6 hour process for us. 1 hour to remove the front struts 30 min to drop struts at shop for spring transfer 2 hours to lift rear with new shocks and 1" Cornfed spacers 30 min to pick up the struts from the shop 1 hour to reinstall front struts 1 hour to remove front mud flaps and trim 1"x8" triangle off front bumper cover to clear 285/70/17 tires We set the front at 1.75" and have 17x8.5" 0 offset wheels and they clear fine after trimming.

[@lofinplay9267]

@@brendanclark81 thanks!

[@titotobias8009]

Great video. Thanks! Subscribed!

[@goaheadskinit]

Thanks bro these videos are very informative.

[@anoldfriend3901]

That was awesome dude thanks.

[@BrianSmith-jv5od]

Thank you for the specs!!!

[@Terrysoddy]

Very nice clear informative video. Thanks

[@pog4life89]

Just got mine in the mail. Glad you made this video. Wish I would of seen your discount code before I ordered my lifts lol.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Good luck with the install!

[@julianvandersteen2303]

@Mike C successfully completed a 5100 install on my 4th gen with the help of your videos. Removing those lower ball joint bolts and loosening the lower control arm really was what made it a smooth, easy process. I originally tried disconnecting the tie rods to give clearance for the struts but your method made everything easier. Thanks a bunch 👍🏻

[@DrivenCompanion]

Glad I could help! Congrats on doing it yourself!

[@anthonyaustin8621]

I wished you would have stated that the first washer you put on came out of the plastic dust cover! Lol. I got mine assembled and then realized that. Had to disassemble and do over. Thanks for the video it was very helpful.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Sorry!

[@babaki1]

this looks so easy by removing the bottom control arm. every other video i have seen, they are removing the sway bar, ball joints, upper control arms, etc. this is so much easier

[@andrewjaudon2968]

Mike C thank you very much for taking the time and making this video. I enjoyed watching it and learned I could do this myself. A huge difference.Ride quality and looks. Put the adj ring one step above factory height. still have to do the rear shocks. I have third row seating and with fully loaded I wonder if the back will have reverse rake? Also the hardest part of this was trying to put the wheel back on after install. I had local shop assemble the strut assembly. I did not disconnect sway bar, but I’m 4X2. Again thank you Mike! Great video. Keep them coming.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Mine's got the 3rd row as well. I might have gone one more clip otherwise but glad I only went up one step.

[@TechCrazy]

Awesome video. Its like a reference for changing struts for anyone trying to attempt this. But around @22:50 I did see like a oil/grease smear on the upper control arm ball joint.

[@jeffgoldsmith1679]

Nice work!

[@michaelwas8549]

Nice vid from a novice instead of a seasoned vet who blazes through it saying how SIMPLE it is!👍

[@PatTheRiot]

lmfao @ the toxic father tutorial. "Cmon just do it its easy" *video cuts to end* "See I was able to pull it off in 8 hours piece of cake" *shows end results for 10 mins*

[@peterciarroni8920]

Excellent video

[@MrBillagordon]

Great video!! Thank you

[@Sora_Digital]

Great detailed video! I wish this was out when I did my runner. I put the spring holder on upside-down! SMH. My front end had about 6" lift.

[@thedolt9215]

Excellent step by step my man! I wish all KZbin instructional videos were so straightforward, without all the crappy music and weird introductions.

[@CarnutMM]

Looks like the perfect 👌 height. That’s what it should have been factory. Even with the stock rims and tires it looks good.

[@brandonlee3892]

I’m installing some Bilstein 5100s this weekend on my 2016 4runner sr5 premium. I’m gonna set them on the third setting and one inch cornfed spacers in the back. I’m excited to work on a vehicle that isn’t rusty for once

[@brandonlee3892]

In a few months I’ll put some sortve Bilstein shocks on the rear and probably go with different coils on all 4 corners.

[@TheOutdoorProfessor416]

Mike C - Awesome video. I have a 2019 4runner TRD Off Road and will be changing out to Bilsteins. But, PLEASE, wear eye protection - especially around compressed springs!!

