2nd Gen Bilstein 5100 CV joint

Hey everyone. I have a 2016 4x4 and have the 2nd gen Bilstein 5100s with OME 887 springs. I originally had the struts set at .85, but a few months ago I opted to go to the top setting because of the amount of settling in the front. Fast forward to last week and I noticed popping and knocking sounds while turning. Turns out it’s a busted drivers side CV joint. My question is did bumping the struts up to the top setting cause the CV to fail? Should I lower it back down and just deal with less lift than desired in the front?

Just so you are aware, I never installed aftermarket UCAs since most people on here said it wasn’t necessary. Starting to believe I should invest in some. Also, Toyota is going to honor the warranty and replace the CV, so that’s a good thing.

Finally, should I upgrade front shocks and springs? Should I maybe go with 888s and 3rd gen shocks? I want the truck to sit perfect and stop settling so much.

Thank you.

 

going to fail again if you keep running that much preload...

 

Understood, but tell me this. Why do they even make the struts with the highest option if it’s prone to failure? It just makes no sense to me at all.

 

That’s for the stock coils.

 

Also, what is a better spring for the 2nd gen bilsteins? The 887s settled so much that I lost too much lift. I heard the 888s wouldn’t be much of a difference if any at all. The 886s would be too stiff. I’m at a loss as to how to get the proper height with these struts.

 

So would I have been better off keeping the stock coils and going to the top setting?

 

Those shocks were designed to work with the OEM springs and the notches would preload the spring to give desired lift. Since the coils you are using have a higher spring rate, they'll naturally make the truck sit higher under zero preload. So preloading aftermarket springs with these shocks is technically not what Bilstein designed them around.

 

did you stop to think it was meant for stock springs and not aftermarket ones that are rated high # and length, plenty of information here

you are lifted beyond 3".....you have more wheel gap then myself that has 2.5" of cut fenders and 35s

if you wanted more lift, should have got a 4"-6" bracket lift

 

When I ran them, I had good luck with the 620lb Eibach coils.

 

I have had 887's on 5100's for over 2 years now and have had barely any settling maybe a 1/4 inch if that. Sounds like research should have been done while browsing through this thread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...2016-tacoma-presented-by-toytec-lifts.395798/

 

Ok ok lol. Trust me, I sifted through mounds of threads on here before I pulled the trigger on this setup. I also called the folks at headstrong and took their advice as to which components to buy. They did say to set the struts at .85 which is what I did initially. Over the course of a few months, my truck settled and caused the tires to rub at times. That’s when I went to a local shop called RPM Off-road. They’ve been in business forever and deal with tons of Tacoma’s. The guys there said they would set it to the top setting and that they’ve never had issues doing so, even with the 887 coils. I’m no expert. I’m no mechanic. I trusted the folks that do it daily to take care of it. I’m not looking to get beat up on here as to what led me to do what I did. All I want to do is figure out the right combination to get me the look I desire without causing component failure in the future. Thanks.

 

This is 2nd gen 5100's and 887 springs, all done when new in early 16. Just turned 40,000 miles no problems. Camburg UCA's will eliminate the rubbing most of the time. I run a 285/70/17

 

What setting on the struts?

 

I had headstrong assemble them to their recommendation. I believe it was the first setting. I do not have a diff drop and have had no problems.

 

You have way to much lift like some else said. You should get a diff drop kit but I doubt that would correct it enough. Drop bracket would be the way to go if you’re trying to get move than 3 inches up front

 

If you put them back to the first setting a set of upper control arms will help with the rubbing.

 

What size tire are you running?

 

I’m gonna research some UCAs now then. Would u recommend going to the lowest setting or going to the .85 as originally suggested by Headstrong?

 

I would go back with what headstrong recommends, I've used camburg uniball upper control arms on my Toyota's and never had any problems.