Bilstein 5100's all around or just front?

I'm planning on doing a fairly conservative lift on my first gen. 1" rear and 1.75" front. The front tires have a 1" less space between the top of the tire and the top of the wheel well. The distance from the body to the ground on the front wheels is 1/2" less then the rear wheel. So a difference of .75" between the front and the back should be about right. I'm planning on using bilstein 5100's for the front lift. Probably a 1" shackle lift on the rear. What would the pros/cons be of using 5100's on the rear as well with that kind of setup be? Opinions?

 

If you are still running the stock shocks, it is prolly a good idea to replace the rears now. The shackle will stiffen the rear yeilding the lift and the 5100's are valved better to dampen it. Replace the rear IMO.

 

The backs are relativily cheap when you compare just the front to buying a set of 4.

 

all around. I just had mine done and I had it done all around. Awesome ride now. I'd go with the 2.5

 

Since you have a '98 I'd say just get all 4 shocks. Your rear shocks probably have seen better days anyways.

 

Thanks for the opinions guys. I'll think I'll do 5100's all around then.

 

Are you asking if anyone runs shocks without coils at all? I'm confused.

 

not thread jackin just didnt wanan start the same one over.
i got a 03 trd prerunner and a 3in spacer in the front, to level it out. 5100's all around? how does the ride feel?

 

Billstein 5100 shocks are designed for use with stock coils. If you want more then 2.5" then you would want to replace both the coil and the shock with new ones. Using the bilstein 5100's with non-stock coils is not recommended.

Haven't done this yet, but that's what I dug up doing my lift research.

 

Using 5100s with non-stock coils is perfectly fine....this is what toytec does in their ultimate kit.

 

There is a distinction here that needs to be made. Using 5100s with stock coils or aftermarket coils is okay. If you use stock coils-The lift comes from where you set the spring seat collar. You if use aftermarket lift coils-The lift comes from the coil and the 5100 spring seat should be set at the "stock" setting.

 

Ive had the 5100's both ways and can recommend them. They ride real nice.
5100's w/ factory coils

5100's w/OME

 

hey keith an IB whats the lift on your truck? i like your look and dont really know if i should stay around 2 inch or 3 inch with 265/70/16 or 265/75.. just want to make my truck look alittle more beefy but nothing too crazy. Any advice

 

and frank do you have any pics with your 2.5''?

 

Mine is billys all around, 1.75" front, TSB rear AAL. 265/65/18 tires.

 

In the first pic, the 5100's are set to the 1.75 setting with an AAL(TSB) in the rear. The second pic is with an OME 3" kit. 885 coils w/5100's at the lowest setting and TSB AAL in the rear. If you want a mild lift, go with the 5100's at 1.75. I really enjoyed that combo. The truck rode awesome and I didnt need to replace my UCA's. I got Total Chaos UCA's now in order to properly allign the truck.

 

Hey guys thanks alot that helped me big time. I'm gonna go with the 1.75" that seems to look like the look I'm going for. Appreciate the info!

 

Hmmm, alright i have a 3 inch lift level kit from rough country they are coil over with aal in the rear to lift and level have 33 inch nitto mud grappler's and of course as we all do once we get it we want bigger lol, im looking to gain another 2-3 inches still useing stock shocks hav not changed them out. been looking hard at the 5100's with those added to my already 3 inch lift and set all the way out at i think 2.5 would this give me a little more rise to the occasion. big hunter lots of off road and live out in the country thanks



BTW i have a 2009 TRD SPORT ACCESS CAB

 

j/k

 

Stacking lifts is a bad idea. Your truck probably alright rides rough with that 3 inch spacer. Compressing the coils even more wil make the ride unbearable.

Also, trying to get 6 inches of lift out of the 5100's will bottom out the shock over any bumps. You will have basically no room for down travel. If you want a 6 inch lift, do it right and buy a 6 inch lift kit.