Questions and concerns, Bilstein 5100's with Icon 1.5" add a leaf.

I have been 4 years on this lift, did the ECGS when lifted and the driveline angles are close to being in spec than without the diff and carrier drop. No issues what so ever. Thank you for you input but I have to go on our local shop's advice as he does turn key work as I have experienced several times as well as others and been in business for over 30 years.

 

Never had those problems with that lift on my old 2nd gen, or my new ‘21.

Toyota does their similar factory TRD 2+1 lift and they send them out without any issues that Ive heard.

 

Sub'd to thread.

Question on the rear 5100's. Bilstein advertises them as use with 0-1" lift in the rear. I am looking at getting the Icon RXT leaf kit and using option 2 (with 200 pounds in bed = 1.75" lift). I have a topper shell and a few other things permanently in the bed, say 250 pounds total so I expect ~1.5" lift total.

Am I fine using the 5100's in the back and exceeding their recommended 1" lift by 0.5"?

 

IMO you will be fine. If you don’t already get some new bumps stops

 

+1 on bumps. and it appears many run AALs (usually +1.5" but up to 2") with 5100s rear and I haven't heard of issues arising - that is where I am heading soon (w/ durobumps) so I am happy you asked - hopefully triggers some feedback from those w/ similar setups.

 

Rookie question on the bump stops. What exactly do they do? I assume if your bottom drops out and the bed hammers down onto the leaf spring/shocks, the cushions the blow? If I am just doing easy to mid-moderate offroad trails do I need them? Does the Offroad model come with them from the factory?

 

I had looked at the 1.5" Icon AAL and some others but everything I read said after some time it sagged and ended up being about 1" WITHOUT weight. I hate to spend the $700 on the ICon RTX but with my topper and some other stuff I feel like I need it. The thing I dislike is I am torn between option 2 and 3 that the leaf pack offers. Similar though, everything I read about it says on option 3, it is designed for 600 pounds. And if you don't have it the ride is harsh! Option 2 is designed for 200 pounds and that is slightly below my default daily driver weight. I "might" hit 600 pounds in the bed if I am loaded up for a family camping trip, but usually I am solo and travel light.

All these factors are mid boggling! I figure I can always go to option 3 later if needed as long as I save the parts.

 

The OEM ones are like hockey pucks imo. Aftermarket are bigger and will soften up hits

 

IMO a leaf pack is worth it. OEM leafs are flat already. Exactly run option #2 you can always re assemble to option #3. I running option #2 for my needs and weight it’s perfect. Still have rake when loaded. Unloaded I have about 1.5” to 2” of rake which I love it’s a truck should have rake if you use it like one

 

If my truck was older I'd go full new pack, I have a leer 180 cap at about 200# plus assorted gear, full pack outs camping probably another 200#+ - but leaf springs are just too new for me to fully replace at $800 (got a 21 ORAC - also green btw, 5K miles) - so trying the HS 3LAAL ($220) w/out overload, if they sag longer term, they sag - and will have to reconsider. Lifting from an inch and want to maintain rake, so AAL in rear does that for me hopefully. And yah, I've been suffering from paralysis by analysis for months, thought I'd better try something with spring here.

 

what’s your thoughts on the 2 degree leaf spring shims for pinion angle correction?

Example:

 

Only if necessary. If you don't have vibrations from driveshaft angle, I wouldn't bother.

The proper way is to measure driveshaft angle after lift. That involves tools and math that I haven't done before.

 

How about sumo springs instead of a bump stop? Lifted a bit they shouldn't touch until you get some compression on everything else.

 

Those are great as well

 

Thanks for the info on option 2. What is your added weight from factory that you carry on a daily basis? With my topper I already have the rated 200 pounds right at the get go, which is where my concern is.

 

No problem bro. With your topper already at 200 then added weight on a daily I see where you are torn. Decision’s Damn it!! IMO I would do option 3 with 200lb topper from the start.

 

I went with option 2 (Icon stage 8) and with the weight of a snug top canopy, around 100lbs of gear/spare tire/bedmat and 200 lbs of sand bags the hub to fender is 24" on my 2nd gen. With the front coil overs at the factory 2" setting the hub to fender is 22".... got a 2" rake going. Hoping when it gets broke in and the sandbags removed it gets to a 1.75" rake which is around what the truck had when new. If the leafs ever sag in the future i always have option 3. On a side note... no vibrations or shims needed.

 

That is good to know. So essentially you are getting more lift on option 2 than advertised? Do you have the sand bags in there to try to speed up the sag?

 

Right now (had it installed a few months ago) it's a bit more but thinking it will drop a 1/2" once it settles out. Even if it doesn't drop I'm happy with 2" rake (for towing the boat and I like the way it looks.) The sandbags were for the ice/snow but i'll leave it in for a while to get things settled... the truck actually rides great with the extra weight.

 

I’m at option #2 also have about 2” of rake