spacer and bilstein 5100s?

I have a 2009 tacoma and have procomp 2.5" lift spacers. I ordered bilstein 5100s that adjust to 2.5" lift. What is the difference if I take the spacer out and lift with the shock vs leaving the spacer in and keeping the shock at 0"? Will there be less stress on the shock if I leave it at 0" and keep the spacer? I'm also getting a shrockworks bumper and skid plate which weigh about 130lbs so I was leaning towards lifting the shock only 1" and keeping the spacer to keep the same height even with the sag from the extra weight. Thanks for reading.

 

Don't leave the spacer and use the shock for lift as well. Ditch the spacer and use the shocks for lift. Also, you might want to think about saving up for some adjustable coilovers since you will adding weight.

 

^yup yup. maybe instead of coilovers get a set of ome springs like 885's or 886's which will probably save you some money since you already ordered 5100's. then the stiffer springs will accomodate the added weight without using spacers, not a favorite of most people.

 

+1 on the upgraded coilovers- Either the OME 886 coils or any of the adjustable ones.

 

Ok thanks. What's the difference from 5100 shocks and new springs vs. Coilovers besides it being one unit?

 

Most coilovers are rebuildable. Also, they would be adjustable allowing you to set whichever height you want. Also allows you to compensate for taco lean.

 

you can also use a 1/2" spacer to accomodate the laco lean if you dont go the coilover route

 

X2^
coilovers are expensive but will give u a better ride too IMO

 

oh i dont doubt c/o give better ride thats why im changing to some lol. it all depends how much money you want to spend

 

Yea they can get expensive. Only downside. Lol. You have some spindles to install correct?

 

I got 5100's all around and OME 885's up front. Love the ride it gives!!

 

Ya I wanted camburg c/o but there too much for right now maybe down the road when I get some more money. For now bilsteins sound like the best route for me. Firefighter what size tires are you running?

 

And what are the shocks set to? 2.5"?

 

yes sir hoping to get those and the c/o installed towards the beginning of this month so that i can enjoy them during xmas break

 

shocks set at zero to be safe when you use 885's. otherwise your extending your travel to far risking breaking the shock and ruining the joints

 

This is all semantics...but it's my pet peeve....Even the STOCK suspension is a coilspring over shock assembly (coilover for short).

Being "adjustable" does not make something a coilover....It makes it an adjustable coilover. My full OME suspension (885s with the OME shocks in front) are coilovers.

The real differences between the 5100s with the stock springs, the OME lift, and the Toytec lift is the spring length and spring rates. Longer or stiffer springs cause lift, as does compressing a stock spring further than normal.

 

always thought the same in the back of my head

 

if youd like it can change it to aftermarket c/o's for you

 

Naw....Just want folks to know the right terminology so when they are shopping for/deciding on parts to buy they don't bypass options or get confused.

 

Ok -- total noob question, but I've sought out lots of info and simply don't feel educated enough to make a decision to lift my truck.

Option: Billy's with AAL, 2.5 up front and 2.5 kit in the back to make the truck level, or 2.5/1/5 for current rake...

Option: OME or Toytec kit which will replace both the shock and springs in the front end, and leaf's.

Either option will need replacement of the UCA's to correct alignment issues, assuming I'm lifting into the 3" range, right?

I was told by a total fab yodder that I could shackle the back and add spacers up front, which would be the cheapest option for doing some moderate wheeling, and would be better in the rear end for articulation. After discussing this with someone else, they said they've never heard of shackles in the back.

What do I do!! Lookin for an affordable way to gain about 2.5" of lift. The truck will be used for moderate wheeling and daily driving. I'd rather go with the safest, most comprehensive way of lifting the truck, cuz like everybody else, I don't want it to break and have to redo it.


Sorry for the horribly long and lame post, but I cant find a direct answer anywhere... And, I'm not sure if these simple questions have been answered in another forum.