Billstein 5100, Rear TSB, My Experience

Just wanted to post my experience for others looking at going through with this. I know there are a lot of posts already on it but I know when I was reading up on it the more the better.

I have a 2011 DCSB Off Road. When I first read about the rear leaf TSB and the Billsteins and realizing it was an inexpensive way to get a lift that wasn't too crazy I decided it was perfect. I've only had it all complete now for a few days but I can say this. If you're considering doing it.....DO IT!!

I was somewhat concerned about how rough the ride would be especially since I have the progressive coil springs in my OR. But I can tell you without doubt it rides very nice. The handling got way better, no roll in the corners and it actually is better at humps in the road or RR tracks where your momentum lifts the weight of the truck then comes back down, very smooth. The best way I can put feeling the bumps(everyone's main concern when lifting) is how someone else put it, you notice them but you don't care. They don't bother you. If the truck rides like it does now from new then you would never say "OMG this is rough". It's nice!!

I have them set at 1.75 and my rear is just the TSB(no additional AAL).

Here are the progression shots. Taken in the same spot from the same spot. I was kneeling down so I got a little perspective distortion on my ultrawide lens(photogs will know what I mean).

Way it was from factory.

DSC_1754 by bahn_b, on Flickr

With front Billies added and set at 1.75

DSC_1759 by bahn_b, on Flickr

With rear TSB done.

DSC_1761 by bahn_b, on Flickr

Oh....would you lookie there.......new wheels and tires for her!!!!! Hell yeah!!!

DSC_1763 by bahn_b, on Flickr

Looking at the pics it seems it's a little nose high, just ever so slightly but a few other places it was sitting it looked level and perfect. My garage is sloped a little but not much. Could be that plus could be the angle I took the pic from(low kneeling).

Again.....the ride is awesome. The look is awesome. I can't recommend it enough. I paid 175 for the Billies from Downsouth MotorSports, $150 to have them put it then the dealer did the front end alignment as part of the TSB.

The $750(including shipping) and $970 for the wheels and tires was additional. haha

 

Forgot to add my measurements before and after.

Before:

FR - 20
FL - 20
RR - 21.5
RL - 21.75

After

FR - 21.625
FL - 21.75
RR - 22
RL - 22.25

 

this looks awesome and good work on the progress.. sick looking truck!!!

 

Excellent write up. I've been looking to do this same thing. Thank you for the real review.

 

Nice job. Truck looks good.
Looks like you have about 1/2 inch clearance in the back of your truck and the garage door.

 

Nice truck! Those tires and wheels really make it stand out. I like the white truck with the black wheels combo.

 

Very nice! I just had the tsb done myself and have the 5100's (all 4) ready to go on. Plan on 1.75 also. Wanted to ask how long your tsb has been done? I had understood it would settle over time. And I only gained about half an inch. So I'm wondering if I will still be level at 1.75?

For the tsb, I like the ride so far, seems nice and tight but not too stiff which is what I was worried about also. Can't wait to get the 5100's put on and I'll have to come back and update.

I wanted all 4 because I read on here that the rear wouldn't feel right with only front 5100's.

 

Truck's looking good! Are the tires 265/75/16?

 

Good to know! Wheel/tire combo look perfect, I've always been a fan of the white lettering on the tires, and looks better on a white truck imo. I'm also curious of the tire size!

And why are you parked so damn close to the garage door, seems like you have a little room in the front? lol

 

Nice looking truck!!

 

Holy Jesus your truck looks so much nicer after you put those wheels on!

What kind of camera do you have, nice wide angle lens you got there.

 

Thanks everyone. I couldn't quite decide on the wheels and tires but I think I made the right choice. I love the way it looks.

The tires are 265/75/16.

Camera is Nikon D700 with a 20 2.8 AF-D.

Haha yea I got the distance to pull in figured out to that close. My beer fridge is at the front right corner and if I pull up more it makes it tougher to walk around it.

 

double b,

If I read your post correctly, you only installed the 5100s on the front. Seriously consider adding 5100s to the rear as well for a truly great ride and handling.

I went one step further than the TSB and had a spring shop built 5th leaf made and installed it with help from a friend. The added spring actually made for a smoother ride.

 

nice, i love my 5100s, set them at 2.5" with the stock coils and went with a wheelers 3-leaf progressive leaf pack and fox 2.0RR's in the back, and i couldnt be happier!

 

Very nice! Thats a good looking truck

 

Do you have a link for the rims and tires please.
She looks great!

 

Thanks for the post. I've been researching this lift non stop. It looks great.

 

I just spoke to a guy at the 4wheelparts store. He said My 2012 dc would be level with the 5100's upfront with the stock coils at 2.5. Is that true or do I need to add a leaf. My truck doesnt qualify for a TSB leaf. I dont want to be nose high.

 

Here is the link where I purchased mine from.

http://www.earnhardttoyotaparts.com/whtrdtrtemab.html

 

I have the exact same setup on my truck and am very pleased. Great Job and I do have wheel envy!