5100 settings: 2.5" or 1.75"?

All,
I have my 5100s, but I am not sure what setting to go with. I measured the clearance between the ground & wheel wells & I get:
DF=35"
DR=37 1/2"
PF=35"
PR=38"
I have read that I should set the 5100s to 1.75 to level a truck with the rear TSB & 2.5 would make it nose high without an AAL. But Is that correct, because the difference between front & rear now is 2.5" on the left & 3" on the right according to my measurements?

PS-Should I just max them at 2.5" with the intention of adding an AAL later? If so, what size AAL should I get, 1", 1.5", etc.?

 

i never took any before or after measurments but i run the billies at 1.75 with rear tsb only and i think the truck is perfectly level. its what i would recomend if you do not intend to do an aal. also, there is a better chance for vibes and the need for new uca's if you go 2.5.

 

That's a good point. I risk death if I have to spend another $600-$800 on UCAs. And I'll pass on the possibility of vibes.

Also, I was looking at the shocks, and is the little adjustable clamp all that holds the spring plate on? It seems like a very week point, & I would have passed on the 5100s for this if it weren't for all the raving positive reviews on TW.

 

I got no issues with vibes with my 2.5" lift with stock UCA's... But iam also running OME 885s with OME struts.. So you should be fine with no vibration issues if you run the 5100s at 1.75. Hello from Kenner you should join us on cajun tacos on facebook, if you have a FB.

 

I have mine set at 1.75 and I have 1.5" AAL and like the way it sits. The 5100's are a great choice would do it the same all over again. There should be no reason for concern on the design of having the clamp to adjust the level. Enjoy!

 

How the hell do you move this clamp, anyway.

And, what's up from Metry. I stay away from FB, though.

 

That's whats up. Im ready for that construction to be done with that new interchange around lakeside mall and the levee around the causeway.

 

I hear you. I avoid that whole area at all costs.

 

pics!?

preferably 1.75 with the tsb

 

Another stupid question. Do I absolutely need an alignment after the 5100s are installed? I don't have the time, tools, or knowledge to do the install myself, so I want to save as much cash as possible when paying a shop to do it.

 

Yes you absolutely positively need an alignment after installing a front lift. If you're getting quotes from a shop - they're probably quoting that in their price - but you should double check.

 

welcome from baton rouge! my 5100's are at 1.75" and i dont have any issues.

 

dude, i love your signature hahaha

 

I have mine set at 1.75 and sits about level. (0.5" low in back). But I have no aal or tsb. I asked the same question when I bought them. Here's the link. Others had 1.75 and no aal.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/98995-bilstein-5100-1-75-no-aal-any-pics.html

Now I want to go to 2.5". (note: I had vibe when I lifted but it was a 4x4 diff bearing prob. fixed under warranty.)

 

What do you guys mean by "rear tsb"?

 

technical service bulletin. Rear leafs can be changed by the dealer for a stiffer setup to improve handling of heavy loads. tons and tons of info on it here

 

Do you mean the 4th leaf? That came stock on mine. What lift would the 5th leaf give you?

 

Damn, so $300+ for the install & alignment.

I had to use pliers to move the c clips. The meat hooks are too big for that precision stuff. They're good for smashing & breaking things. Typing, not so much (spell check has been good to me).

 

Yay!!! Installed, & I'll post pics later.

 

Go with 2.5" lift and 2" aal. That will make it level, I also added the 1/4" spacer for driver side lean.