Bilstein 5100 questions - is the dealer full of crap?

I searched, and I read a lot. There is a lot of conflicting info. That’s why I am posting.

I drive a 2019 Tacoma SR access cab 4x4.

We go off road most weekends, but we aren’t adrenaline junkies. My wife scares easily and so most of the time it’s slow moving and nothing extreme. A lot if where we go could be done in two wheel drive.
The lift is as much for aesthetics as it is for functionality. I wouldn’t mind being 3” higher.

So I called the dealership where I bought my truck to see about having it lifted. (Wife feels better having the dealership lift it, and that makes this an actual possibility, vs. it just not happening) They have two options, a spacer lift and 5100’s. The Bilsteins are $200 more than the spacer, so it seems like the better option.

Dealer claims that the spacer lift provides 3” front and 2” rear.
Dealer claims that the Bilstein lift provides 2.25 front and 1.5 rear. (1” lift block in the rear)
I’m afraid that the dealer is using a penis measuring stick when measuring the lifts.

Everything I have read shows The 5100’s lift the front 2” and the rear 1”. i read the installation guide from Bilstein and I believe that the shock shouldn’t be set on position 5, because it is an access cab, so the front will only be lifted 1.55”.

Does anyone have any experience with 5100’s on an access cab and what the actual outcome is?

 

Per Bilstein:

 

The most you would want to do with the 5100s in the front would be the 4th clip, which would provide about 1.5" to 2.0" of lift and the rear bilstein 5100s provide no lift at all. To get rear lift they would have to add in a block or AAL.

I know your wife feels confident in the dealer but they don't lift vehicles that much and they don't do custom jobs very often. Their repairs involve getting cars back to running the way they came from the factory. I would just talk to your wife and call around some 4x4 shops in your area. They will probably charge less too. You could always buy a reputable suspension lift online and pay a 4x4 shop to install it for you.

 

Cant imagine being married to someone so irrational.

 

Thanks for your super informative post. You win the internetz for being the bestest poster today!

 

As long as you aren't dropping off small ledges while off-roading or taking jumps at high speeds you will be fine with a spacer lift and properly measured bumpstops.

 

Sorry.

Anyways. No the bilsteins will not get you 3 inches and do not do any spacer lift that claims 3 inches. It will ruin your shocks.

 

Same to you.

 

Look for a good local off-road shop.

 

5100’s 4th setting with aal in rear. Keep factory rake. Also light off-roading will be fine. Ride is really nice. Spacer lifts pass on that shit. Been there got rid of that shit. 5100’s great kit. Also 6112’s sick ass kit. Eibach stage 1 great kit.
Research your options.

Good Luck

 

Just do it yourself, dealers are for warranty work only imo. The 5100's don't provide any lift for the rear, but they do allow you to run a small lift in the rear, if that makes sense.
Why does she want the dealer to do it so badly, seems odd.
Why do you want 3 inches? Are you planning on doing UCA's so you can get your truck properly aligned with that amount of lift?

 

At some point I'll probably do 5100s all around with an AAL. It's such a simple set up.

 

This is basically what I am doing but also throwing in a set of Eibach pro springs I picked up for $150 shipped. Planning on installing this weekend if everything gets here. All together cost me about $580 shipped. Just using a $60 Wulf AAL from Amazon. Add in a $100 for an alignment. Not a bad lift for less than $700 out the door. Just not sure if I am going to use the lowest setting on the 5100s or the second setting for 2.5". Guess it depends on how much the AAL lifts the rear of my DCLB.

 

Your driveline should take priority. Keep it at 2” or less mang.

 

What's the dealer want to charge for those options?

 

@HeadStrong Off-Road

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/

 

If you have the tools (or can borrow some) do it yourself.

So much info on here and youtube to make the work easier. Just take your time, its not that hard.

Hell even if you went out and bought all the tools and did it yourself you would still save money and have yourself a nice tool set.

 

This is a fine idea. I pledge my time to this thread if this thread decides to become DIY.

 

Just an opinion, but I'd stay in the 2" range based on your description of your off roading style. With a lift in that range you'll avoid a lot of the issues that come with larger lifts. As to having the dealer do the job, there are some advantages to that. TSS recalibration is one. If you take it to an independent shop and then have issues with the TSS, expect to pay for the dealership to recalibrate if they will even do it. If the dealer does the job you have some leverage there to insist they take care of it along with any other issues that can result from even a small lift.

Good luck. Sounds like you're having some fun with your truck.