Ride Quality

[papabear050]

Hey Guys

Thinking about getting the Billys 5100 adn setting them at 1.75"

Anyhow, everything I read from my searches says it improves ride quality... ok

But what does that mean.

1. Does that refer to everyday street riding or off road?
2. Does it make it stiffer or ride more like a Cadillac?
3. What is the down travel at each setting?
4. What is the down travel of the stock Sport Shocks?
5. Is more down travel better for off roading or is the opposite true?

Thanks for any help, trying to figure it out. I have the rear TSB done as well. The lift would be nice but I am wondering if the ride quality alone justifies the cost. Thanks and I know there are a billion threads, none answered my questions I had though.

[TEX357]

After reading and searching through threads around here, 1500s is the best lift you can buy for your truck and not too pricey!

[sincitytaco]

This is an excellent question, don't know how to answer though because I opted for Icons. I would have to assume they are nothing like a caddy though. They are going to be firmer, but more controlled. This is essence will make it feel smoother because it is better dampened.
At least that how it was when I had it on my 03' Taco several years ago. I loved them.

[papabear050]

So smoother and firmer... as in the soak up the little bumps better. Do they help in terms of bottoming out then?
For some reason I can't get my mind around what it does that is better than the stock struts.

I imagine firmer would be more harsh of a ride... on road.....

[sincitytaco]

It is kinda like comparing a cadillac to a BMW. Cadillac being stock bouncy Tacoma and BMW being a car that is more solid handle all bumps and turns better and feels way more controlled.

[jonny]

Originally Posted by jayet_10

After reading and searching through threads around here, 1500s is the best lift you can buy for your truck and not too pricey!

never heard of them

[sbeau1960]

5100's are firmer but also much better dampened than the stock shocks. They eliminate the bouncy, jiggly ride, much more solid than stock.

Read through the alignment threads before you decide to go with 1.75" lift, you'll need to replace your UCA's to get it aligned properly at that height.

[papabear050]

So 85" would be the stock setting? Is this correct or will 85" give it a slight lift...

Thanks all.

[sincitytaco]

.85" will give it .85" of lift.

[TacoNut]

Originally Posted by papabear050

So 85" would be the stock setting? Is this correct or will 85" give it a slight lift...

Thanks all.

.85 would give you .85" of lift

The stock setting is the bottom one.... no lift

[sbeau1960]

Originally Posted by papabear050

So 85" would be the stock setting? Is this correct or will 85" give it a slight lift...

Thanks all.

That's the lowest lift setting, there is a bottom notch that is the same height as the stock shocks.

[papabear050]

gotcha, thanks!

[4x4x4trd]

Originally Posted by papabear050

So smoother and firmer... as in the soak up the little bumps better. Do they help in terms of bottoming out then?
For some reason I can't get my mind around what it does that is better than the stock struts.

I imagine firmer would be more harsh of a ride... on road.....

The reason most use them is a cheap form of lift for the front of the truck mostly to level. You have three settings for lift higher and one the same as stock struts, four settings in all. Stock, .85", 1.75", and 2.5" over stock. The higher the lift the firmer the ride account of spring preload. Compare the Bilstein 5100's or even the HD's to the Toyota factory TRD Bilstein or black stock factory shocks and you'll find they are almost twice the diameter, meaning more oil, running cooler no foaming, and better dampening for a smoother ride over bumps. IMO.

[grivera]

Originally Posted by sbeau1960

5100's are firmer but also much better dampened than the stock shocks. They eliminate the bouncy, jiggly ride, much more solid than stock.

Read through the alignment threads before you decide to go with 1.75" lift, you'll need to replace your UCA's to get it aligned properly at that height.

That's the first I heard this. Mine are set at 1.75" with the alignment done at the dealer. I haven't noticed any ill effects...

[choptop]

Originally Posted by grivera

That's the first I heard this. Mine are set at 1.75" with the alignment done at the dealer. I haven't noticed any ill effects...

I'd like to get this cleared up as well- after the rear spring TSB my truck's rake is too severe. To correct this I'm planning on installing 5100s but not sure at which lift setting; at least .85" or maybe 1.75". If I need to swap out the UCAs for optimum alignment I want to take care of all this at once.

[G-Sak]

Subscribed! Thinking about this in the future.

[choptop]

After looking through the alignment threads it seems that .85" lift with Billies can be made without swapping the UCA. The UCA swap, however, allows for increased caster adjustment which can be marginal with .85" lift and needs to be corrected for lifts of 1.75" and up.

[sbeau1960]

Originally Posted by choptop

After looking through the alignment threads it seems that .85" lift with Billies can be made without swapping the UCA. The UCA swap, however, allows for increased caster adjustment which can be marginal with .85" lift and needs to be corrected for lifts of 1.75" and up.

Exactly, I've learned this through personal experience.

[derekabraham]

My ride got stiffer, but I like it that way. (1.75 and 2.5)

[papabear050]

So only need new UCA's if you want to go 1.75"