Installed 5100s + AAL for 1" Lift

Unlike most suspension threads which end in a question mark, this is not another "HOW LIFT TACOMA??" thread. Instead, I just want to add what I did to my truck to the TW bank of information.

I just finished installing Bilstein 5100 shocks, Headstrong Off-Road's new AAL kit (with a twist), and DuroBumps on my otherwise stock chassis 2015 Tacoma TRD OR DCSB. The truck has just under 50k miles and has never been abused, so I wouldn't say the stock suspension is worn out. I just wanted to beef it up and lift it a pinch so that when it's loaded down with the camera crane + cab full of guys it wouldn't be riding on the bump stops.

I installed the front 5100s at the .85" clip setting. This actually gave me a hair over 1" of lift. Piece of cake.

Headstrong's AAL is a 3-leaf pack that is supposed to install in place of your factory overload leaf. What separates their AAL from the others currently available is that theirs do not require cutting off one of the TSB factory spring clips. Now here's where it gets a little interesting. Instead of installing the AAL as designed / instructed, I opted to use only the longest leaf out of the AAL, sandwiching it between the truck's 3 regular leaves and the overload leaf. So effectively I installed a single-leaf AAL, but without the added stiffness of the true single-leaf ones on the market. In doing so, it only raised the rear of the truck 1" which is all I wanted. I like that I was able to retain the overload spring, and the factory U-bolts were also long enough to be able to be reused. Hell, I think Headstrong should offer this one leaf as a separate item for those like myself who just want a tiny bit of rear end support!

It was difficult finding a solution that would only lift the rear of the truck 1". Most AAL's and full aftermarket spring packs start at 1.5" lift or more. On top of that, folks report that they end up with more than the advertised lift amount anyway. I really did not want to run blocks, yet I only wanted 1" of lift. I was glad that that's exactly what I got with the idea to run just the single main leaf out of the 3-leaf AAL pack.

As for the DuroBumps, I found them to be a well-designed product and installed without issue. They are taller than the factory bump stops, but will offer a more progressive stop compared to the rock hard stock ones.

Long story even longer, the truck rides great. I don't feel any increase in rear spring rate, and the 5100s are noticeably more supple than the stock OR Bilstein's. As everyone says, they are a great shock upgrade for the money.

I know a thread is worthless without pics, so with all that being said, here are pics of the truck lifted 1" all around on stock size 265/70/16 tires. As you can see, the lift is hardly noticeable, but will certainly do the job when it comes to the truck's intended use.

 

Commenting to put this on my to-do list.

I've been looking for something like this for the reasons you stated. Nice write-up!

 

OP - that taco is F'ing sexy!! It's nearly identical to mine... '09 DCSB TRD OR in BSP, except I was bored in quarantine and addressed the chrome on my grill, bumper and badges. I never really wanted to murder it out, but got sick of looking at how pitted and distressed the chrome had become. I really appreciate your detailed write-up; I've been wanting a very small lift in the future, primarily to level out the front and back. Mine is a daily driver with 140k miles, and when I go off-roading and camping it's typically on CRs and fire access roads in the CO high rockies.

Point is, I've never needed a massive 3"+ lift nor have ever desired to turn it into a competition crawler (also balling on a budget here)... I'm more focused on maintaining the driveshaft angles and trying to take it to 400k-500k miles. I'm glad I came across your post, and I appreciate you taking the time to write it up. I'm getting a new leaf pack this week courtesy of the recall... nice to go 140k and then receive new (free) components. I'm definitely saving this forum for the future when I want to take it up a bit.

 

Thank you for posting the details and pictures!

This is just about spot on as to where I want my truck to be but have been stumped trying to figure out what to do with the rear. Very nice work!

 

I’m looking to go with a similar setup on my Tacoma. I want a more durable and capable suspension but a very subtle lift. Did you use the stock springs for the front 5100s?

Very nice job.

 

Yes, the front springs are stock. I like the stock spring rate.

 

That’s good to know. Do you know by chance if there are advantages/disadvantages to using stock springs and a higher setting on the shock vs using the default 0 setting on the shock and different spring that will provide lift?

 

I can't speak to that comparison, sorry.

 

one more question- what length durobumps did you opt for in the rear?

 

I went with the shortest ones, to maintain as much travel as possible.

 

OP, what is on your bed/roof? Looks like a mount for a technical...

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/camera-crane-truck.626354/

 

Thanks for the help! Just ordered the 5100s today.

 

whats the total for this setup?

 

Bilstein 5100s (all 4) - $385
Headstrong Off Road's AAL kit - $200
DuroBumps (all 4) - $250

 

stock coils?

 

Thanks for sharing

 

Yep, see post #6.

 

thanks m8!

 

OP, nice set up. Like the way your truck sits. What's the skinny on that sway bar?

I see from your other thread that they are Hellwig sway bars. Thanks!