Advice for Bilstein 5100 front shocks please!

I just had one done about a month ago. But I've purchased a new wheel/tire package since then. Am I wasting money to have another alignment done?

 

Yes. You could be slowing wearing your tires unevenly and not even knowing it. I would honestly get an alignment when adjusting anything suspension wise. With very few exceptions.

 

I would. It's cheap insurance. Especially if your getting new wheels (probably wider with a more aggressive offset).

I learned my lesson when I was in high school. I bought a set of tires (fronts) for the shitbox I had, and didn't get the alignment. 2-3 months later, the tires were trashed. Worn down to the steel belts on the inside edge of the tires. That was an extreme case, the alignment must have been way off, but an extra $80-$100 bucks for an alignment is just part of the package, the same as mounting / balancing is.

 

It all depends on what you want, and what your willing to spend. Just take the info given, and go from there. As far as the cheaper route, .85" is it. There are tons of guys with 1.75", and stock springs though. With that set up, you will have no rake, and possibly/probably sit nose high. (a single leaf AAL is ~$80 + the cost to install, if you don't do it yourself (that's what I have)).

As far as 4wd vs 2wd, there wouldn't be any real difference with the weight the suspension is supporting. The thing that will make a difference is that if 4wd, there is a good chance you will get the front differential vibration that many get after lifting. Some have reported this even without a lift. This is fixed with the ECGS ($60) bushing. I had mine @ .85" for ~7 years, trouble free. When I added a spacer to the driver's side (to correct the Taco lean), I got the vibe. It was very subtle, but was there.

 

I took the measuring tape and did the center of the hub to the middle part of the fender on both sides and I got about a 2 inch difference give or take a tad bit. Does that sound about right for stock? Thanks again for the help

 

~2 inch difference front to back (2" of rake) is normal. If you go .85" you will gain ~1" in the front. If you go 1.75", you will gain ~2" in the front.

 

Here's mine set at .85 in the front with 265/75/16s. Ride feels waaay better, not as bouncy. No problems with vibs or alignment (had alignment done right after install), had them done at Big O.

 

I'm seeing here that when people are changing over to 5100's in the front, they are also changing springs. Is that required to gain the .85 or 1.75 lift, or is swapping out the shocks alone sufficient? What is the benefit of also changing springs?
Thanks...

 

Nice looking truck and thanks!

 

Thats a great question. The more I keep looking into this, I am seeing many different set ups and ways to do it. I'd Like to know more about this also.

 

OK, since we are talking springs now as well, when someone says that they have "884s" on the front, are they talking about Old Man Emu 2884 coil springs? And if so, they give you what, like a 2" lift over stock ride height? Thank you!

 

I just put 5100's set at "0" and 885x coils and an AAL. the coils supply the lift in this set up. With this set up the front went up (measured) 2.5 inches. I have a shell also in back so instead of 2" the rear went up 1.75. The ride is greatly improved on and off road.
If you decide to add some thing up front you are set up for the extra weight with the OME 885x's.
This first picture is minutes after the lift was installed. The second picture is the day after.
Yes you should get an alignment after a lift. You do not want your tires to wear prematurely or uneven.

 

Changing springs is optional. I have the stock Offroad coils on mine.

 

Noob here, I'm going after the 8100 kit for all 4 shocks, just want to level the truck out. From everything I have read I should set it at .85. I'm only 2wd, and don't do any hard core off roading, just want a little lift (and I'm thinking just leveling the front will make me happy). My question is this. To change the setting on the front shocks, how hard is that? Can it be adjusted after they have been installed?

 

Looks good!

Stock UCAS? If so any issues?

 

Cannot be adjusted while installed. Have to remove to adjust.

 

So another new thing I am seeing is if you set the shocks at 1.75 that you have issues with your UCAs? Saw this on another thread as well

 

I have seen that also, but I figured since I just want to level the truck, it shouldn't be an issue for me. Someone correct me if this is wrong.

 

Generally, you're only going to have issues with UCA's if you're lifting over 2". Again, generally...ymmv.

 

So, just leveling the truck out, I should have no issues, correct?