PTR13-35150 - Bilstein TRD PRO kit - Upgrade??

About to tackle this install soon. I have been advised to do upper control arms from a few shops. Toyota says to add a diff drop. For those of you who have installed these how is your truck driving, are there alignment issues, vibrations. I have the hs 1/4 spacer and icon aal to go with the kit. Should I install it without the spacer and no overload to help with alignment issues?

 

I have 1/4" spacers with this kit and 3 leaf progressive AAL with overload. Did not do UCAs or diff drop, no alignment issues, drives just fine. I did add the OME FK29 spacer to alleviate some take-off vibes though.

 

@lees17taco
With or without Overload leaf won’t affect your alignment, I may be safe to say that most guys running this kit including myself didn’t necessarily need the UCA’s however it would be nice to have...if you have the funds go for it.
I have the HS 1/4” spacer and AAL w/ OL...My alignment was done to “the best they can do on their machine”, is not perfect truck tends to wander a bit but I’m living with it tires are wearing just fine.
I didn’t need the diff drop, I did need the CB drop bc I had slight driveline vibes...you can always install those after the fact not everyone needs them...I say just get the kit installed and determine what else needs to be done after if you get vibes.

 

I installed mine without UCA or a spacer but with a HS AAL 3 leaf progressive with overload spring left in. Firestone aligned it just fine. I did need a 2 degree shim on my rear axle to get rid of a low speed vibration on deceleration.

 

How big of a difference adding AAL to rear from the stock ones??

The only reason I added block spacer to the rear is keep the rear factory ride since I don't have anything in the bed.

 

I added my Pro kit 3 months ago, no UCA, no drop kit. I do have a 3 degree spacer on the rear, but that came with the 1 inch block. My leaf springs are soft/sagging and will be replaced later. Regardless I have no vibrations, had Firestone do a “Pro” alignment.

 

The ride is really nice with the AAL. I got 2 inches of lift. I wanted to leave the OL spring in for occasional towing and heavy loads. Using the AAL 3 leaf is so much better than a block.

 

I agree, I don’t mind the ride with the AAL w/ OL leaf, got about 2” of lift...it holds the weight better doesn’t sag as much when the truck is loaded which I do very often.

 

What shims are people running for their setup (angle and orientation)? I added a 3 Leaf AAL with my OL in (front + 1/4" spacers)
I have the Carrier Drop Installed, and the ECGS bushing and have removed the diff drop - still having some driveline vibes.

 

2 degree, thin end towards front. Why did you remove diff drop?

 

I purchased my 2* shim from Headstrong. I also bought the new bolt with head extension. Small end forward. I am not running a CB drop. You need to measure the working angles of your u joints to know what angle shim to order.

 

Same setup as you, minus the spacer. Didnt have to do anything for vibes. Although, i already have the tsb bearing done from my first install of my 5100's. Still no vibes some 40k+

 

I'm sick of waiting for the HS 3 leaf AAL to come back in stock. I need to installed my pro kit soon. What's the best alternative for rear lift (being mindful of cost)?

 

HS and Icon are purportedly the same product, just with different labels. HS is cheaper but the Icon is a good alternative.

 

Wheelers and Toytec are good too. I have the Toytec one which is a Deavers one and I like it. They are local to me so it was nice to not have to pay shipping.

 

I have the Wheeler's 3 Leaf Progressive with my overload in. I like the ride on it a lot!

That being said, the squeak has been insane. My dealer also refuses to do the TSB since I did the AAL. My solution has to be spray the entire leaf pack with Rust Cure 3000 (Canadian version of Fluid Film), but I know this is only temporary and is ultimately going to attract more dirt.

 

I’m with you. I did the HS and my squeaking is almost comical. I used a ton of grease between each leaf during install too. Lasted a few months.

 

Finally installed mine this morning. Front was easier than rear. Having a two post lift in the garage helps. Lol!

Rear is just a 1" block from ReadyLift. I do have the HS AAL sitting in my garage if I ever felt the need to go slightly higher.

Overall happy with it. Initial ride impressions is definitely smoother than the stock OR Bilsteins and less bounciness.

 

Is this kit still available? Does anyone know who has it in stock?

 

Its long gone. Your best bet at this point would be to find a member in this thread who's not installed it, or has a slightly used kit...