Bilstein 5100: 1.1 or 1.55 with AAL w/ 265/75-16?

My Bilstein's are arriving today!

Driving a 2019 Double Cab short bed SR5 4x4 with BFG 265/75-16. Have about 225 lbs of rack system in the back.

I'm using my stock coils and trying to keep this pretty simple.

Do I go with the 1.1" setting and call it good or bump up to the 1.55" setting with a 1" block or 1.5" AAL in the rear?

I don't necessarily want a big lift (2"+) but want to change the stance without getting the "bro lean". I also plan on sticking with my current tire size so I don't want so much lift that my tires look small. On the other hand, I feel like my truck rides lower than my old FJ and just feels diminutive when behind the wheel compared to other trucks or even a 4Runner.

What says the hive?

ETA: I've just measured and this is what I have. All measurements taken from the top edge of the Toyota "round" at the center of the wheel. Thought this was a more accurate point of reference than trying to eye ball the absolute center. Makes me think I'll need to add a block or AAL since I'm already about .5" from level. Thoughts?

Front Left: 19 5/8"
Front Right: 19 3/4"

Rear Left: 19 3/4"
Rear Right: 20 1/4"

 

C'mon....no comments or thoughts?

 

Are you using a single aal or a 3 leaf progressive? Keeping the overload in? I would definitely use an AAL over a block because of the constant added weight, so you keep some suspension travel. You won’t necessarily get 1.5” of lift with the aal because of the weight.

No bro lean is fine, but do you want the truck level or with a slight nose down lean?

I would put the rear on first, give it a short test drive, then measure and decide which setting to do on the front. I’d lean towards 1.1.

 

5100’s all around 2” front 1.5aal no complaints here with 16x8 methods 0 offset 265/75/16

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mild-lift-2016-tacoma-trd-or.718011/#post-25554685

I would recommend the 1.1.

 

1.1, all day. i have had 5100s and 6112 at all configurations, and i loved 1” front, stock rear the best.

 

Using an Icon 3 leaf progressive. Not sure about leaving overload in. I wouldn't mind a half inch to an inch of rake. I have a kayak trailer I tow sometimes and instances where my 100lb fishing kayak is riding in the back without a trailer and I don't want to be dragging ass.

Currently running stock and with the weight of the rack system, etc I have about 1/2" of rake.

Basically, its a choice between 1.1" front with 1.5" rear giving factory rake of 1". Or, 1.55" front and 1.5" rear giving less than half an inch of rake.

I've read that the ride is better at 1.1".

 

I feel like it’s always @71tattooguy and I responding to these type of threads. Mine is one the top notch with the HS aal with extended 5100s in the rear. Sitting with an inch of rake with my gear on the bed. I’m also on 265/70/17s, for now.

My measurements:
Front: Bilstein 5100s 5th notch

Rear: Bilstein 5100s extended,

HeadStrong AAL

Bed Rack, RTT, Full Gear-

Front Driver: 22 3/4”

Rear Driver: 23 3/4”

Front Passenger: 22 3/4”

Rear Passenger: 23 3/4”



Edit: second pic is full of camping gear in the bed so it looks like there’s sag.

 

Looking great Homie

 

Here’s mine with 265/75r16 tires and 2” all around.


Like I said the front setting really depends on how much the rear drops with your added weight. I personally would definitely run the overload because without it you lose 10% of your payload capacity or something like that. If you don’t really want a big lift just want to even out the lift from adding the AAL i’d run 1.1 on the front.

 

So here’s what I’m doing next Tuesday...

2019 DC LB with fiberglass cap... having the progressive Icons installed, minus the overload. Putting on 5100s all around. My ass is sagging probably about 3/4” due to constant weight of the cap. I realize that the progressive aal without the overload will diminish my load capacity, but I don’t want that extra 1/2” lift. So instead I’m installing airbags as well. Setting the front 5100s to 1.1”. Hoping this will give me the best of both worlds. A smooth ride with the progressive aal and the support for the occasional heavier load with the adjustable airbags. I’ll be happy to post my results next week if that helps. I’m not entirely sure either if this setup will dial things in for my needs, but at some point I figured I’d just have to go for it. Hopefully I won’t be going back in to make tweaks later. I’m looking for a mild 1” lift as well. We’ll see how if works out.

 

Just so you don't plan on using the airbags to maintain the desired rear height when the bed is empty. That'll contribute to a less than optimal ride.

Jfyi the ride-rite airbags will stiffen your ride even when empty due to how they install on the leaf spring.

I like your attitude.. just go for it. Neither of these items are a large investment and they can both be sold if you find something else you like more.

 

I don’t plan on using the bags that way. But that makes me think maybe I should leave the overload leaf in there? I’m no suspension guru, so indecision is killing me

 

Leave OL in. I did, love the ride. My 2cent

 

how much lift did you end up with? And how much extra constant weight do you have in the bed?

 

About 2" id say after settling, and thats with a full size spare, sliders, bedrack, tow hitch in rear. i have the Eibachs, and wheelers 1.5 progressive 3leaf aal + overload

 

@SunRunner, perhaps wait on the air-bags to see if you even think you'll need them? They're an easy install. I don't think you will with the info you've posted.

Now if you're hooking up a travel trailer with a 320 lb tongue weight or a uhaul car trailer then yeah.. go ahead with the air bags now.

 

I may yet hold off on the air bags. Thanks for the heads up. Might not be a bad idea to wait.

 

Just thought I’d post a couple of pics of my Tacoma after the Icon 3-leaf and Bilstein 5100 install. I had the front set to 1.1” (3rd notch) and they removed my overload leaf despite my request to leave it in. I’m pleased with the results. I didn’t want anything crazy in terms of lift. I’ll have to wait and see how it’ll handle the occasional heaven load I have without the overload leaf though. Pics have some crazy colors going on because I tried to adjust them to contrast the dark tire and lift areas a bit better.