Installing Bilstein 4600 shocks on my First Gen Tundra

Hey everyone, in this video I am replacing the old and tired shocks in my 2002 Tundra with a fresh set of Bilstein 4600s. The install is pretty straightforward and I made sure to document every step of the way. Of course, if you have any questions, please ask them in the comments and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Also, let me know your thoughts on my decision to go with these over the Bilstein 5100 series with a legit lift using OME springs and new top hats! I'll address all of your comments in the next video! Hope you find the video helpful, and thanks for watching! - Sal
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Bilstein 4600 shocks: amzn.to/3QoH27b
Punch set: amzn.to/3DJWUcN
Spring compressor: amzn.to/3OMdIX5
00:00 - Intro
00:54 - “Before” clips / Getting set up
02:01 - Removing front shocks
04:31 - Front shock disassembly
06:10 - Bilstein 4600 assembly
08:02 - Re-installing front shocks
10:41 - Removing rear shocks
13:10 - Re-installing rear shocks
15:55 - Final thoughts / Outro

[@wdll253]

Great video! What makes your video stand out to me is how brutally honest you were about breaking that bolt! Obviously you did not need to reveal that mistake but by sharing and being honest you may have saved a viewer that frustration! Awesome job, keep it up! You have good charisma! Thanks!

[@Steve-um5mm]

Some advice on the rear shock installation. I would recommend flipping the top washer over, despite the instructions. The way it is now that outer lip will give you less contact between the wrench and the nut in an already tight spot. Especially years down the road when you replace them, and are fighting dirt and corrosion on the stud's threads. Flipped over, the washer wont hit anything because the bushing wont compress far enough. On the bottom mount if the shock has to be hammered in,use your adjustable wrench to slightly spread the mount open. Once you tighten the bolt it will bend the mount back.

[@JDMDriveway]

Great info, thanks for sharing!

[@garrett_m_m]

Another great video. Haven't needed to change my shocks yet, but this will be super helpful when I do.

[@JDMDriveway]

Glad to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@Big_E_Cheese]

Love the honesty in these videos as well as the tips and tricks. Gj my friend, great video

[@JDMDriveway]

Glad to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@GermanCarguy]

Nice job! There is nothing more satisfying then driving around the block and enjoying the feel of those new shocks, I am sure. :D

[@JDMDriveway]

Yup you know it, it definitely feels a ton better. Thanks for watching!

[@joedominick7517]

I ENJOYED THE DETAIL OF YOUR VIDEO. NICE JOB

[@JDMDriveway]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@208Tyler]

Great Video! Very detailed and thorough!

[@JDMDriveway]

I appreciate it Tyler! Glad to see your channel has been crushing it lately, thanks for watching!

[@jackrosen1740]

I'm doing this literally tomorrow! What a great video, I'm sure it will be super helpful!

[@JDMDriveway]

Perfect timing, hope the install went well. Thanks for watching!

[@darylhaack7752]

Great video Sal. Thanks for being honest. We all appreciate that. Cheers

[@JDMDriveway]

Glad to hear it Daryl, thanks for watching

[@JKelly-rh3sn]

Awesome video Sal! Your teaching us like ChrisFix now!

[@JDMDriveway]

Lol I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@WGK69]

Best video I’ve found on those struts that front bottom bolt of giving me trouble. Thanks.

[@JDMDriveway]

Awesome, glad to hear it. Thanks for watching

[@frfrpr]

Excellent video. Informative and well-filmed. Thanks. Your truck sounded good. Putting these shocks on my 04 GX 470

[@JDMDriveway]

Glad to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@jasonkimble8926]

Nice upgrade

[@JDMDriveway]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mrmojo170]

Hey Sal! Last week I stumbled across your page looking for Tundra vids for interior light replacement. I’ve got an ‘02 TRD Supercharged w/ 117,000 miles. She needs a little TLC. But, she’s getting more beautiful every month! Glad I found ya!! Past 10yrs I’ve only used mine to haul our boat a couple weekends every summer, and for fun driving when we get heavy snow (Equally as fun driving in snow as going to the lake!) Getting ready to upgrade my radio to one of the Atoto’s this weekend. That’s really gonna help backing up to the trailer. Next project after that is shocks. After all her hard work, It’s about time I treat her. Can’t thank you enough for your time putting these vids together!

