New 5100s

I recently upgraded my suspension by installing 5100s all around and adding a 1" rear block. Initially, I only lifted the front by 1" and left the rear at its stock height. The ride quality improved significantly and the shocks didn't feel too stiff or harsh on the road. However, I later decided to maintain some rake by adding a 1" block to the rear and raising the front by 1.5" (test drove it before putting on rear blocks and it drove just as good as 1”). Since then, the ride has become stiffer and slightly jarring on the road. I haven't had an alignment yet, but I plan to do it tomorrow. While I suspect the blocks are to blame, I'm wondering if there could be other factors at play as well.

 

the higher up you go on the 5100 the worse the ride as you are preloading the spring more and more. looking at your numbers, you are getting rid of your rake, not maintaining it. get rid of the blocks, redneck tier modification

 

It sounds like you have done your research on suspension blocks and are aware that they are generally not the preferred method for lifting a vehicle's rear suspension. However, since my off-road use is limited to relatively mild conditions such as washboards or dirt roads to campgrounds, i have decided to go ahead with a 1" block to maintain SOME(0.5ish) rake in my truck's stance. It's worth noting that the TRD lift kit also includes a 1" block, so there may be some rationale behind this choice. I’ve read everything about blocks in this site, I get it. I’ll let it settle in and get an alignment and see if anything changes if not I’ll take the block off and put a 3AAL. Just another excuse to wrench on the truck which I really like doing. Thanks for your input

 

It's also worth noting that the TRD lift kit is overpriced budget parts fixed up purdy. Toyota was smart in realizing that many trucks get a lift in the 'just because I want one category', so they decided to make a profit maker out of that. The lure is warranty and rolling that into a finance package, as well as appealing to those who would never attempt a DIY effort here.

I'd bet next weeks lunchtime Diet Cokes it won't. I've never seen an alignment affect ride quality.

As @spicy_fish_taco mentioned, the bigger change was more preload on your springs up front. 5100s are an OK shock, but using more spring to create the lift, rather than preload, can have much better results.

 

I’ll send you diet cokes for free. idk but I read it in here that adjusting the preload doesn’t affect ride quality so 0-2” will ride the same I guess I read wrong so I will go ahead and lower it to 1” and see if that solves the issue.

 

Just to be clear I don’t hate the ride I’m guessing these are normal characteristics of 5100s but I didn’t know adjusting the cir-clip from 3 to 4th notch would make a significant change.

 

One inch block shouldn’t affect your alignment, that’s from the components in the front.
But you could end up needing to get a drop kit for your driveline. May not.
So when you say the truck drives worse, what do you mean exactly? Bumps are harsher? There’s a vibration?

Edit: recommend you watch the tinkerer’s adventurer video on ifs suspensions and preload

 

No vibes at all. And I’ve seen his channel very informative. I guess I came in thinking I could get away with 1.5” lift and have a great time. Potholes and all imperfections on the road are slightly jarring but I’ve notice when I’m aggressive with bumps and potholes it feels less uncomfortable if that makes any sense.

 

It's generally accepted that a rear block of 1" or less has negligible effect on ride quality. I'd say preloading the front springs are what's making your ride harsher.

 

https://youtu.be/l1tTelhdEiM

 

It will never be like factory suspension so don’t count on that

 

I actually wanted get rid of the stock ride

 

exactly this. You can wait a couple months and see if it settles and you’re happy or just go down a clip now and probably be happy immediately but maybe get less height; your call.

 

I'm a bit surprised that going from the 3rd clip to the 4th clip made much of a difference. But I don't believe that adding the rear block made any difference in ride... which leads me to blaming it on the front adjustment from 3rd clip to 4th clip. I recommend driving it like it is for a few weeks and see how you feel. The difference in alignment from 4th clip to 3rd clip will likely be negligible so I wouldn't stress too much about that.

 

will do! Thanks for your input

 

Using the different height settings on the shocks does not change the preload on the springs, this is a common misunderstanding. The spring holds the weight and changing where the bottom of the spring sits does not make the truck weigh more to compress the spring. The only thing that happens is you lose a bit of travel.

I have switched from stock off road to 5100's set on the 4th notch. The ride was improved by reducing nose dive under braking and less bouncing after bumps. I used an Weaver AAL in the back so I can't talk to the block.

 

Yet it rides worse on the 4th and 5th clip. Way more bouncy. Very similar to a preload spacer of yesteryears.

Perhaps its where the piston sits in travel but I never recommend top perches on 5100's. Especially if ride quality is a priority.

 

Hmm, I had the 5100s for a few years at the highest lift setting - ride was stiffer than stock (not surprising) but more composed on and off-road. I always time my install right before an alignment.

 

Ohh got ha

 

Agree, finally someone understands it. That is the same way the off-road shop explained it to me, plus I have been on the different settings and find the ride to be the same. A one inch block doesn't affect the ride. I always read that changing the clip settings makes it ride worse, I found the 5th setting when I went to 285s actually rode better but I think it was the new redesigned Toyos.