Bilstein 6112

hoping you might have an answer for me...

I just bought the 6112/5160s, I installed the 5160s already and the 6112s are coming this week.

$216 Icon 51100 ICON 1.5" Lift Add-A-Leaf Kit, Compatible with 1996-Up Toyota Tacoma/00-06 Tundra, 51100

Icon 51100 AAL are coming, what's the difference between using the overload and getting rid of it?

I tow a boat during the summer, I'm guessing I should keep the overload leaf in but I also run firestone airbags for towing so I'm not sure what to do.

Should I keep the overload in or take it out? and I'm guessing I just need a new center pin if I want to add it back in later?

 

Keeping the overload in will give you an extra 1/2" of lift in the rear. In terms of towing capacity, I'm definitely not the one to ask. I'm sure someone else could chime in and answer that for you.

 

Yes, you should be fine with either size (255/75 or 275/70). I am currently running 265/70R17 but definitely considering 255/75 next time. I am using clip position 3 on driver side and 2 on passenger side. I could go up to a true 32" tire (255/75 or 275/70) and not have any issues even with my current setting. I am a Pre-Runner so I'm lighter up front than you, but I still don't think you'll have any problems.

 

I’m not an expert on the firestone airbags, so I can’t comment.

Overload left in helps support more weight in the bed, good for towing, and provides more lift with an aal.

Overload left out with an aal is usually around 1.5”, suppose to provide a better ride.

For all it’s worth, I didn’t like the AAL and shortly replaced It with an icon RXT full leaf pack. Ride is far superior, provides a more comfort labor driving experience, and hold weight better.

 

Thanks for the info! I got the airbags and an airlift 72000 controller to tow the boat and it works great so far, but with the new shocks I'm getting I kinda want a little lift. I just ordered Icon 15500 AAL, but now you have me second guessing that... How much did you pay for the leafpack? It looks like $500-$600 is the cheapest I'm finding a full new leaf pack. That's a little out of the budget for me right now.

 

Yepp it ain’t cheap. 700.00 from my offroad shop. Matched the price from wheelers offroad. Absolutely worth it if it’s in your budget. 2” up front, 3” lift in the back.

 

Would you like to sell me one of those? I really don’t want to buy a spring compressor and I already have a press.

 

What configuration are you running with the RXT and how much lift do you have?

 

Using Option 3

 

I made mine for my and my friends use. If you were local I,d assemble them for you, but no I'm not making them for sale.

 

I need some advise again. I am wanting to keep my truck as reliable as possible and keep the premature wear to a minimum. My thought process is, if I keep it around the height of a factory Baja or Pro I should be ok, right? From what I’ve found, the Baja and Pros sit 1.75” higher than the trd OR. I was planning on going with the 4th notch to achieve 2”, but now I’m wondering if I should go with the 3rd notch. What would be the best setting to keep it around Baja/pro height?

 

Either way you go your going to have to change your needle bearing. I hate to say it but it’s not if it’s going to fail but when. I had stock wheels on my OR and it was already failing.

Yeah I could have taken it back to Toyota but for what? Same needle bearing? I don’t like wasting my time so I just did it.

 

Nothing is ever certain. Always be prepared to fix something! Many people have had different experiences with lifts.

2” lift and nothing has gone wrong, but it doesn’t mean it will be the same for you. If your worried about premature wear and reliability don’t touch your truck and leave it stock.

 

That was my main concern. I’ve read that it isn’t too bad of a job, but it seems like a pain in the ass. I was hoping if I keep it under 2” it wouldn’t be a problem, but I should probably just plan on doing it while I have the truck apart for the lift. I want to keep it as bullet proof as possible.

 

I wouldn’t say I’m worried. I want to lift my truck to make it more capable off road, and I accept that premature wear comes with that. I would just like to keep it to a minimum if possible. My main concern was the needle bearing, but I might plan on doing the ECGS bushing when I do the lift to avoid any future problems. I believe I read that you had ECGS install you bushing. How much did they charge for that, if you don’t mind me asking. I’m comfortable installing a lift, but the bushing might be out of my comfort zone.

 

I’m in the same boat. I’m going to start on the bottom notch and let them settle then go to 1” in front like the pro. If the needle bearing goes then so be it. It will be time to change the front diff oil anyway so I’ll just install the bushing. Once I do that I’ll replace the leaf springs to add an inch and go 2” in the front.

I think the first step instead of agonizing over these decisions is to tool up so you can do this work yourself. Suspension work isn’t too difficult with a little learning. If you are paying a shop you will get dinged every time you go back to change something hence the agonizing over getting it right the first time.

 

Believe it was 150.00. My truck was brand new so that didn’t have to replace any gaskets/seals. If they did I think they quoted me 160ish. It didn’t take very long to get done.

 

I’m from WNC and I believe they are located in Raleigh. The drive wouldn’t be too bad if I didn’t feel comfortable doing it myself. Looks like I’ll just stick with my original plan of 2” go from there.

 

I live in VA and traveled down there, don’t tryst any of the shops out here to do it. And 150 is a fairly cheap considering shops seems to be charging 200-400

 

I wouldn’t trust anyone else either. $150 plus a drive is a small price to pay for the peace of mind.