Bilstein 5100 Settings for dummies

That's odd, both mine and my sons ride great. Mine is on the 4th setting and sons is on the 5th. Both same set ups, diff drops, rear carrier drops, clamshell bushings, all the same. I sometimes think his rides better. My friends has the same truck and his has OME and we cannot tell a difference.

 

It could be tire pressure and added/less weight that can dramatically effect ride quality.

 

Maybe so, both our tacoma's run the exact tire and wheel set up too. Maybe he is running a E rated with 40 lbs. IDK.

 

really looking forward to how this turns out, im on the same boat.. keep us posted

 

Did any of you happen to take before and after measurements to see how close the amount of lift ended up being compared to specs on the instruction sheet?

 

What offset is your wheels?

 

-12

 

By making that comment you reveal yourself as someone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about to people who do know what they’re talking about regarding this subject.

You have common misconceptions concerning coil-overs and the settings on ride height adjustable shocks and the reasons they don’t affect ride, spring length or rates.

It’s safe and easy.

For installation, the spring is compressed between the vehicle weight above it and the jack below it. Perfectly safe.

The spring is the same length at all settings when the vehicle weight is on the spring. That’s a fact.

Lift is created by lengthening the bottom portion of the shock by moving the clip upwards in small increments. That’s a fact also.

Hank Heel, don’t make false and/or shitty comments for the world to read.

Think and read about the subject a bit more. Learn something new and better.

 

Im no expert on the subject but there is some info based on the 2nd gen tacoma model.
https://youtu.be/hBpLKyaG9BE

 

After reading & watching this I'm gonna go with 5100's in the front in back. I want 285\70\17 wheels & tires.

 

Your going to rub, plan on a CMC and the correct offset.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you adjust your bilsteins to the higher settings you compress your spring therefore adding a preload to the spring? This preload on the spring makes your ride... "Stiffer or harsh" because your spring doesn't have the travel it once had to "dampen" your ride? Serious question. Or am I we Todd did? OP, i would suggest getting a proper spring to match your 5100's. If you go with stock springs I wouldn't suggest going too high on your settings. If you go with 285/75/16's you are going to rub. It's just a matter of where you are going to rub and how much. So far with my lift and tires o rub only on the trim. Of course I haven't "flexed" my suspension as of yet so I won't know for sure. Good luck and post some pics.

 

If the bilsteins are valved for the stock springs, wouldn't using a heavier, stiffer spring throw off that valving?

 

I personally have a set of all 4 5100's ordered and am planning to set the fronts at either the 2nd or 3rd setting. Im looking for 1 inch of lift. Anyone who has done the same and took measurements before and after install, setting, and alignment, how much lift did you end up with?

 

I know this thread is about the bilsteins, but I have the eibachs on my T4R, stock coils on the max setting. To me, my other half and my dogs they all prefer that compared to my 2nd gen 5100s lowest setting with OME 885 coils. That’s just my opinion tho as we all know it’s subjective. I’ll just say I enjoy it so much when i get my 3rd gen I’ll be going eibach route again.

 

I just did them in the front earlier this week. I took measurements and the front was about 1-1/4” lower than the back in stock form. Had the shop set my 5100s on the 1.1” setting and it’s perfect. Nearly level and the nose wasn’t higher than the rear when I threw all my tools in the back the day after.

I haven’t added anything to the rear. Hope this helps

 

Any pics?

 

not any great ones but this is the closest one I have to it being on flat ground.

 

Hows the ride?