New owner lift questions

Good to get both sides. But mostly our side because we love you.

 

1) Why 'level'? Just a looks thing? Factory rake is there for several reasons. Yea, I know everyone wants to level, but it doesn't make it a good thing.

2) Why mess around with cluging pre-load and spacers? Just select the right spring for whatever lift you decide on

3) Even though you want to run dubs and low profile tires, it doesn't mean a lift is needed for clearance. In fact, the fitment of the wheel tire package selected has much more to do with clearances than lift.

Recommend determining what you are going to do with wheels / tires first, then consider your suspension.

And when you get to the suspension part, Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road is a place to call on your shopping list. Both for product selection and good pricing.

 

it’s like the first reply to the thread, his suggestion was learn to use the search bar.

 

The answer to most of your questions is I really don’t know any better. There is a lot of information and opinions.

problem I’m having is I can find the info and opinions but no one explains why they have made that suggestion. I.e what the cause and effect is. I feel like I need a chart that says if you mess with X then Y will happen.

my motivations are mostly for looks. I want a taller wider looking truck with big rims. Let’s basically say I will do No off-road. Occasionally I will have a 5-600 lb atv in the bed and pull a 2500 lb ski boat on a trailer and I want dope pictures for Facebook

 

smh

 

congratulations on your new taco. Once lifted and with larger tires, any future issues regarding the TSS you’re mostly on you own ( Toyota won’t be of much help unless you revert it back to stock )

 

I'm mainly asking this because I need to know the correct answer, not trying to attack your info here.

What is the point of the height settings on the 5100s if you aren't supposed to use them? Everyone says you can't use the adjustments with lifted springs, i.e. OME 884,885, etc. Then what springs CAN you use on the 5100s while adjusting the height settings? I believe you have your information wrong, but I'd like to know for sure, because I'm about to buy 5100s.

 

Will you be hauling ATV and towing Ski Boat at the same time?

 

At least you are honest.

And as I said before,

 

I do like this idea very much, the more I think about it the more sense it makes.

any idea how big I can go on rims and tires before having more than just minor issues?

 

Not all the time but occasionally

 

I see some add-a-leafs which remove the overload. I wouldn't suggest that. Do you know the specific AAL you want? Will it add any capacity?

I used to haul around a 400lb quad and tow a small trailer at the same time. They definitely would make my 2nd gen squat a lot when on OEM suspension. I'm assuming the 3rd gen hasn't had much increase in rear spring capabilities as most parts seem pretty much interchangeable back there between Gens.

 

You will need to contact Bilstein for appropriate spring recommendations with increased clip settings and warranty info. I do know that companies don't really like pairing their strut with other springs. Hence why they sell their own upgraded struts WITH their own springs. Since the Billistein doesn't sell springs with the 5100, I believe it is meant to be a direct replacement for stock struts, height and spring. What you do with clip setting/springs is completely up to you and not on Bilstein if you want to preload to get some lift and errors occur/warranty voided. Again, it doesn't really matter because the 5100s are so cheap and you can just replace. Also, different models come with different spring rate. The OR, Sport, SR, and Limited all are different. This allows you to buy the 5100 for ALL 3rd gen models and have the ability for a decent setting for different spring rates. The settings aren't exactly for JUST increasing lift on a certain model.

Edit: Did some digging and found some more insight. Apparently any springs but Eibach and stock will void the warranty.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bilstein-5100-with-stock-springs.414495/

 

most of what I have seen keeps the overload, haven’t put a lot of thought to which aal to get. They seem pretty basic. Would go with a reputable name with moderate price

 

I'd also like to give one more vote for @HeadStrong Off-Road. Good prices, and highly responsive.

 

They are a cheap way to gain lift, at the 'expense' of creating preload. It's ok for some situations. But a better solution is to select the spring required for the use and weight of the vehicle.

Springs carry load. Shocks (dampers) control spring oscillation. Combining the right shocks and springs (spring rate and damping rates) is always an important key to suspension success.

 

Use the tire calculator to figure out diameter comparisons. IMHO 18" is enough wheel. Then pick a tire so the overall diameter is just a little bigger than an OE wheel/tire combo.

The real trick on the wheels is the offset and width. Pick wrong and you'll have a hot mess.

For your occasional towing / ATV hauling consider air bags. Keeps you from riding around too stiff on springs all the time, gives a bit of correction when loaded

 

says here on Bilsteins Canadian supplierwebsite the 5100s are designed to work with stock coil...

 

Time to charge your phone before you disappear.

 

It is designed to work with the stock coil, that doesnt mean ride quality won't suffer with more preload.