[@JDMDriveway]

Man you've got a sweet truck there with the supercharger! Best of luck with the upgrades, and thanks for watching!

[@bassamabdelnabi3117]

Thanks so much. Great job. I pray for God to reward you for sharing this

[@JDMDriveway]

Thanks for watching!

[@danilolanzas1]

Great job! Thanks for sharing

[@JDMDriveway]

Of course, thanks for watching!

[@luisarteaga9219]

I recently had the joy of replacing my rear. I sawed off the bold off. Real pain. I had a lil rust since the truck was near the coast

[@JDMDriveway]

Ah bummer, at least it's behind you now! Lol thanks for watching

[@phxamigo]

Taking the spare out makes things a lot easier!!!

[@JDMDriveway]

Dang I didn't even think about that, it would definitely help for that drivers side one! Thanks for the tip, and thanks for watching!

[@timmymorg392]

Great video. I ended up purchasing assembled front shocks with new springs for my 06DC from 1stgenoffroad so I did not have to install the front shock into the springs and deal with that hassle. 1stgenoffroad was great to deal with and super helpful on the phone. I was surprised that I did the front in about 1.5-2 hours and the rear about the same. My frame is probably a little rustier than yours too. When you get your DC it might be worth spending a few extra bucks to get them assembled with new springs. Thanks for the vid Sal.

[@JDMDriveway]

That was honestly my mindset. For this truck I would go with the simple shock replacement, and on the next truck do a better, more legit lift from 1stgenoffroad. Thanks for watching!

[@BoneStack117]

I'll probably doing this on my tundra in the near future. I have the Monroe quick struts on there that are like 1 year old and the bushings are already getting work out; they use crap bushings on those kits but the struts and springs themselves seem fine.

[@JDMDriveway]

Yeah, unfortunately the bushings can go pretty quickly and contribute just as much to a poor ride. Thanks for watching!

[@JoseRamirez-kb9yn]

Nice video sal, I wanted to ask if you had to trim off the studs on you shocks for the leveling kit

[@JDMDriveway]

Yep, I did unfortunately. I used an angle grinder and it went pretty smoothly but is kinda irreversible if you ever want to go back to stock suspension. Thanks for watching!

[@loicsheppard6018]

Wow these videos are awesome and motivate me to take on some projects on my 03 tundra ! In the last 4 years of owning mine I've only done a full front brake job and frequent oil changes. But now it's been sitting for a month since I heard some noise only to discover my driver side lower ball joint holding on one bolt 😅. The other 3 were lost in my travels I guess 🤣 and I'm extremely lucky it didn't fail completely.

[@JDMDriveway]

Holy crap, I'd definitely say you got very lucky! Haha glad to hear the videos are helpful, thanks for watching!

[@MrPenobe]

Always torque things like that. I'm sure it wasn't you, but some people get scared to tighten bolts. I just bought a truck and the whole drivers size was finger tight. Sway links, ball joints & outer Tie Rod. Surprised i made it back, didn't think to check that till be got it back. Moral of the story... Check closely! never trust someone's work who doesn't have experience.

[@loicsheppard6018]

@@MrPenobe Couldn't agree more ! With the help of some youtube videos and JDM driveway's motivation I replaced my failing lower ball joint. Gonna do the other side as prevention soon and I torqued everything back to spec. Glad your newly bought truck didn't fail on you on the way home!

[@MrPenobe]

@@loicsheppard6018 its a clean frame and body 1st Gen tundra. They don't die, they only get temporarily slowed down 😂. But yeah glad those parts didn't let go in the way back for sure.

[@loicsheppard6018]

@@MrPenobe Great purchase 😃, it will just run and run forever !

[@braixeninfection6312]

I found for the rear shocks removing the spare tire made it much easier. Then I had more room to sit under the truck and find the nut on the top.

[@JDMDriveway]

That's a great tip, I didn't even think about that. Thanks for watching!

[@davidward8578]

Nice video.

