Bilstein 5100's on stock trd sport springs

So this is my first post. Just got myself a 2011 Tacoma trd sport double cab long bed and I need to replace the struts according to my local shop. Seems everyone is hot and heavy for the bilstein 5100's and I just want to make sure its a good budget move for me. I use the truck for work and have fallen in love with the truck as my daily except that its all over the place when I hit a pothole or bump in the road. I had the local suspension shop check it out and they said I needed a driver lower balljoint which I just had replaced but the suspension still has not been cured. Since they also said the struts were done I am going to replace the stock bilsteins with something that I can lift a little like the 5100's. Im new to the tacoma but also own a vw syncro 4x4 camper that has all kinds of suspension work so I have the tools and feel comfortable doing the work myself I just dont want to put to much into this vehicle as my daily driver in regards to serious upgrading. Anyone with the 5100s on a trd sport on stock springs. What height are you running and are you happy. I am going to buy new tires as well and have been considering the destination at's. Any help is appreciated. This is the kit I am looking at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MH8EUB...b4de-b438f38b43f2&ie=UTF8&qid=1524002000&sr=1



Thanks in advance.

 

5100s set at zero with stock springs will ride just fine. If you raise the struts up the ride will be more harsh. If you want to lift the truck buy a set of bigger coils.

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

So I ordered the kit above and now I am considering getting springs and some spacers for the rears. Figure while I am in their why not. What do you guys recommend for the budget minded build?

 

That kit can be had for less money either thru down south Motorsports or headstrong off-road. Both good companies to deal with. Are u talking about front springs or leaf springs for the rear?

 

So I already ordered the kit above and two new perch mounts . I'm just now thinking I want to raise it to the 2.75 on the 5100s. Meaning I need to address the front springs right? and at least space the rear or add a leaf. Not sure of my options really. Trying to get my head around the setup honestly but always start spending too much when I over think it. I am going be installing destination at tires on my stock 17" trd wheels.

 

You can set the 5100s to their highest setting on stock springs but the ride will be super harsh. Lift with coils not struts.

 

I have my front 5100's set on the first ring above the stock setting (.85" lift in the front I believe) with everything stock in the front/rear, including the coil and leaf springs. On that setting it leveled the front with the rear, although there's still a very slight rake in the front, which is what I wanted. Very happy with the 5100's.

 

If you want to lift i would definetly go with new coils in the front and an add a leaf in the rear. I would give Marie at @HeadStrong Off-Road a call. She will help you out with all your lifting needs. I love my setup from them.

 

Couldn’t agree more. I have their 2” coils up front and their progressive AAL out back.

 

I just bought the 5100's cause everybody pumped them up so much. But now I'm regretting the purchase. Cause the wife started bitching it will be more and more and more. Well she was right. I read I have to now get new springs for the front. Cause I want the 2.5" with the 2" rear block for now. But people are saying.they have a harsh ride. ANYONE PLEASE....HOW BAD IS THE RIDE?? This is going to end up being a sleepiness who's knows how long rough nights on the couch coming soon. I do know I hate it when shes right when it comes to "MY" truck. So can anyone answer. I deleted my last post cause nobody could answer it. But I fixed the truck with factory 4160 Toyota bilsteins and couldnt find a good enough shock extender so I said the heck with it. So I now have 2 new rear shock and struts on the truck with about a 1,000 miles on them. And have been clear coated to prevent rust. My truck is a pavement princess. Dont have the bucks to slam into it weekly or monthly....and A WARDEN...lol so please if ur running the 2.5" on the factory springs and hardware. Please let me know....thanks...

 

OME 888s or 887s. I myself am interested in eibach coils

 

Are these only for 2006-2015? Anyways......I dont know if u responded cause I'm new to this...but I'm interested in the coils.....do u have them marked left and right sides??

 

^^ This ^^

Same here....very happy with my 5100's at the .85" setting.

 

Try a set of 5100 set at 0 NO Preload with a set of OME 887s or 888s on the front of your Tacoma. And sell the 2” spacer. You would be spending more $$$ on the factory oem parts ! I’m sorry I misread your question ^^ there! And idk where you could find factory 2015 front springs and shocks! Possibly on here or eBay !

 

The stock shocks on the TRD OR have a 36 mm piston and are built by Bilstein to Toyota specs, then packaged to look like a 4600. I've read that they are the smallest diameter piston Bilstein produces. The valving on them is very soft (and digressive). They provide a super cushioned ride but a lot of us (myself included) have found them to feel under-damped for the truck, even for street use. That results in a lot of nose-dive under hard braking and body roll at highway speeds.

If you're wanting a super-compliant ride for a decent price, go stock. If you want handling I'd look at something like 5100s, which don't cost much more than the OEM shocks. They offer a good bit more compression damping, though that combined with their digressive valving means you will feel more imperfection on surface streets (settles out well on the highway).

 

I just bought OEM shocks,the 4600 brand new under $300. I couldnt beat that...I have a unknown shock on the front now....and when u hit the brakes I nose dives hard. U have to watch ur braking cause the truck will go into a slide....thanks for the info.