Author Topic: BILSTEINS??? (Read 2528 times)

SLIVER · « **on:** Jul 13, 2007, 10:14:10 AM »

I am lifting my 85 4runner, I will be using the MC 4" springs in front and the 5" ones in the back. My ? is this, Can I run the 14 inch bilsteins in the back or will the 12" ones be ok. I called Marlin and the guy said that I could run the 14" in the front with the tall shock hoops, but could not run the 14" ones in the back, he said that I would have to cut holes in my floor for the top shock mount. The reason that I am questioning their advice is because on Big Mikes buildup he switched from the 12" to the 14". I want the most articulation that I can get and don't want my shocks to be the limiting factor of flex. Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

))--SLIVER-->

89toy · « **Reply #1 on:** Jul 13, 2007, 11:19:33 AM »

nice...I have the same question!

MiniSimp · « **Reply #2 on:** Jul 13, 2007, 11:23:56 AM »

What you need to do is flex out your truck with out shocks, then measure the extended side and the compressed side and determine what shocks will work best for you.

You will need the compressed lenght of the shock eye to eye, and the extended length of the shock eye to eye.

Easiest way is to make a fake shock (out of wood or something simple) and have 2 versions, one at compressed length, one at extended length, then all you have to do is hold it up to your axle when flexed out.

SLIVER · « **Reply #3 on:** Jul 13, 2007, 11:52:18 AM »

My only problem with that MiniSimp is that I am ordering the marlin lift kit and need to specify what shocks I want upon ordering.
If I already had the springs I would take your advice, thanks for the reply.

))--SLIVER-->

MiniSimp · « **Reply #4 on:** Jul 13, 2007, 11:53:33 AM »

Since Mike is running the 4" lift with 14" shocks, I would think that would be your combo right there.

89toy · « **Reply #5 on:** Jul 13, 2007, 11:59:24 AM »

I am running the 4" all-pro...I will take the shocks off and see what I can get; after I get the trunion bearings fixed

I think I have the 12 and would also like to go to the 14...we'll see what happens.

Hottrod81 · « **Reply #6 on:** Jul 13, 2007, 12:15:25 PM »

I have 14" Bilsteins on my 4Runner in the back and they work fine as long as they are mounted /\.

Volcom · « **Reply #7 on:** Jul 13, 2007, 12:34:44 PM »

Quote from: Hottrod81 on Jul 13, 2007, 12:15:25 PM

I have 14" Bilsteins on my 4Runner in the back and they work fine as long as they are mounted /\.

I've got 4" springs on mine and 12" shocks. Even mounted like this /\, they still almost bottom out. I've got quite a bit of flex. If I wanted to run 14" shocks, I'd have to cut holes in the floor and run them vertical.

Hottrod81 · « **Reply #8 on:** Jul 13, 2007, 12:50:11 PM »

I have the marlin 4" springs. The key is to not put the shock mounts on top of the axle, but on the back to get a few extra inches.

SLIVER · « **Reply #9 on:** Jul 13, 2007, 02:10:47 PM »

VOLCOM, do you have any body lift?? I have a 1", not that that is much more than stock, just wondering??

))--SLIVER-->

Hottrod81 · « **Reply #10 on:** Jul 13, 2007, 04:45:11 PM »

I don't have a BL with my USA Bett springs. There is a difference from mine to Volcoms. He is running TG springs and they are very similar to the old MC import springs. I am not bashing on them, but they do not hold their form like USA springs and maybe that is why he cannot run the 14" Bilsteins. My dad has had some of the import springs on his 4Runner for less than a year, and they are already flattening out. I have had my USA's for about 3 years and they continue to hold their shape.

SLIVER · « **Reply #11 on:** Jul 14, 2007, 08:29:34 AM »

Thanks hotrod, I feel like I can get the 14"ers to work I will get those all around.
Thanks for all the help fella's

))--SLIVER-->

TrikeKid · « **Reply #12 on:** Jul 15, 2007, 12:15:29 PM »

Quote from: Hottrod81 on Jul 13, 2007, 12:50:11 PM

I have the marlin 4" springs. The key is to not put the shock mounts on top of the axle, but on the back to get a few extra inches.

Wish I could have done this, I've only got 4-5 inches of up travel at both ends of the truck with 14" shocks (5" all pro front springs, F150 rears, marlin hoops and sky rear bar). Seriously thinking about finding someone to swap me for 12's before I go setting up my bump stops.

Volcom · « **Reply #13 on:** Jul 17, 2007, 10:36:00 AM »

You probably could get 14's under the rear if you mounted the shocks off of the side of the axle like Hottrod81 has said. My rear springs flex extremely well, impressing the Jeep guys in my 4 wheel drive club

.

MiniSimp · « **Reply #14 on:** Jul 17, 2007, 10:48:11 AM »

Like this, these are 14" shocks mounted on the back of the axle housing and 2" above the frame.

Addicted Offroad · « **Reply #15 on:** Jul 19, 2007, 08:36:37 AM »

Quote from: MiniSimp on Jul 17, 2007, 10:48:11 AM

Like this, these are 14" shocks mounted on the back of the axle housing and 2" above the frame.

Look at that again. Especially the mount at the axle. He is running a pivoting spring perch. I guarantee there is a LOT more than 4" of lift there.

If you are running shocks in a triangulated pattern as seen above, it won't matter what length shocks you run(12" or 14"). You will NEVER use all of the travel of the shock. You will only end up using about 6-7" of travel total. You'll also get a good amount of body roll with it.

MiniSimp · « **Reply #16 on:** Jul 19, 2007, 09:27:51 AM »

Quote from: Scotty on Jul 19, 2007, 08:36:37 AM

I guarantee there is a LOT more than 4" of lift there.

Actually with the pivot blocks the rear lift is less than 4"

You can compare here: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=32336.70

KEY: BLUE = Lowest
Yellow = Highest
Pink = Averages

Hottrod81 · « **Reply #17 on:** Jul 19, 2007, 09:41:34 AM »

I'll take a picture of mine tonight post it up.

SLIVER · « **Reply #18 on:** Jul 22, 2007, 11:54:51 AM »

WOW, thanks for all the replies and pic's. MiniSimp that pic that you posted is exactly the same thing that I was planning on doing. I ordered my lift from MC with 4" springs up front and 5" spings out back. Ex tall shock hoops in the front and 14" bilsteins all around. I also ordered SKY's ultra low shock mounts for the rear axle. These will allow me to have my lower rear shock mount mounted to the outside of the shock tube instead of the top. I will fab up an upper mount for the rear shocks.
Hotrod if you still want to post your pic's that would be awesome.

Thanks a ton

))--SLIVER-->

bigarms23 · « **Reply #19 on:** Jul 22, 2007, 06:27:52 PM »

you can do this but i would use skyjackers platum shock those for me lasted longer than the bilsteins that came with my swap kit

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