[@JDMDriveway]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisser3657]

Nice truck! Nice video! Thanks!

[@JDMDriveway]

I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@diegoisaza7337]

Gracias por tu video muy bueno

[@JDMDriveway]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@narwhal7642]

Thank You!!! Doing my 2005 , at 116k . Very helpful. 2 questions: 1) where did you get 4600’s ( and I need spring, hat. .. 2) is Miog questionable? What ball joints would you recommend?

[@JDMDriveway]

I bought the 4600s on Amazon because they had the best prices when I was shopping around (the link is above in the description), and they should have the springs and top hats there too. If not, RockAuto should have you covered for the OEM stuff like that. Moog is only questionable for the Lower Ball Joints, there has been a ton of discussion about why they fail and the resounding solution is to stick with OEM. They aren't crazy expensive and your local dealer should be able to get them easily. 208Tyler did a great video about ball joints recently that I would recommend you check out. Thanks for watching kzbin.info/www/bejne/inTdlH6cit6Zma8si=mALEOnoTvOONoGvC

[@jackpualder1522]

Want to come over and work on ours? It just seems it would be easier that way. Great video as usual

[@JDMDriveway]

lol I think I'm busy enough trying to keep up with my own truck's maintenance. Thanks for watching

[@Joelromero1987]

Great video bro. Have you had any issues with the lower ball joints? just happened to me 😢 Big mess.. From what I see is very common, it would be great if You can make a video obout it

[@JDMDriveway]

Dang, sorry to hear that man. I have not, but they were replaced shortly before I bought the truck so I was pretty good there. 208Tyler actually just made an awesome video explaining the ball joint failure so I'll send you over to his channel for that. Thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/inTdlH6cit6Zma8

[@lanceguinn9807]

thanks... pulled this video up to discern the upper mount assembly..... My 5100's have the same hardware.... and zero insight on the instructions on how to install!?! all I needed was a pic and zero words... like Egyptian hieroglyphics or Aztec??? lol Pic is worth a thousand words!! thankfully I have a clean (Idaho 1 owner) with zero rust.... disassembled everything with a little PB blaster.... even if I know how to run a torch and tings of that sort!! bought this 02 Tundra a month ago from a wholesaler and the car Fax told me it was a 1 owner from Boise Idaho... likely an old guy who didn't mind doing home maintenance... had the timing belt done at 215k at the Dealership.... (yes!! ) now has 225k. The original hitch has zero wear... and also has original windshield. And the interior is really in great shape aside from the driver armrest... So far I've done an oil change, yesterday!, and this week I've cleaned out the coolant with a simple I like the idea of a 2wd because it show that the owner doesn't or didn't indulge in heavy off-road... and actually the rear shocks still feel great!! Just felt like buying a full set of Bilstein 5100's and I'm I know I will never replace the rears ever!! Fun fact for 2UZ motor owners (aka 4.7) probably the best motor Toyota ever put out and it actually is built to an aviation specification!! so 1uz and 2uz and 3uz motors from Toyota all have this aviation endorsement.... absolutely fascinating... having said that RollsRoyce also makes aviation motors extensively!! would I buy a Rolls? probably not... but it does come down to motors being well maintained!! So hold on to your truck.... it will probably out last you or at least fossil fuels.... lol

[@JDMDriveway]

That's great to hear, and glad to hear you found a solid truck! Can't argue with Toyota reliability. Thanks for watching!

[@apergiel]

Nice. My experience. Rear shock top nut. I used 2 large vice grips to hold the chrome piston rod, used a cheater pipe on them to turn. Held top nut with ratcheting swivel box wrench held in place with zip ties. Cranked on & retightened vice grips several/many times till the right nut sheared off top of piston, the left amazingly finally unscrewed. The correct way would have been to use a air chisel to cut the top of the piston shock/or-nut. I didnt have a air chisel.

[@JDMDriveway]

Those are great tips! Thanks for watching!

