Yet another 5100 question (sorry)

Hi and thanks in advance... I am trying to level the front of my 03 XtraCab 4x4 2.7L and leave the rear stock height. I have read in several threads on TW (via search) that putting 5100s at all 4 corners will do this (with the fronts on the middle setting)... but when I called DSM the guy there recommended that I go with 5100s on the front (set to middle) and 5125s in the rear. I have also read some guys running the 5125s out back on TW too... so which is it???? I am confused and want to make the correct purchase!!!

I am not trying to lift it, nor do I plan to in the future, but I would like it leveled. Could someone please tell me definitively (and/or post some pics so I can see for myself) which is the proper set up for me.

5100s all around
OR
5100-Front / 5125-Rear

Thanks!

 

Actually either would work but some people like the feel of the 5125 rear. Both are good options. I would use either one from what i have read.

 

5100 front and 5125 rear. i got mine from dsm and thats what i ordered. the rear shocks don't lift the rearend at all. only the fronts are adjustable.

the 5100 rear shocks are too long for stock height in the rear, they are better for lifted rearends, so thats why dsm found out what size 5125s work better for stock height and made a package for them.

 

^^^This is correct from what I know

 

It's also correct, according to the experts at DSM. See http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/155232-5100s-vs-5125s-2.html#post3128139 and http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/155232-5100s-vs-5125s-3.html#post3128402 for details.

 

Ok... so 5100F/5125R it is!

Like I said, that's what DSM told me, but there was a lot of conflicting info in old threads on here. And some very adamant people espousing their viewpoint that 5100s all around was the correct way to go for just leveling and leaving the rear stock height.

Thanks for those links though... after reading thru all that I can see how it eventually did get resolved by the DSM folks and how those arguing for all 5100s came around. Was a pretty heated debate there for a while, eh?

Thanks again... will be placing my order today.

 

Okay, got another question. I had assumed that since I was buying front shocks (ie, the 5100s) that the factory set up was shocks up front, but I called a local shop to get a quote on installing them and they said the front of my 03 has struts!? Is this correct? And if so, why do people put shocks on as replacements instead of just getting new struts?

Sorry to show my ignorance here, but I guess I am just confused. Are the 5100s just a direct bolt on, or do I have to do some kind of mod make them fit instead of struts?

And do I have to buy a set of coils to go up front to run the 5100s since (presumably) when the stock struts come off the coils are attached to them. ???

Sorry... but I need someone to explain to my ignorant @$$ just what the freaking deal is!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Technically, struts refer to the front dampers and shocks refer to the rear dampers. Most times people refer to "shocks" as front/rear dampers in a general term.

To level out your truck, purchase the front 5100 bilstein struts and as directed have your mechanic set it to the middle setting which will level the truck as you wanted. the stock setup is a coil-over setup, meaning the struts is set inside the coil spring in laymen terms. your mechanic will disassemble the coil-over and reassemble it using the new struts. you do not need to purchase new coil springs or do any other mods. it's bascially a strut replacement job. as recommended, the 5125 in the DSM kit will work in the rear.

hope this helps.

 

^^^
This

tomato / to mah toe. In the front, theyre struts but people call them shocks all the time. you ordered the right kit, and it's actually really easy to install... So enjoy it when you get it!

 

Thanks guys. Order has been placed. 5100F/5125R... got the TW discount too... $295.99 + free shipping! Dang good deal!!!