Bilstein 5100 First Impressions (installed on 2024 Tacoma TRD Off-Road)

[Yotota]

Surprised the 5100s are an upgrade from the red external resevoir bilsteins on the TRD OR. Glad to hear they are working out!

Depending on your preferences and driving style, they are or they aren't.

The 5100s will have firmer damping at ride height. The Taco TRD OR ESCV shocks firm up substantially halfway through the travel to be firmer than 5100s, with more bottoming resistance. The vast majority of people who say their TRD OR Taco "bottoms out" are actually feeling that mid travel ESCV "tap". And at least on my truck, that feeling softens once the shocks break in.

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[JayTech]

Surprised the 5100s are an upgrade from the red external resevoir bilsteins on the TRD OR. Glad to hear they are working out!

External reservoirs don't necessarily mean better dampers, they just have the potential to handle cooling of the fluid inside them better during more strenuous use. The valving internally which determines the flow rate(which in turn determines how soft or stiff they are) under both compression and rebound could be far superior on the 5100s vs the stock OR dampers. The external reservoirs on the OEM shocks just means they might be able to last longer before getting serious suspension fatigue during off roading.

 

[828findadventure]

Here is how I set up my 21 Tundra with 5100s. The same but not the same. I set my 5100s at the top notch for the most lift of 2.5". Since I had the tow package, the truck had an extreme rake for towing. The top notch leveled it out and looked great. Since I did haul stuff in the bed and had a topper, I needed something to keep it level when full. I went with Fire Stone Air Bags, and they did the trick. Note: I did not use blocks in the rear, just 5100s, so I needed the bags. The ride quality with OE springs will not change regardless of which notch you choose on the 5100s. If you add a stronger spring, like the Old Man Emu made for heavy bumpers, or adding a winch, you will see a ride quality difference. Just throwing some information out there.

 

[shuo]

Any updates? I’m getting ready to install 5100s on my 2026 OR. Thinking first ring 1” setting to maintain a rake.

 

[TacoBirdinNW]

Any updates? I’m getting ready to install 5100s on my 2026 OR. Thinking first ring 1” setting to maintain a rake.

1st setting put me level. Gave 1.5" total. Had to add 1/2 inch rear spacer and ended up going 1" rear spacer before switching to overland springs. Remember if you use the wheel wells to level you'll be nose high. Slide under there on flat ground and measure from ground to the front of the cab/rocker, and ground to the rear of the cab/rocker.

This is long bed, 1st clip, 1/2 inch rear spacer:

1st clip, 1" rear spacer:

 

[Arena]

I installed 5100s and am a fan. Mine are set on the 4th setting. Little over 2 inches. I also installed Dobinson’s 819s in the rear. I have run 5100s for a quarter million miles on previous rigs without any issues, so they’ve definitely treated me well.

 

[TacoBirdinNW]

I installed 5100s and am a fan. Mine are set on the 4th setting. Little over 2 inches. I also installed Dobinson’s 819s in the rear. I have run 5100s for a quarter million miles on previous rigs without any issues, so they’ve definitely treated me well.

Dude I love my 5100s. They ride awesome. IF one breaks they're cheap. And they don't have a bunch of dumb breakable parts. I was considering saving up for kings but just had a bearing take a shit on my expensive King end links at 1500 miles, then the customer service rep told me Toyotas suck I'll stick with my 5100s lol (icon overland springs in the rear)

 

[Arena]

Agree completely! Bilstein 5100s represent a darn good value. Sweet truck ya got there!

 

[shuo]

I installed 5100s and am a fan. Mine are set on the 4th setting. Little over 2 inches. I also installed Dobinson’s 819s in the rear. I have run 5100s for a quarter million miles on previous rigs without any issues, so they’ve definitely treated me well.

Are those stock tires?

 

[Arena]

Yeah, stock Goodyears. Gonna run them bald before putting a new larger set on. Funny thing I got a flat on one driving home from the dealership all on paved roads by running over a piece of gravel in my TRD Off Road edition pickup. Thought that was ironic.

 

[shuo]

I’ll post install pics. Actually I don’t even have the truck yet . Suppose to take delivery Friday and I already have a garage full of mods including the 5100s. It’ll probably have less than 200 mi on the odometer when I pull the shocks

 

[Arena]

Ha. I hear ya. Well don’t waste your time trying to sell the takeoff shocks. I listed all four for $100 and couldn’t believe the number of Facebook marketplace no shows and “do you still have it” messages. Eventually I just took them down. Not worth the hassle. Have fun with the new truck!

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