[@jasonp1947]

Thanks for the video and helping all us 1st gen Tundra owners keep em' on the road. Quick question. Did you find you had all the hardware needed to do the job from Bilstein or did you have to buy mounting hardware? Thinking about doing this myself and it appears everything is supplied granted the upper mounts are in good shape. Thanks

[@JDMDriveway]

Yeah I found that everything I needed either came off the truck and was re-used or came in the kit with the shocks. It didn't require an additional trip to the store or anything. Hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@russw7266]

Great video, thanks for posting. What do you think about the 4600s now that you've had time to drive on them for a while? Deciding between those and the 5100s.

[@JDMDriveway]

I think they feel good, I haven't had a chance to compare them to 5100s but the 4600 are compliant and sturdy on the street. Thanks for watching!

[@zelepuza3518]

Do you think the chrome style bumper will fit on the later 1st gen tundras? I got an 05 and I’ve been wanting to put one of those steel bumpers from the earlier models on it. I haven’t found much online about it.

[@JDMDriveway]

I'm not sure tbh, I haven't had a chance to look at the mounting situation for the DC. My gut tells me that it probably won't fit, but hopefully someone else could chime in who had maybe tried it before. Thanks for watching!

[@zelepuza3518]

@@JDMDriveway oh I got a access cab. I’m just not sure if the mounting is different on the 05-06 access cabs since they got plastic bumpers

[@JDMDriveway]

Oh shoot sorry, yeah I'm still not sure man. Wish I could help ya out.

[@Chris72401]

Great install video. And in case you've never heard this, you favor Stifler from American Pie :D

[@JDMDriveway]

lol I hadn't heard that one before. Thanks for watching!

[@antrinh5525]

what muffler are u using? it sounds really good, enough omp but not anoying loud.

[@JDMDriveway]

For sure, I love this exhaust. It's the MBRP system, and I made a video on it here. Thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z57SnpqJhpaeg9k

[@2wheeled76]

Thanks for sharing! For anyone interested, the “TRD” package on first gen Tundras consisted of factory 4600 shocks- so you’ve just leveled up a model! What size leveling spacers are you using?

[@JDMDriveway]

I've got a 2" leveling spacer from supreme suspensions. Thanks for watching!

[@javiermelendez9400]

have you had any issues with the lower ball joints giving out?

[@JDMDriveway]

Nope fortunately I haven't had any issues. Knock on wood, but I just try to lift the front end up and do some simple checks every 20k miles or so. From what I've heard, you should be able to see them getting loose if you monitor it on a regular basis. Thanks for watching!

[@manubisbee1]

Are there any tricks to how to align the top hat to the bottom mount? You said to make sure you do that, but how?

[@JDMDriveway]

Honestly, not really. I took a picture of what it looked like before and then tried to match it with the new shock, but it still took a little bit of trial and error to get it perfect. Maybe someone else will have a good tip to get it perfect off the bat

[@manubisbee1]

@@JDMDriveway right even with a photo it was off so had to redo it 4 times to match up. Idk why it’s not discussed more. There must be a trick that the pros use.

[@MrPenobe]

Those leveling kits ruin the front end part quickly. It's the cheap way of doing it sure, but it's going to cost you in the long run. I just bought one from a guy who put a cheap lift in and he was going through front end parts left and right and didn't know enough to fix the issues. I bought it, 04 Tundra double cab, Brand new frame and zero rust, amazing for a Maine vehicle. I put it completely back to stock and it's perfect.. Runs and drives as smooth as the day it rolled off the assembly line.

[@JDMDriveway]

Gotcha, i appreciate the input man. Thanks for watching!

[@allenduncan1944]

Rear shock replacement a total pain in the a$$. I have an 06 double cab rust free Florida truck, there is zero room to access that top nut. Like your videos, good content.

[@JDMDriveway]

Yup, as a fellow Florida truck owner it was really nice to handle those upper nuts without needing to deal with any rust. Thanks for watching!

[@allenduncan1944]

@@JDMDriveway I have seen some real nightmare videos of some of the Tundras up north, you pretty much need a torch to work on it. Keep up the great videos. You have addressed a lot of the same issues I have been dealing with. I bought mine new in 06 and have no plans on replacing it.

[@birdvlogs3633]

Does your upper ball joint hit the spring when you go off a bump??? With those spacers on my truck it was making a “clunk” sound when I went over a speed bump at around 8 mph

[@TandyTerrison]

My truck had them and they definitely caused bonding issues. Spacers really are not the proper way to achieve a lift.

