5100 questions.

Hi everyone -

I just bought the 5100 kit for my 09 OR. I came up with some questions -

1) Once installed, can the front height be adjusted without removing the Shocks?

2) I'm debating .85 or 1.5? 1.5 will level it because there is currently no lift in the back and none planned.

3) I'm running duratracks 75R16. There are just about done after 70+ thousand miles. Will the lift alone allow me to run bigger tires?

Basically I am installing the rear shocks myself. But I do not have the tools to install the front shocks. A friend of mine helped with new shocks on my 98, but I was convinced that hit tools would snap and kill up both. So I am going to pay someone to install the fronts. (to his credit the tools did not snap)

Also the tires are about done. I'm not really that interested in bigger tires, the 75R16 is big enough. But the duratracks are just too noisy on the highway and I want to install something quieter. Most of my driving is on the highway.

Thanks for your help.

 

The 5100 have to be removed and disassembled to adjust.

 

Where are the other 5097 questions?

 

Just got this,.

 

1) The height cannot be adjusted without removing the shocks, safely. The proper way is to remove the coilovers, disassemble, then adjust the snap ring beneath the spring seat accordingly.

2) Here is a chart that Headstrong Offroad created to help you figure out what settings/springs to get:
https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/uploads/1/1/8/4/11846658/lift_guide_rev_4.pdf

3) What’s the width of your tires? That’ll give us a better idea what you have now overall. But shortly after you said didn’t want to run bigger tires?

 

1) No, one and done, make sure to sue grease on the clips to ensure they don't rust into place.

2) The lower the setting, the better the ride, higher means more preload. I'd go 1.5 to make the lift worthwhile.

3) 75's are the magic number and it will look good. I would suggest a higher quality all terrain like the Toyo AT3 or Nitto Grapplers.

 

Thank you for your help.

Since I don't want to pay for an uninstall/reinstall to just adjust the height, I need to decide on a lift height before they are installed the first time. That's what I figured but I want to be sure, that's why I asked here. I'm leaning more to the 1.5 setting now.

I will get the tire width tomorrow. It's the standard tire width it came with from the factory, but the 75R16 is 1 step taller than the factory size on the 16 inch rims that came with the truck.

As for the spring, I was planning to use the factory spring. It's the progressing rate spring that came with the off-road package.

As for the tires, mostly I want some that are less noisy on the highway. I will give the duratracks credit though, they lasted a long time, and the do go through the snow well. Going through the snow is my #1 tire requirement. #2 would be noise.

I can hold off on the tire purchase for a little while, but I will want at least 2 new tires before it starts snowing. 2 of the tires treads are almost gone and will probably flunk inspection in October.

 

Ok so you have 265/75R16 which is actually the biggest you can run without modifications. I can’t help you with snow tire recommendations lol

 

I guess I have come up with one more question.

When the front shocks are installed at a height other than the factory height, do you need to do an alignment?

Thanks again everybody.

 

Yes especially after you alter the height. Typically it’s good practice to get one after having any work done to the suspension

 

Now 5096 haha

 

Another question -

I have been shopping on Amazon for new tires. Amazon recommends cooper, but they don't have the "snow" symbol and talking to friends they are loud on the highway.

They also have falken Wildpeaks listed, in both the factory 265 70/16 and 265 75/16. They have the "snow" symbol on them and are supposed to be quite on the highway. They also show you can get 4 ply or 10 ply. I realize that ply really isn't a thing anymore, it's more of a tire rating. And I remember the duratracs had 2 to pick from, and I went with the C rated, not the E.

So I guess I have to make the same choice again. the "10 ply" are about 30 bucks more per tire.

Is there any good reasons to get the 10 ply, for someone who is a highway driver, snow driver, sometimes tows, and sometimes goes 4 wheeling?

Thank you all for your help. I promise this will be done without asking 5100 questions.

 

10 ply is overkill man for our mid-size trucks. It’s passable if you’re constantly under heavy loads, constantly towing, or it’s a designated warrior.

 

Thanks - that's what I figured.

Anyway - I was watching TV. VIP has falken, and they were advertising buy 3 get 1 free. The special may not apply to the tires I want but I will call them tomorrow.

 

The 4-ply Wild peaks wear out too fast. I would go 6 or 10 ply. Especially if you live in a climate in which you want good traction in winter.

 

The 4ply wildpeaks are installed. 161 each, buy 3 get 1 free.

There was too much rust for me to install even the rear shocks. I let VIP do all 4. I was told that the mechanic had some "Choice" works to describe the job. 12 years in NH will rust anything.

The wildpeaks are not as mean looking as the duratracs. But they are a TON quieter. I will have to see if they stay quiet. I'm not sure how well they work in the snow yet, or how long they will last. The new tires and shocks made the whole ride a lot nicer.

 

If you have the tools for the rear install, my guess is you have the tools for the front install minus the coil removal / install on the new 5100. You could remove the front struts with the coils and a shop could quickly and easily move them to the 5100s and hand them back. If you're looking to save a few $$$ and would rather install, I think that could be a good option. Another option is to grab a set of new coils for the 5100s (headstrong has some) and have them assembled beforehand.