[@AndreyNabutovsky]

Hi there! first of all thank you for install video.I have a question. Since i was gonna use pro comp lift kit 2" rear and 3" front.Do i still need to adjust front shoks to get vehicle leveled and lifted?

[@AR-pm9nv]

2 words. Work. Bench. Your back will thank you later in life.😉

[@danielcarr05dc]

I have this setup with leaf spring helpers in the rear...somewere in the neighborhood of 4" lift..on my 09 TRD offroad extra cab

[@iwishiwasdakwanc4626]

Wishing you had a frontier so I could copy step by step! lol

[@nimam81]

Excellent video! Where did you find torque specs for the bolts?

[@jigworx6020]

Hi Mike, do you think I can follow this tutorial for a gx470? I like the way you break it down!

[@francop854]

Just Installed my 5100 shocks today on our 2020 4runner trd premium, I hated the sloppiness and softness of the original suspension, when we stopped hard it felt like the truck was going to run the front bumper on the asphalt. But with this set up, man what a diference toyota should have used this shocks!!. I lifted the front on the third notch, 1.75" to make it level with the rear. I recommend this set up for anyone!

[@TheRealAMR-]

where can we see a pic of your setup?

[@scottrempel7243]

I thought that the 3rd notch (1.75) would be too much and give a nose up reverse rake. You say that’s the setting to make it level?

[@lerrin]

just got my fronts... rears are backordered, but i did notice one thing... the spacer, by the looks of it is now integrated into the dust boot... just a heads up, great vid!

[@AndreyNabutovsky]

Hey ,Mike! Thx for great explanation! i have a question.If i am installing 6112 bilstein kit along with 5160 for the rear and 2" coils from Icon,how many inches i should go in front and on the rear in order to be level and fit 33s? thank you ahead!

[@DrivenCompanion]

Fitting 33s is a complex question. At a zero offset you may need new UCAs and some trimming and with a negative offset you're probably looking at a body mount chop. First step would be the lift and see what else is needed... You'll probably want to go to the 5 or 6 clip on driver side and 3 or 4 clip on passenger. You'll also need a spacer or new coils for the rear to go with the 5160s

[@AndreyNabutovsky]

@@DrivenCompanion thx brother!

[@wolfeadventures]

Great video have you had any issues with the rubber boot sliding down the shock body? Mine seem to constantly fall down and get pushed to the bottom.

[@abmcd9381]

How long did this entire install take for the front? Thanks for providing this tutorial!

[@thesteve625]

Hey Mike. When you installed your 5100 on your 4Runner, did you get any warning lights on the dash afterwards? I did the same setup on my 2016 4Runner Trail and I get the ABS, slip, 4wd and multi terrian lights on. I have my setup at Front .85" and Rear 0".

[@111MediaMT]

Just curious what the difference with the install would be if there is a KDSS system on the 4runner? Doesn't look like it's on your SR5. Great video!

[@napadriver4372]

Hello, where did get the washer that going inside?? did it come with the suspension?

[@markcooper2391]

Nice job, can you please tell me what spring compressor you used?

[@evansx4entertainment175]

Bilstein 5100 shocks and Old man Emu 885 springs what rung do you use for 3 " lift?

[@chasejavaux3864]

Did you install the axel drop spacer when you installed the lift?

[@dave1096]

To avoid the use of those spring compressors I left the upper strut mount in place and removed the center strut nut then lowered the lower control arm as you did but this allowed me to decompress the spring in a controlled manner.

[@israelrodriguez6986]

Did you remove the bottom 19mm bolt too, or did you leave it and remove it after lowering the lower control arm?

[@vettepwr23]

Nice video. Not sure if I missed it, but why did you move the clip up one setting if you are still using the stock springs? Just to remove the factory rack? A bit confused on how lift a shock can achieve on its own without a different spring.

[@mpbell02]

Do you have a list of torque specs for the bolts used? I’ve found a list of torque specs online but I’m not familiar with the naming convention for each of these bolts.