[@johnathonsensing8162]

Spacers are only good up to 2 inches anything over that and you will start to run into problems

[@JDMDriveway]

I haven't noticed any binding issues, but I do have a subtle rattle/clang coming from just the drivers side when I hit a pothole. I thought it was the sway bar endlink, but after replacing it the sound is still there so I'm wondering if the UBJ is hitting the spring and causing the sound. Maybe I'll need to get a GoPro up in there to see. Thanks for watching

[@johnathonsensing8162]

@@JDMDriveway Try checking your spring Orientation. I found blogs talking about the springs cut has to rotated towards the frame for it to clear probably from the UCA

[@falcon8553]

I replaced my 2016 Sierra with 4600 and it was a change from the oem shocks

[@JDMDriveway]

It's cool that they offer these shocks for so many variations of trucks. Hope it was an improvement for you! Thanks for watching

[@pilotoblackbird433]

Hey Sal, I'm installing the same shocks you got on my 02 RWD tundra, and everything is going smooth but the 4600 front shock lower coil spring holder, the one with the little ramp. My spring does not just slip into the holder, any advice? 6:48 is the exact part I'm talking about.

[@JDMDriveway]

Huh, that's weird... I can't think of why it wouldn't fit in there smoothly. Any idea if you had an aftermarket spring installed? I know some people put other springs from Tacomas or whatnot on their truck which may be a different size. Other than that, I'm sorry. I can't think of why it wouldn't just sit in place. Best of luck with it, I hope its an easy fix for you.

[@davem8898]

Looks like you have a trd off-road package as I do on my ‘06. Did you hunt for the specific trd versions or just put on regular 4600’s? Do you have the part numbers of the shocks you used? Are you happy with the ride and handling so far? Are right and left the same on each set? Thanks for any info

[@JDMDriveway]

I didn't hunt for any specific TRD versions of the shocks. The part numbers are 24-185387 and 24-185394. I'm very happy with the ride and handling so far, and the left and right sides are identical. Thanks for watching!

[@davem8898]

@@JDMDrivewaythank you sir 😊

[@noegarcia522]

What are the tire sizes of your truck?

[@JDMDriveway]

They're 265/75r16. I've got this other video going into more detail on the setup. Thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXWVdYxjj9pnapo

[@noegarcia522]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@73SDR]

Was there a reason that you didn't unbolt the top of the front struts first instead of fighting with the lower bolt that was under tension? Seems like you could have avoided messing with the lower ball-joint that way.

[@JDMDriveway]

Unbolting the upper mounts wouldn't solve that issue because everything is still under compression so you can't really just slide it out. I see what you're saying, but if you get under the truck to do it yourself you'll see why that doesn't work. Hope this makes sense. Thanks for watching!

[@Charlyy.g]

Are these the struts that come from the factory ? Billstein 4600. Would you recommend doing them I have a 2001 tundra also been looking at KYB BRAND

[@JDMDriveway]

Yep, as far as I understand these were the stock option that came with the TRD package on the first gen trucks. They've been good so far, but 5100s offer more adjustment and a lot of people recommend those too. Thanks for watching

[@gringoreno]

My06 Ted 4x4 came with bilestiens

[@JDMDriveway]

I believe it was the factory spec for the TRD trim, so that makes sense. Thanks for watching!

[@MCDubaree]

when he pulled up the moog box😂😂

[@JDMDriveway]

Lol I thought you guys would appreciate that. Thanks for watching!

[@toyotatech7749]

Would The KYB brand shocks/ strut...been a good choice for daily driver????

[@JDMDriveway]

They probably would have been a solid option as well, but I just opted to go with the tried and true bilsteins. Thanks for watching!

[@noahlinden9002]

I’ve heard running spacers is not good for the suspension. I have a tow package 2001 and used 1.5in spacers (looks like you have 1in spacers)…. And 1 year later my upper ball joints are torn and I can see the grease has come out onto the springs. Is this correlated or a coincidence? I plan on doing 5100s and maybe using their adjustable level setting and ditching the spacers. But then maybe I need longer upper control arms to avoid upper ball joint boots failing again. Any knowledge on how this all ties together?

