Recommendations needed.... suspension

So I'm rebuilding my truck after the accident. Figured I mine as well do front shocks while I'm in there as they need to be replaced anyway.

Putting on an off-road steel plate front bumper.

So...was thinking of keeping my base springs at just putting in the Bilstein 4600s, but with the extra weight of the bumper I wasn't sure. I don't do much off roading these days....maybe a three or four weekends a year.....I do use my truck to haul firewood and other heavy stuff from time to time.

 

Definitely go with 5100 or better, if you will have added weight. At least you will have the ability to change ride height if needed. I've only lifted 100+ Tacomas. I might have some experience.

 

Not looking to lift mine. But if the extra weight of the bumper will make that much of a difference than I may just do that. Probably do the backs as well just to match.

 

If you are adding a steel bumper, that will make stock front end sag or lower.

I would recommend 5100 and setting them 1 notch up. Then you should be close to factory height, with added front weight.

 

Do you think my factory 4x4 (non trd) coil springs with the 5100s will be fine?...like I said, not looking to lift.

 

I don't know the weight of the bumper you want to add. But I bet your stock springs will be fine for a while.

Sometimes adding weight and trying to dial in ride height takes trial and error. You may or may not like the outcome. That's the journey and part of the process.

 

steel bumper needs HD springs. Certain products such as 6112 offer that while others don’t.

not sure if there is any from 5100, or for 5100 from other manufacturers. Or if they even work well with the 5100.

new 5100 doesn’t cost much more than 4600 because they perform the same. 5100 is lift compatible with adjustable perch. 4600 is not.

 

Ok....ordered new 5100s for all the way around. First time I am replacing shocks on this thing so regardless it will be an improvement over the factory ones which I am sure are gone by now.

 

You’ll either like them or not. Some do some don’t. It depends on height setting, front spring, and rest of the rear suspension.

they’re about the cheapest shock there is, but gives you height adjustability in the front, overall lift compatability
And I believe lifetime warranty

so if later on you ever decide you want to put something different
You’ll know how to work on the suspension. The truck will still be running and driving while you piece something together. And they can be sold used after.

 

First time on this thing.... fortunately I have done lots of suspension work on a plethora of vehicles.... oddly enough I'm driving my Tacoma usually to get parts for them!