Bilstein 5100 Shocks - FJ Cruiser & Prado 120

[pikkewyn Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pikkewyn]

Good day everyone,

I'm looking at a Bilstein 5100 suspension for my PRado, but would like to know if the shocks from a 2012 FJ Cruiser would be compatible?

The shocks I'm looking at are:

Front: model 24-196499 (collapsed 17.57'', Extended 22.48'') - series 5100, adjustable
Rear: model 33-187174 (collapsed 14.91'', Extended 23.50'') - series 5100

I've come across a catalog online and it seems the rear shocks will fit, as they will fit the FJ Cruiser year '06 up to '12. I believe then it will be compatible with the Prado 120 GXL also??

If anyone has more info on these it will be greatly appreciated..!
Henno

[DJD120GXL Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DJD120GXL]

I have just ordered a set from Downsouth motorsports and after a good deal of research the models I ordered are:

Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks
05+Toyota Tacoma '07-09 FJ Cruiser & '03-09 4-Runner Front 5100 Pre-Load
Adjustable Shocks
*-TA-BE5-C475-H1/24-186711
2 90.00 180.00T
Bilstein 5100 Series Rear Shocks for
Rear Toyota FJ with 0" to 2.0" Lift
and '03-'14 4-Runner
*-TA-BE5-E703-H0/33-187174

you might want to check the front part number, also amts has installed these on the front of his, so maybe check his build.

Also check the suspension database thread

[Guest Close Guest]

For the front struts, the 24-186711 has a shorter collapsed length which is closer to the factory shocks. This is better so that you don't bottom out on the shock but on the bumpstops.

Here's the Suspension Database thread http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...nsion-Database

[pikkewyn Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pikkewyn]

Cool thanks - the catalog I found also indicated the front shocks model 24-186711 you have above. The collapsed and extended lengths differ slightly, so I guess the newer FJ uses a slightly different shock:

24-186711 - COL: 17.03, EXT:22.56 ('07 - '09 FJ)
24-196499 - COL: 17.57, EXT:22.48 ('10 on FJ)

Our Prado's seem to be in the older FJ's grouping...

Will check with amts thanks

[Guest Close Guest]

24-186711 - COL: 17.03, EXT:22.56 ('07 - '09 FJ)
24-196499 - COL: 17.57, EXT:22.48 ('10 on FJ)

Our Prado's seem to be in the older FJ's grouping...

Yes that's right. Stick with the 24-186711.

[pikkewyn Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pikkewyn]

For the front struts, the 24-186711 has a shorter collapsed length which is closer to the factory shocks. This is better so that you don't bottom out on the shock but on the bumpstops.

Here's the Suspension Database thread http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...nsion-Database

Great, thanks amts - so you are saying the 24-196499 will fit but not ideal due to the shock bottom out? IS there a way to adjust the bumpstop position or spacer it so that bottom out occurs on the stop?

[pikkewyn Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pikkewyn]

On a slightly different note - I have an ARB bar fitted (deluxe bar - heavy winch compatible one, but no winch)...would the 24-186711's still be tho ones to go for and would I need to look at replacing the stock coils when doing the shock upgrade?

[DJD120GXL Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close DJD120GXL]

I think amts is saying if you use the smaller shock it will run out of length before you reach the bump-stops, it sounds to me like you could move the bump-stop or enlarge it but you would be essentially shortening your articulation. a bit counter productive in a "lift" situation. correct me if im wrong

[pikkewyn Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pikkewyn]

Yea I suppose - I could get a set of the shorter ones new off-hand for cheap, but like you say counter productive so probably not the way to go...!

Thanks guys

[Guest Close Guest]

Yes, what dj said.

The shocks don't carry weight, the coils do. So you might want to consider changing the front coils due to the bullbar. What are the front and rear suspension heights now? Measure from bottom of rim to top of wheel arch through the center of the rim/hub.

[pikkewyn Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pikkewyn]

I did the measurements and just didn't get around to posting them here...this is what they are:

FL: 740mm
FR: 735mm
RL: 765mm
RR: 765mm

From the suspension measurements thread, it seems the 740mm is pretty much in line with what can be expected, 735 may be sagging there just a bit..?

Cheers,
Henno

[Guest Close Guest]

I did the measurements and just didn't get around to posting them here...this is what they are:

FL: 740mm
FR: 735mm
RL: 765mm
RR: 765mm

From the suspension measurements thread, it seems the 740mm is pretty much in line with what can be expected, 735 may be sagging there just a bit..?

Cheers,
Henno

Your front to rear height difference (i.e. rake) looks ideal. Are you after a lift or staying at standard height?

[pikkewyn Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close pikkewyn]

Great, thanks! I'm probably going to stay at standard, for the time being anyway...