help narrow my choices please (bilstein 4600, 5100) 2002 tacoma

from my research i have concluded :

bilstein 4600 ( i can use my current springs and spacer lift with and go)

bilstein 5100 ( must do a proper lift, get extended springs ($180) )

i must get a drop diff kit no matter what lift i get (spacer or spring)


so i am wondering.. has anyone ran the 5100 with stock or normal type springs. what things would i need to run the 5100's. can i go around buying the springs? how much would it cost to get the proper setup done?

my budget for the front isnt too much... so the 4600 is looking more appealing considering i was told my spacer lift would work good with them.

would spacer lift work with 5100?





SORRY IF THIS IS ANNOYING. I ALMOST FIGURED IT OUT!

advice from 5100 owners 1st gen,
2002 tacoma.

 

The advantage of the 5100's is that you don't need a spacer... You can preload the spring on a few settings ( something like 0, .85, 1.5, 2.5) with factory springs.

You can upgrade your springs, but I would recommend the OME Nitrocharger shock if you want to use the OME springs.

And don't do the diff drop if you plan to offroad, it lowers the differential making it easier to snag on things.


So in short my reccommendation is:
buy 5100's (you can preload the spring for lift if you want)
dont buy spacers
dont buy diff drop
use stock springs.

That is a pretty cheap way to go about it.

 

i heard 5100's have problems blowing out the cv boot, especially if no diff drop is done?

 

5100s don't cause CV boot issues but boot angle, caused by lift, MAY. Lifting less than 3", you shouldn't need a diff drop. 5100s for First Gen trucks can be set to provide 0", 1.25", or 2.5" of (pre-loaded front coil) lift.

If you haven't already done so, I recommend you spend some time in the Suspension forum. There's a LOT of great info/advice there, especially in the Tacoma Lift FAQ/Guide and Suspension Lift Info stickies.