Advantage of bilstein 5100 lift over spacer lift?

I've read every thread I could find but still don't know which way to go. I've got a 2016 trd OR dc. Haven't even hit 1,000 miles yet. I had a tundra with rough country 3/2 spacer and rear block lift and it was fine. I don't really go off road other than old logging roads up here in Maine for hunting and fishing.

I can have my mechanic who is also a rough country dealer install the 3/2 spacer kit for $475 out the door including alignment. The bilstein kit looks to be around $700 plus installation. For those who may have had both types of kit is it worth the extra $$$$? I've come so close to ordering the 5100 kit.

 

I've heard the 5100s ride like a wooden wagon, you get what you pay for. Best value /performance for money seems to be the 6112s up front and 5160s in the rear based on all of my research of other's opinions and I try hard to discern between the more "objective" opinions and experiences vs. the subjective. Of course it depends on many factors

 

I've got 5100's on my 2017 with stock springs. It rides great!

 

I have 5100s on stock springs and factory rear end. Mind you I only did the .85" lift and I'm happy with the ride quality.

 

Yea my issue would be ride quality at 2.5 setting...probly rougher than my sport shocks and spacers...

 

@usafwx

 

I love 5100's on my 4Runner, specialy after spacers. Mine set at max in front and I have toytec spacers w/5100 in the back.

 

5100s would be a much better option paired with a different coil, would be a great lift. Spacer's and blocks are terrible, sure they will work, but why put a $200 lift on your $35000 truck, do it right the first time. Upper control arms, actual suspension components not a hockey puck and block in the back.

 

5100 preload the spring to gain height when you adjust them. There is no argument that it sacrifices ride, but to what extent.

Best way to lift is spring and shock. I have a spacer and know the risks.

 

One advantage would be you don't have to worry about your CV angles with the 5100s. With the spacers (assuming they're strut top spacers) your CV can droop lower than with the 5100s and lead to damaging them.

5100s can be had for less than 300 on Jet. Installing is fairly easy too.

 

Bilstein 5100's are going to be better than any spacer lift you would put on. You can get away with doing just front struts and rear shocks paired with an Icon progressive add a leaf to save on your cost. If you were to replace the front springs, either Eibach or an Old Man Emu spring will pair nicely with the Bilsteins to give lift. If you go with OME, get 884's if you have a 4cyl or 885's if you have a 6cyl engine. My suggestion here is for cost savings, I am not suggesting that this is the best lift, only that it is better than a spacer lift. There are far more options out there, and we could go in to great detail explaining all of them. Good luck.

 

I have 5100s set at max height on my DCSB 4x4, and it rides as well on pavement as it did before the switch. Off road, it is WAY less bouncy/springy than the stock shocks.

 

Without adjusting them yes, if you adjust them/go up on on the clip (essentially lift) your CV angle will change from stock. The only lift that won't change your CV angle is a drop bracket.

 

Did you use the stock coils?

 

I'm going back and forth with my mechanic right now via messenger and he assures me that the rough country leveling kit is superior to the 5100

I think I'll just go with
5100's all around
Stock coils and set at the 2.75 setting. Probably an add a leaf in the rear.

 

How much are you looking to spend in parts alone (not labor)?

 

Probably up to $1000

 

For around $1400 you can get bilstein 6112s in front, 5160s with reservoirs in the rear and a 3-leaf AAL package. Have heard great things about this if you want an improved ride on and off road but keep it to about 2" of lift. Once you start stretching the lift up to 3"+ the ride quality will take a hit. This combo would be superior to the 5100s.

 

After adjusting them the angle will change but it will still be limited by the strut travel and remain in a relatively safe range. The more you raise them the more the sit at a downward angle at rest, but the max droop is always the same end angle. Adding a spacer just adds to the maximum angles and makes it easy to get out of a safe range. Combine that with being in 4lo, while turning which puts a greater stress on a bound CV and pop.

 

OP, I can promise you with all my might that a 5100 will ride superior to a spacer lift. If you were to go with 5100s, the coilover still have to be disassembled and reassembled. At that point you might as well upgrade the coil since it's not any extra labor and coils cost about $165 for a pair. I have 5100s all around with an AAL in the rear and OME coils up front. Cost about $650 and rides GREAT. Here's a link to a kit I recommend to everyone looking to lift on a budget. They have free shipping and Marie is easily the most active on the forum.
@HeadStrong Off-Road
http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p440/Coil/Bilstein_5100_Kit_-_(HS05BK-1).html