[@Lowballgineer]

I have 2019 Limited Nightshade and I’m looking to do the same thing in this video. Do I have to remove xrease? Should I have any issues ?

[@snuffcan]

Hey, great video. I’m curious if loosening the LCA cam bolts completely threw your alignment out.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Maybe but I got an alignment after the lift anyway.

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

Are we thinking some mid strength locktite would be good?

[@acihawaii]

What do you mean by the rear shock travel to lift the vehicle. Get up to 2 inches from the travel when there is no adjustments on rear shocks? RR 2004 taco aka old truck with original shocks

[@domenickpalumbo3419]

Just curious going up one notch one the front like you did would you say that it leveled the front to the back even space between tire and fender on front and back or would you say going to the third notch would level truck

[@justme_2020]

Since you did not add a spacer on the driver front, do you still have the driver side lean? A 2024 has a full inch of driver front lean with a tank of gas and a driver.

[@mooch91]

How do you torque that top bolt if you always need to hold the shaft of the shock to tighten it? Thanks.

[@genecarrie1359]

Very helpful videos.. I did my rear shocks from your video and will be doing the front ones here tomorrow 12/18/22. What are the torque specs once all back installed? That was the only part I didn't hear you mention. Thanks for the helpful tutorials!!

[@genecarrie1359]

Nevermind...I did not look fully thru your description!! Thank you very much for these details!!

[@SummitBidTech]

Does this installation apply to 5th Gen 4Runners with KDSS? I have a 2011 4Runner Trail Edition with KDSS. I ask because the video is on an SR5 without KDSS which may or may not make any difference.

[@MelodiousGroan]

I had little silver discs fall out in the 2 rear 12mm bolts of my skid plate…where do those go?

[@joshbordo]

Hey Mike, you are the reason I just purchased the front bilstein 5100 shocks for my 2017 sr5 4runner, my question is what height adjustment should I do to match the stock rear height?! Thank you

[@DrivenCompanion]

I'd go second clip as I did in the video if you want it level with the rear

[@Coops12241]

Did you notice a difference in the springs between the two sides? Did one have more coils than the other by chance?

[@ejshelby5460]

with this much raise, would you suggest replacing the upper control arms?

[@corykoesdibyo8551]

Mike C, great video and very informative - thanks! I was recently given a set of these for my 5th gen 4R but they are missing the small washer mentioned in 11:00. It looks like the OEM cap will still sit on the ledge of the shock but am curious if the washer is required? Thanks!

[@DrivenCompanion]

I think it would be wise to include the washer. I'm sure you can find a replacement part at a hardware or auto parts store.

[@barmbru]

Just picked up a set and the washers are built into the dust cover.

[@mmnelson22]

Was the clip location the same on both sides or was the driver side different?

[@Psilocy-ben]

Great video thanks for sharing. What size is that pass through wrench at 9:15 for removing the top hats? Can you do it without one?

[@DrivenCompanion]

I believe that's 17" on the top. And you will need either the pass through or a crescent wrench. Adjustable may work as well. Socket won't because you need to be able to prevent the rod from spinning.

[@Psilocy-ben]

@@DrivenCompanion Thanks for the reply. Okay cool, I will just use a crescent wrench as I don't have a pass through. Have you ever tried replacing the front shocks without using a spring compressor, and instead keeping it mounted and using the weight of the truck and a jack instead? I've seen a couple videos and wondered if it may be a safer way of doing it.

[@thuey8101]

Great video! Can you share where you located the torque specs for the suspension bolts. I'll need those to complete the job. Thanks

[@thuey8101]

Disregard. Just found it. trail4runner.com/2020/06/17/5th-gen-4runner-torque-specs/

[@juanchernandez3640]

I’m sorry at what height did you set the clip to make it level? I didn’t catch that.

[@petermorrell7436]

I saw other vids that used thread locker. Your thoughts?

[@ejshelby5460]

did you do alignment afterwards?

[@jpmulli]

I am assuming that a wheel alignment would be in order after installation?

