Bottoming out Rear 5100's

[Tacorossa]

I'm currently running Bilstein 5100's on all four corners of my Tacoma. The front shocks are adjustable and set at 2.5" of lift. The rear shocks are holding up my 1.5" lift blocks and TSB leaf springs.

Last weekend when we were wheeling out at Maclean, I noticed that I could fairly easily bottom out my rear shocks as the rear drooped and the shocks fully extended. This was only in some of the more technical areas.

I bought these shocks just last year, so I really don't want to buy new ones if I don't have to. I've been saving up my fathers day cash for tires instead of shocks.

So my question is, are shock extenders a suitable alternative? I don't wheel hard like most of you guys, mostly one run a month... if that.

If I go the shock extenders route, does anybody know where I can get a set? Toytec Lifts has them for the stock TRD Billies which have a M10x1.25 thread pattern. My 5100's are M10x1.5.

Are there any other affordable options?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[the_kernel114]

if you get extenders it may fix the problem when with the shocks limiting the droop but may cause problems when you compress, ie: bottoming out the shocks before the bump stops hit.

[Tacorossa]

if you get extenders it may fix the problem when with the shocks limiting the droop but may cause problems when you compress, ie: bottoming out the shocks before the bump stops hit.

That's a good point. The 5100's are the same length as the stock shocks, so if I get an extender that is as long or shorter than the lift I added, the shocks should be back to stock functionality in compression and extension.

[the_kernel114]

your blocks are what changes everything though. the bumpstops are still in the stock location and the top shock mount is still in the stock location so if you move the top shock mount down say 1 inch you will bottom out the shocks before you hit the bump stop. but because you have 1.5 inch lift blocks the shocks are always extended 1.5 inches more then normal so you will top out before you get full travel out of you leaf springs. the only real way to fix the problem is to get a 1.5 add a leaf for the back, get rid of the lift block and then measure your compressed and extended eye to stud length (without the shocks on, via a ramp or forklift) and buy the appropriate length shocks. that is the only to be able to get a shock that won't bottom or top out while still getting all the flex out of your rear suspension.

[Winch]

Kernel is right, extenders etc. might fix one issue but won't necessarily fix other issues or give you better travel, etc. With the kind of wheeling that you do and the care you take while driving, I don't think you really have to worry too much about the shocks bottoming out from time to time. Just run them until you need to change them, in my opinion.

[Spooky08]

I thinks there's some confusion I think he means he's topping out as he mentioned drooping. Where as bottoming out he should be hitting bump stops ... If they top out and or bottom out time to time it's okay.

[Tacorossa]

I thinks there's some confusion I think he means he's topping out as he mentioned drooping. Where as bottoming out he should be hitting bump stops ... If they top out and or bottom out time to time it's okay.

You're right, I mean topping out the shocks. Sorry for the confusion.


Kernel is right, extenders etc. might fix one issue but won't necessarily fix other issues or give you better travel, etc. With the kind of wheeling that you do and the care you take while driving, I don't think you really have to worry too much about the shocks bottoming out from time to time. Just run them until you need to change them, in my opinion.

I guess my biggest concern is damaging the shocks. I can live with the annoying thud when the back end droops, as long as I am not tearing apart my shocks in the process.

[Winch]

I guess my biggest concern is damaging the shocks. I can live with the annoying thud when the back end droops, as long as I am not tearing apart my shocks in the process.

Unlike bump stops that can protect against bottoming out, most vehichles have nothing to protect against topping out, and as such I think most shocks have a rubber bushing inside to provide some sort of protection against this. If you keep driving carefully, like the other day, I agree with Will that you should be fine.

[Tacorossa]

Unlike bump stops that can protect against bottoming out, most vehichles have nothing to protect against topping out, and as such I think most shocks have a rubber bushing inside to provide some sort of protection against this. If you keep driving carefully, like the other day, I agree with Will that you should be fine.

Well that sounds good. I like having to do nothing! Thanks for all the help guys, very much appreciated.

[Winch]

Yeah, I think most people (including myself) have their shocks top out from time to time, so in my opinion the biggest issue is not so much with the possibility of damage, but rather that this impedes on the travel of the axle. Bottoming out, on the other hand, is more serious since it is an issue with the weight of the whole vehichle, compared to topping out which is mostly just an issue with the weight of the axle and wheels.

[the_kernel114]

you will eventually tear the shock apart if you top out regularly, you may not have the whole weight of the vehicle sitting on the shock but you do have the leverage aspect of a solid axle pulling down on the shock. the only way not to top out is to have the springs max out before the shock does or put straps on the rear axle to control travel.

[Winch]

you will eventually tear the shock apart if you top out regularly, you may not have the whole weight of the vehicle sitting on the shock but you do have the leverage aspect of a solid axle pulling down on the shock. the only way not to top out is to have the springs max out before the shock does or put straps on the rear axle to control travel.

Yes, I agree that longer shocks would be the best solution, however, contrary to popular belief there is very little, if any, leverage on a stock leafsprung rear axle. This is due to the fact that the leafs are hyperflexed at that stage axually pulling the axle up, and due to the fact that the wheel is so close to the leverage point so hardly any leverage can be generated. Leverage is much more pronounced in solid axles with coils or coil-overs and on full-width axles.

I also agree that limit straps would help the shocks a bit, but I have never seen anyone run limit straps on a 2006 Tacoma with only a 2.5" lift. That's for hardcore wheelers who likes to pin 'er and competition buggies.

Since Darryl won't be topping out the shocks regularly as you mentioned, I still think he would be just fine. I still think he has nothing to worry about and could replace them with longer ones when they wear out. :)

[the_kernel114]

Yes, I agree that longer shocks would be the best solution, however, contrary to popular belief there is very little, if any, leverage on a stock leafsprung rear axle. This is due to the fact that the leafs are hyperflexed at that stage axually pulling the axle up, and due to the fact that the wheel is so close to the leverage point so hardly any leverage can be generated. Leverage is much more pronounced in solid axles with coils or coil-overs and on full-width axles.

makes sense now that i think about it.


I also agree that limit straps would help the shocks a bit, but I have never seen anyone run limit straps on a 2006 Tacoma with only a 2.5" lift. That's for hardcore wheelers who likes to pin 'er and competition buggies.

just suggesting it as a way to limit travel to keep the shocks from topping out, agreed that he most likely doesn't need them.


Since Darryl won't be topping out the shocks regularly as you mentioned, I still think he would be just fine. I still think he has nothing to worry about and could replace them with longer ones when they wear out. :)

i have seen 2 shocks get pulled apart now, although they were just cheap ranchos, i have seen it happen. but as long as you don't do it to often then i agree it shouldn't be a problem

[Tacorossa]

Thanks again for all the input. I'm going to keep my current setup until I decide to get rid of the 1.5" lift blocks. At that point, when I decide on leaf springs, I will choose a proper shock.

I do take it easy on the trails, I still need to drive my truck to work and my son to daycare!