Delaware Tacomas

Good morning Delaware + Friends.

 

Good morning Delaware + neighboring states.

 

Good morning Delaware + surrounding areas.

I was researching Leveling Kits yesterday...not that I'm ready to pull the trigger just yet! lol

Anyhow, Bilstein's 5100s can be adjusted up to 2" which would allow a slightly bigger tire:

265/65R17 upping to: 275/70R17

I'm not a regular Off-Road driver who lowers PSI on tires to drive over Rocks/occasional dirt driving so this will be a nice change for my daily driver.

This guy did his without compressing the springs...using jack to release tension.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9N1fvbGAEw

 

I’ve missed a few posts here, sorry for leaving you hanging

This is what I was talking about. Easy to do.

 

No worries Eric.

Shock/Struts Kits could be had for roughly $500-$700.

Lift Kits are 2-3 times that much.

This leaves me to save for wheels/tires.

But that's at least a year or two away...so I'm good with my Bushwacker Fendies sticking out like they do! lol

 

I used the Team Oil Drop video you referenced to put a set of 5100s on my truck. It was a straight forward process and actually fun to do. I went with the lowest setting on the fronts to keep the ride height stock. I really like how my truck rides now over the stock OR shocks it came with.

 

So much better isn’t it?

 

Good morning Delaware + Friends.

Having a good discussion about the Bilstein's...thanks Eric!

So now that Eric has mentioned the 6112 series, I'm wondering which is the overall best for my use for Daily Driver?

There is a price difference too.

I'd like to use the OEM springs and set the shocks to 2".

 

Morning Ed, I did mention them but they could be overkill for what you need. Bigger is always better though, right? Everyone will give you different opinions on it too. I’ve not had either or ridden in a truck that has either, I’m just basing it off threads I’ve read.

you’ll find threads that say anything and eveything lol.

 

If the 5100s can do what I need, I'll be happy with that.

If I were to put a heavy bumper/grill on the front, I suspect I'd need beefier suspension...otherwise, it would be a stiffer ride with the 6112s.

I like that the 5100s are basically install and check periodically...replace when suggested/worn.

But like I said, I'm at least a year-in-a-half/two years away from getting new wheels/tires.

I'm guessing zero off-set wheel with 275/70R17s tires would be the max I could go with a 2" Bilstein leveling kit.

 

Ed, I have the Bilstein 5100’s on my truck which is my daily driver/adventure rig. I really love them and would highly recommend them for someone like you who doesn’t do a ton of serious off roading.

All my off roading is relatively mild and the 5100’s have been great.

 

Thanks RW!

Personal experiences are always welcome.

I will definitely take this into consideration (Leaning towards this economical choice).

 

You’re welcome! Yea I think they were a great upgrade, very worth the cost. It’s nice they’re adjustable because I originally had them set to 2” and then lowered them to 1.55”.

 

My future plan is to set it at 2" and get the biggest tire without rubbing...

Which is: 275/70R17s

Looking at price comparisons...what a difference!

 

Man those 6112’s are pricey!! I didn’t realize there was that much of a difference in price. I guess it makes sense though since it comes with new springs too.

 

Yeah, those 6112s are more-so for a heavier front end...like a steel bumper & accessories.

I would say the OEM springs will work just fine for my driving needs.

Definitely don't need to compress the springs to get to the shock out. (From that video I posted)

Removing the LCA mounting bracket bolts while lowering the jack slowly/gently and watch the spring decompress.

I'm always hesitant when it comes to doing DIY stuff like this but it looks so simple when it's viewed.

 

I wanna meet you guys sometime

 

Oh yeah I’m not ashamed to admit that I had a shop install my suspension

 

Oh! Yeah….

SCREW MAINELINE OVERLAND in west Chester for a suspension setup and install unless you know exactly what you’re looking for. Their sales guys are clueless.

 

It's all good.

On some of my installs, I had some moments where I had to take a deep breath and tell myself, "I can do this!"

Not sure I could be a full-time mechanic but doing jobs over and over would build that confidence--something needed during one-time jobs. lol