MattRX

Thanks!

Regarding the nut, the outer portion is a little too large. Maybe a 22mm shallow-walled socket would fit? Not entirely sure but didn’t want to take the chance. My strut bearings, boots, bump stops and isolators were still in good condition so I decided to leave them be. In that diagram you posted, 2 seems to be the correct nut, I think 9 may be for the strut mount. They have a flange built into them as well, where the Bilsteins did not as they just substituted a seperate washer.

ellocovg

iTrader: (1)

Thanks Matt I ordered the parts today from my Toyota dealer which was a decent amount cheaper than my Lexus dealer. I got a different “by the book guy” at the Toyota dealer and man did he give me a hard time since I wasn’t using a vin lol. My job got a lot bigger as the lower control arms seem like a major pita to do hopefully my mechanic can take care of it this weekend or early next week.

JPHen

This info is exactly what I needed. I’m looking to put a small lift on my 2013 RX and the info here was a godsend when procuring parts. I’ve ordered the B6 Bilsteins for the back and have spacer kits coming.

Before anyone asks why or says I shouldn’t, I’ve got a trail ready GX470 for the harder stuff.

Clutchless

The lower control arms require loosening motor mounts to wiggle the engine up a bit. There are several youtube videos showing it on the Highlander, Sienna, and probably the RX350/450h. All are very similar.

Regarding the front strut piston bolt. I don't understand why you just cannot use the proper size 22mm socket to tighten it on there. It should not require you to buy another smaller nut when the proper tool will take care of this issue. You can never have too many tools.

MattRX

While I enjoy Bilstein’s products, I’m placing the blame on them here. They substituted a 19mm hex head nut for a 22MM!! No way in hell I was going to get that on there where the 19mm original one barely fit as is.


Update:

I still think this is the best thing I have done for the car. The ride is extremely smooth and a lot of the floatyness is gone. Still trying to find hybrid rear springs to try out, as I do find the rear is a tad soft.

JPHen

Tried to order the B6 rears and all are on back order. Does anyone have experience with the wait time?

ellocovg

iTrader: (1)

I ordered from Rockauto and at first they were out of stock and within a few weeks they were both in stock.

Clutchless

I think the 22mm nut was used by Bilstein because that is what Toyota probably used on the 2014 and newer Toyota Highlanders for which the struts are designed. They probably have a slightly different strut mount with a large enough opening to easily fit a 22mm socket.

MattRX

Maybe. I should have taken a picture of how close it was, I don’t even think a shallow socket would fit.

epicsurge

Bilstein b4 shock and struts installed, new sway links, and pretty much everything that was recommended to be replaced while doing this job.

JPHen

How long did it take?

MattRX

Good work! How does the B4 ride compared to OEM?

epicsurge

took me about 6 hours, compared to my old ride, the bilsteins are superior to oem, especially turning.

afpj

Epicsurge, curious as to why you chose b4's over the b6's?
Appreciate your thoughts.

epicsurge

i want maximum comfort for my daily, i have another car for fun