[@ramboollie8115]

Next time put block under your jack stand if you don’t have the next size taller and make sure all the vehicles weight is on your stands also . Hey I’m like you work one my stuff by myself ain’t nobody around to lift that Car off you if it falls I had a really close call one time almost dropped a car on my chest . Be safe out there we need you making more videos man.

[@conspearaseaX29er]

Rambo Ollie I always put my wheels under the vehicle low point as well so it falls on them.....just some extra piece of mind

[@rabbitwranglerrabbitry6265]

Hello, I am in the process of doing this change over. I have bought the 2nd lift springs so I need to figure out which ring will give me the level and lift in the front. Do you know what the answer this is? I am thinking 1.75” ring

[@dannyh998]

Hello Mike, I love the way the 4runner is coming along. I was curious about the alignment process...what were the caster numbers and if you get any wandering on the highway. Also is it necessary for upper controls arms to get to factory spec on the alignment.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Hey Danny, Unfortunately I don't have those numbers. I took the vehicle to a shop to have the alignment done.

[@michaelbohanon8137]

@@DrivenCompanion just did the 5100s front and rear on my 5th gen. 2nd slot on fronts, stock rear ht. Caster stayed same but camber tipped in about 3 or 4 degrees on mine to accommodate the slight lift. YRMV. .. I also dropped m tire pressure from 65/60 to 45/40 to suck up some of that new shock stiffness (Ironman All Country E rated tires)

[@teddynaicker2997]

Nicely done! 4runner looks awesome leveled out. How do you like the ride quality compared to the stock suspension?

[@DrivenCompanion]

I like it. Just a tad stiffer and feels less floaty now.

[@HWCollectorDino]

@@DrivenCompanion Is less floaty a good thing in terms of ride comfort?

[@STILLPHENOM]

Hows the ride? I got my 5100 as well… thinking of going 2 inch front and go 1 inch at the back with cornfed. Im getting curious on the ride. The reason im lifting is because I got 275/70/17 on 18 limited. Thanks!!

[@Tom-ej8bb]

Somehow my phone switched video so my comment was on another video ha. Any way was wondering if the lift will require replacing needle bearings like on the Tacoma due to vibration?? Thanks for the great video!!

[@DrivenCompanion]

I didn't need to do the needle bearing on the 4Runner although I only went up less than an inch. I lifted my FJ 2.2 inches as well and no issues there either.

[@jonathantuchez6376]

I understand that the first position is stock height, the next is under an inch… my question is, isn’t the front roughly 2 inches lower than the rear from factory? Did it level your car or you still kept a 1 inch drop/rake?

[@nathanstephens1985]

Where do you find the torque specs for all of the nuts and bolts? Did you use a torque wrench to tighten everything to spec?

[@thuey8101]

Did you ever figure out the torque specs for this job? I'm getting ready to do this but I have no idea about torque specs.

[@jackvang87]

Incredibly helpful video, thank you! To all my 20+ owners, are there any additional electronic wires I should be aware of?

[@runnin4runner993]

21 owner here i don’t think so but let me know if you find any

[@marcoperez4712]

Abs wire, use a pic or small screwdriver to unplug. Remove the small bracket attached to spindle that is holding the abs wire and zip tie it away to a higher location. This prevents damaging the wire and over extending it when you lower the control arm. You run the risk of having abs light come on if you damage it and will need to replaced or repaired.

[@Jg3030]

After installing the front 5100’s I have lights on my dash. abs, brake, 4wd (green flashing), slip assist (driving on level street but downshifts as if I’m downhill), and the steering wheel lights on but turns off when out of park. Anyone know why this is happening?! And I did undo the abs sensor before installing the shocks and double checked their connection after. Thanks!

[@toddriberdy8057]

Did you get an alignment after the install of all four Bilstein's? If so, how long after they were installed did you get them aligned? Thanks, keep the knowledge flowing......

[@DrivenCompanion]

I waited a few days to make sure I was happy with the height and then got an alignment done.

[@GrayV1318]

Hello Mike, Do you have new coupon code?