Quick Leveling Question (Just to confirm).

Okay so I've read several posts (via search function and stuff ), and I'm pretty sure i know the answer to this but i just want to confirm before i shell out the dough (i've posted in other peoples threads but never really got a response)...

I'm really only looking for two things; to level her out and to improve the ride. Can I put 5100's all around (w/ 1.75 in front) and expect any kind of miraculous improvement to the ride? Would the ride improvement be worth dropping the coin or would the money be better spent on mods elsewhere for the truck? Should I save up for something better?

And last but not least:
Would I, the epitome of noob, be able to install them myself?

I have an '09 TRD Prerunner.

Thanks!
- Flashy

 

sorry, for a moment i thought you were talkin about games and levling ><

 

Well, I'm more concerned about my truck but i will certainly entertain any ideas that may expedite my BlackOps career...

 

well in that case, my knowledge for the truck is out the door... >< good luck though!

 

I put the 5100's on the 1.75 setting and it leveled my truck and to me it feels better than stock. I had a shop put them on because I don't have the proper tools. You can have a shop change out the shocks in the coils and put them in your self I hear it is not to bad. PM Chris4x4 he is very knowledgeable on suspension. Or ask for help from a fellow TW in your ares to help.

 

I would say do a leveling kit, easy to do if you are good with mechanics, but if you do a leveling kit you might wanna buy a slightly larger tire in diameter so it doesnt look to funny.

 

Would leveling it out alone improve the ride a bit?

 

Depending on the type, a leveling kit will either make the ride much worse (coil spacers), or it will damage your ball joints (top plate spacers).

 

I am so happy the guy at the Off Road shop talked my out of a spacer lift when I first bought my truck. Yes, it was a little more expensive for the 5100's as opposed to the spacer lift, but well worth it!

I highly recommend the 5100's as a starting point for upgrades. They are a well respected shock and offer a great ride for light off-roading and daily driving. For the price, its a great investment. I considered upgrading mine to either FOX or KING's after my spindle lift and Deavers, but the ride is great. If I get a windfall of $$$, I would consider upgrading - or going long travel altogether. For now, I am very content with my mid-travel set up.

 

I just went through the same process. First I did the rear leaf TSB then installed the billies front & rear set at 1.75 up front.
After the TSB the rear was sitting 3" higher now it sits 1.25" higher but looks more leveled out (measured from the ground across the center of the wheel to the lip of the wheelwell).
I have pics that show before and after in my gallery.

 

Did you add coils to your 5100's? I've read (alot of conflicting info!) that the 5100's without coils would actually make the ride worse?

If i just go buy the set of 4 5100's and set the front @ 1.75 what could i expect from my ride?

(Thanks 2 all for the responses so far)
-Flashy

 

Not to sound stupid, but what is a TSB? I finally figured out that AAL was "Add a Leaf" but still can't figure out TSB. It is not in the sticky :/

 

Technical Service Bulletin = TSB

There is a TSB issued by Toyota addressing the issue with the rear leaf springs. Toyota installed a 3 leaf spring package from the factory. The TSB issued allows dealers to upgrade to a 4 leaf spring to address customer complaints. They will replace the springs at no cost as long as the vihicle is in the 3yr 36000mi warranty.

 

Now I will tell you that in my case the truck does ride a little tighter now. To me that is a good thing...before the ride was too soft and loose. It feels more like a truck now. Most people like the way it feels after the TSB but there are some that don't.

 

You can do it yourself if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. Here is a how to that i posted.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/117453-front-shock-install-how-2nd-gen-4wd.html

The ride is a little stiffer with the 5100's but. It rides a little more like a truck and less like a buick skylark. Its not much of a difference, but a little.

You will have to adjust your headlights also, dont be the ahole that drives around with the blinding lights thinking its everyone else's problem.

 

Oh yea, I went with air bags in the back instead of the aal because I wanted it adjustable. Sometimes I carry heavy stuff and sometimes I dont. I didnt want it bouncing around back there if I wasnt carrying anything.

 

That's pretty cool about the TSB. Do I just goto the dealership and say "can u guys add that 4th leaf"? Do I need to reference anything?

Thanks for all the info!
-Flashy (from my droid)

 

Well I personally didn't like the way it felt when pulling my boat. I just called the dealer and explained this to the service guy I have dealt with in the past. He said they needed to see the truck to document the complaint and they would order the springs. So that's what I did...they ordered the parts and I had them installed the following week. All covered under warranty.
He showed me the bill and this would have cost over $1500

I think you actually have to complain about something related to towing or handling.

 

soo correct me if im wrong then... i can purchase 5100s, get them installed and do not need to purchase a leaf... i can just go to the dealer and complain and i get a free leaf... and the outcome, a truck that is leveld?

 

Yup....that pretty much sums it up