My 5100 install

First off, thanks to DSM for the awesome service!
Here is their link; http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/do...lstein-5100-2nd-gen-series-shocks-update.html

Received my 5100's less than 48 hours after ordering them!



Took my 85 LTD LX 5.0L out of the garage and threw my truck in for the install.



I had to go buy new jack stand because mine were not tall enough.
This is also the factory bottle jack maxed out, what a joke!


Started off by removing the tires, sway bar, lower control arm bolts, and tie rods, then set the spindle and rotor back to allow for work room and enough space to remove the shock.


I removed the shocks. Used a rented spring compressor from Autozone and sucked down the springs just enough to unbolt the top plate without it decapitating me! I ended up having to hold the shocks rod with a wrench and loosen the bolt with another as it spun on me.
I lifted the whole assembly off the old shock and set it on the new one. I did have to crank down on the spring compressors to get the new bolt started on the new shock. After the top nut was tight, I loosened the compressors.
This is it after completing that...


Did the same with the other side and installed assembly. A helpers foot on the lower ball joint is enough to get the shock in.


Installed the other side and began to put everything back together. Using locktite where previously used. (Lower control arm to spindle and sway bar). Then torqued everything to factory specs.

Replaced the wheels and here we sit...






Here is my measurement from center of hub before install...


And after install...


Hope you enjoy and this offers any help to anyone looking to install some 5100's.

7/27/10 Edit;

Before (brand new)


After 5100 install at 5200 miles


After TSB at 5500 miles




After the TSB i ran it down the same powerline road I always run my dogs on. It is definately stiffer, which is good! It feels like a damn truck now and now a sedan. Especially with the stiffer front from the 5100's set at 2.5. Anyway, I love how it handles. It hits the bumps, takes em, and settles. No more bounce after. I would recommend this set up to anyone!

 

nice write up.....

 

Looking good D!

 

Nice!

 

Honestly, feels stiffer, more like a truck should feel I guess. It also controls and holds the road better. Almost feels similar to the 3" spacer lift I had on my '07, but better.

 

Looks good. Nice write up.

 

Great job, great results & great illustration, no offense man but when you rolled out that ugly boxy Ltd you shoulda rolled it on down the street & parked it in front of that neighbor that you don't really like !! (we all have one)Those years were butt-ugly for U.S. autos (not just ford) but again ,you did a good job of installing & documenting it too !

 

Hahaha! Thanx but that LTD is sadly part of me. Like I said it was my dad's old squad car. My first car and I drove it for 4+ years. Even when I got a different vehicle is was always there to back me up . It has the 5.0L in it and everything from a fox body mustang is interchangable, including the front clip! I will probably never part ways with this car. Even though it is not worth it, I will end up fixing it up again one day!

Glad you liked it though!

 

Did you done anything in your rear beside the 5100 shock ? how was your truck sit ? level or nose high ?

Im gonna lift my truck to 2.5" and add 1" block for the rear to make her sit level.

 

I only installed the shock! Taking it in tomorrow for the TSB. Depending on how it sits I may to an AAL. I would recommend the AAL for you also, instead of the block. It does sit somewhat nose high at the moment, not too noticable though. And like I said, after the TSB we shall see.

 

I promise!!!

 

Take pics & post alignment info pls.

 

I shall! It does sit a little Toe In at the moment!

 

Thanks for taking the time to do the write up. I installed my 5100's about a month ago and I couldn't be more happy about them. Sonny is the go to guy for these shocks!

 

Word! I love them so far. Did a 300mi round trip today to Caliente, NV and back. Haven't done an alignment or anything and they rode soooo sweet.


May I ask what you have yours set at and if you did anything with the rear?

 

I set them at 0 with a new set of Eibach springs. I also added a set of Toytec 1.5 inch TSB add a leaf springs on my non TSB leaf springs.

 

Final result? Lift?

 

Bump

 

edit bump

 

Looks dead level to me, awesome! How was the alignment post TSB? And maybe a dumb question, but does the stock jack still work?