Suspension/ Lift kit questions.

So I'm relatively ignorant when it comes to suspensions lifts, or lift kits in general. I don't really want blocks or spacers, and I don't want to buy new wheels and tires. Is it possible to level the truck and have better suspension? I've came to the conclusion in maybe getting a Bilstein 5100 kit, with an AAL. But again I'm not really sure. Any helpful info is appreciated.

Edit: Also when getting a 5100 kit, do I need new coils or just the shocks? What difference will it make?

 

Also curious about this. Ive put OME el112r heavy duty rear leaf springs but want to know whats needed for the front. What issues could arise.. shims n such.

 

For a budget level, the Bilstein 5100s are perfect. Most people will re-use the stock front coils unless you have a lot of added weight. A true level lifts the front 1-2'' depending on how your truck sits stock. That puts it into the territory of needing a Ecgs bushing on the drivers side, which replaces the badly designed needle bearing Toyota should have changed from the start. Some rigs last tens of thousands of miles without needing it, some don't.

 

added weight as in a winch and bumper? Been looking at a few smaller winch friendly bumper additions to cut on weight. But ive heard also using ome 800something coils. 833? Maybe idk lol with the 5100s

 

Yup, something like that! I have no knowledge on what other coils to use with the Bilstein's, but sure there's a big thread on here somewhere that goes in depth.

 

There are some great videos that can help understand how the lift will work for your truck..

https://youtu.be/_68Hc8GtLko

He has other great videos as well....

Now, 5100's are designed to work with the factory springs. They are the lifting component of the set up. Some people put and recommend adding a lift spring (OME) to this as well. These are designed to work with factory shocks or OME shocks. And the combination of Bilstein and OME has been reported as being harsh by some people. I would recommend going with one or the other, not both.

AAL, I would never recommend. These work great at first but you are trying to re-arc the factory leaf springs that want to be straight. Over time, the factory springs win this battle and the rear sags... I would recommend a block up to 1½" in the rear for no extra weight capacity or a full leaf pack like the Icon RXT or OME if extra weight capacity is required.

Also, Eibach makes a quality entry level lift kit similar to the Bilstein 5100. The Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 1 kit. I am running thier Stage 2 kit and am very happy with it's performance and quality.

 

The real question is why do you want to remove the engineered rake (level it)?

If you use the truck as a truck, ie tow, haul, etc, the rake plays a role in compensating for that work.

Just something else to noodle on.

PS, I'm not really looking for an answer, you do as you wish.

Just commenting because many who level have no clue why the truck sits as it does from the factory and feel it needs to be 'fixed'.

 

I've not needed to replace that yet, but what should I be looking out for?

 

A humming vibration at certain speeds, constant vibration, sounds like a wheel bearing going out, etc. Mine was a slow pulse after about 2k miles after lifting the front 1.5''. The key to figuring out if its the needle bearing going out, is slapping it in 4wd while driving. If the sound/vibration goes away, it's the needle bearing. For example, I've done the Ecgs on 2 brand new Trd Pro's since they had the vibration after 10k miles, and those are only ~1'' taller than the other models in the front.

 

Cool. Thanks for the heads up. I've been lifted 2.5 inches for a couple of years and haven't had any issues yet, but it could just be a matter of time.