[@JDMDriveway]

I've heard the same thing, but it doesn't really make sense to me because running a bigger spring and shock setup should put the rest of the suspension geometry at the same angles as if you used a spacer right? The suspension is set up for the stock ride height and any time you adjust that, things probably aren't gonna be too happy. Aftermarket UCAs are popular to account for a lift, but I haven't done them myself. Thanks for watching!

[@noahlinden9002]

@@JDMDriveway yup after leaving that comment with a bunch of research I’ve found essentially if you want to lift your truck more than 1in without running into issues… you need after market UCAs

[@zncuentertainment712]

Is it possible to not disconnect the sway bar end link when changing out the front shocks?

[@JDMDriveway]

I mean it might be, but it's gonna be a whole lot harder. You need to press that LCA down so far to install the shock and having it connected will make it significantly more difficult. Just my 2¢. Thanks for watching!

[@bviflyboy]

Nice video but I noticed that you mistakenly put on the top washer on the rear shock on the reverse side.. the curved side needs to be up facing the nut.

[@JDMDriveway]

It might make sense to do it that way but I was pretty careful to follow the instructions and have the washer facing the right orientation according to Bilstein. Not sure why they say to do it that way, but I trust them I guess lol. Thanks for watching!

[@bbqbandit3453]

You need an alignment now that you have screwed with the front suspension. I spent $600 on the replacement of my Bilstein 5100’s money well spent with the alignment.

[@JDMDriveway]

I did go get an alignment after finishing this install, I agree that it's necessary after adjusting any suspension geometry, thanks for watching!

[@alabama2uz]

Those things last forever.

[@JDMDriveway]

I sure hope so! Liking them so far, thanks for watching

[@hectorrequeno6995]

will the rear shocks work with a 2 inch rear lift ?

[@JDMDriveway]

You know, that's a great question. I'm honestly not sure. My first instinct is to say yes, but I would do a little more research before pulling the trigger. Thanks for watching

[@frankb9175]

Has your truck been shaking or vibrating when driving? Asking because i have sequoia and it does that but no one knows whats it is some say shocks others just say idk

[@JDMDriveway]

Some common sources are tires out of balance, driveshaft slop from a worn carrier bearing, and a bad alignment. I'd start there and then look into shocks or other bushings after that. Thanks for watching!

[@Jerri001]

Maybe check front brake calipers not binding

[@ritarooevans1897]

From someone who sprung on the 5100s, they stiffened it way up. But otherwise it still rides like shit

[@JDMDriveway]

Lol I think there's a bunch of factors that go into ride quality like other bushings and stuff. Thanks for sharing your input on the 5100s, and thanks for watching!

[@Joelromero1987]

What leveling kit you have bro?

[@Joelromero1987]

Is it a 2" ?

[@JDMDriveway]

Yep it's a simple 2" leveling spacer from supreme suspensions. Thanks for watching

[@MartinDorphins]

Full droop is the best droop

[@JDMDriveway]

lol you know it! Thanks for watching

[@Graphicalfob]

How hard would this be for a complete noob?

[@TheLotroNerd]

5100 set is only a $100 jump with adjustability

[@JDMDriveway]

Yeah, I was concerned that using the stock shocks with 5100s on a higher setting would cause a really stiff ride, so that's why I opted for these. Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to drive a truck with that setup to compare. Thanks for watching!

[@tacticalant3841]

Your wedding band needs to come off when doing this kind of work. Good way to loose a finger.

[@JDMDriveway]

Yeah, I should be better about that. Thanks for the heads up

[@monkeyking-self-proclaimed7050]

Lol. You did a great job i d i o t ! One thing to keep in mind is to never face the direction towards you should it come out or if the compressor ever breaks. Never had that happen but I have had stuff similar popped out. Don't underestimate the force of anything compressed. Good think I was super careful. Stay safe!

[@JDMDriveway]

Yeah I'm definitely a bit naive to the potential hazard of the compressed spring. Fortunately nothing bad happened 👍🏼