Bilstein 5100 Advice

Hey guys,
Another Newb here. Ive done a lot of reading on here but with everyone having different set ups it makes it a bit confusing. I hope someone can chime in and help out.

I recently got my 2014 DC Tacoma TRD Sport. I got Bilstein 5100s installed in the front & stock Bilsteins in the rear ( I believe theyre 4600s) with Toyo Open Country A/T 265/70/17. The Bilsteins are set at 2.5".

Ive read how having them at the max setting will mess with the alignment/ride quality and affects the travel. I plan on using this truck for camping/offroading (nothing too crazy for now) and probably hit the mountains whenever it snows here in California.

Since I don't want any of the above issues. Should I lower the shocks down to 1.75"? And if I did would I have an issue with the tires rubbing? Will the tail end be higher then the front? What kind of options do I have?( I would like the truck to be level if possible)

If theres a post that already answered this can you please point me in the right direction.

This is how it currently sits.

 

Sub'd in same boat

 

I think lowering it to the next setting would level you out because you are front high right now

 

What kind of lift do you have in the Rear ? also do you have wheel spacers in the front ?

 

He said stock rear and don't really get why wheel spacers matter?

 

OP the higher you lift the front with stock coils and 5100s the rougher the ride cause of less up travel. Also, alignment shouldnt be effected until you get above 2.5", and only then will it get harder to get the alignment within specs. Just lower the setting down a notch and you'll get a better ride and better alignment and more level.

 

Thanks Bsheriff11 That's what I was thinking Id have to do. I should be alright with the current set up while doing some basic off roading right? Ive never been 4 wheelin so im just trying to be careful with what im doing.

I appreciate the advice.

 

With stock rears and the 5100s up front at mid setting you aren't gaining any off road advantage, it's gonna be like stock, as long as you wheel within your trucks limits you'll be fine

 

Once you bust that 4wheeling cherry, you'll get more daring. dont worry, thats how we learn!

 

Stick with 2 hobbies, once you go 3, the wife is all over your ass, ask me how I know guns and trucks are expensive enough for 10 hobbies as is!

 

I can deal with that. I still have to find out if off roading is for me. I wonder how my fiancé will take the news of me having another hobby aside from guns and RC short course trucks. Im sure all she will see is $$$$$$

Hahaha I bet. I have two boys so im sure they'll get a kick out of playing in the dirt.

 

Just thinking about it is making me a little dizzy. My guns are clean but the short course truck needs A LOT of cleaning and man o man.

I don't work on my own cars but I need to start. Hopefully itll save me some cash in the long run and not cost me more in repairs haha.

I guess its almost like RC trucks but on the full size scale. With my RCs if I mess up its ok because I can put it away and bring it back out when im not pissed anymore. The Tacoma is my DD I cant afford to leave things in pieces till im ready to give it another go.

 

I am looking to put the Billy's on my truck soon. I'm looking to either set them at 1.75 and use the stock coils or get the Eibach coils from toytec and set them at .85 and get about 1.5 inches of lift. Anyone know if one or the other is better for ride quality/performance? Also, I have 265/70/17 on my stock setup and I don't have any rubbing at all. So you should be fine if you go lower to the 1.75" setting. I am also pretty new to this so any advice would be much appreciated!

 

Where was this information 15 years ago.?You wanna talk expensive - my truck, scuba diving, rock climbing, mountain biking, road biking, back packing, winter mountaineering and some surfing. That's way too many hobbies for one person. I moved from the ocean and to the south so that takes care of surfing and winter mountaineering I guess

 

Didn't you have it aligned when you had them installed? If yes, and your not having any issues why change it?

 

I want to level the truck, improve some ride quality, and allow for a bit more travel.

 

Well take it down a notch, just a lot of money to do it. But if your going to drive it everyday
might as well be happy with it. Myself.... I want it the way I want it even if it cost me to do it.

 

I called Toytec today and they lady who I talked to said that if I get the Eibach coils, and the Billy's, then I can either set it to have 1.5 inches of lift or 3 inches. Has anyone had any experience with this, or heard of anyone doing this? Also, if I go up 1.5 or 1.75 inches, will I be able to fit 275/70/17? Thanks!

 

Then you should lower to 1.75", that will accomplish all 3.

 

Lots of people on TW warn against preloading the coils (Preloading- setting the 5100s to anything above 0" with an aftermarket coil) but I don't see why Toytec would say something different. Both are knowledgeable sources, I would at least ask Toytec why they think it's not harmful to do it. Could be they just want to sell you 3" and be done with it?