Bilstein 5100s at 2.5" up front. Do I need a diff drop?

After installing my new 2.5" leaf packs, my pickup looks a bit like a stink bug. So, I'm getting ready to order Bilstein 5100s for the front. Figured the old original Bilsteins have 135K miles on them and a change couldn't hurt. Anyway, I haven't been able to find a lot re diff drops on gen 1 threads. Looking under my pickup, it appears a diff drop of any size would cause a problem with my rack and pinion. Am I missing something or does the 1" diff drop only lower the front of the diff? If so, how much does does it effectively lower the CV angles and is it really worth the trouble for a 2.5" lift.

Other questions: The diff drop kit from Wheeler is only $24. Obviously it's just a couple 1" spacers and longer bolts. Will my skid plates bolt back up with original bolts, or do I have to make spacers for that, too? I have read some things re vibrations after lifting. Could that have to do with the lifts changing the pinion angle on the diffs, and does a diff drop exacerbate or help that problem? Lastly, I expect my coil springs have sagged a bit over the years, so I'm thinking a 2.5" lift will actually work out to be somewhat less than that. Am I right? If so, I don't imagine the diff drop is really necessary. Thoughts?

 

I agree, have you seen the cv angle without the diff drop?? any little bit helps, when those boot "fins" are rubbing on eachother its just a matter of time till the boot gives, if it helps and theyre so cheap why not right?

 

TRD4X4858, I see your 01 is lifted with coilovers. How much lift and did you drop the dif? Have you encountered any problems with your lift? Also, it looks like you are running 33" tires. Is that right? Any trouble with rubbing in mild off-road use? By the way, nice truck. Looks like mine!

 

Im running 2.5 inches of lift right now, Yes i am running a diff drop spacer, I have not had a single problem with the lift and yes im running 33 inch tires, Im running wheels with 3.75 Backspace so no rubbing, only slight rubs when I bash it hard but its perfect in mild off road use, and thanks!

 

I ordered my Bilstein 5100 fronts and a diff drop from Wheeler's this evening. Sorry to tell you TRD, but the recipe for your 01 is exactly what I have been thinking for my 00. It's good we're on opposite sides of the continent, so we can still feel unique in our rides, since they will end up looking almost exactly alike (at least until I get my ARB front bumper, ).

Are you running 33X12.50s or 10.50s? That's a question I haven't yet answered for myself. I'm leaning toward 10.50s, just to reduce some weight.

 

I've got the 3" ToyTec lift on my '01 and added the diff drop kit. It's cheap, and doesn't hurt anything, so I figured why not? It does help to keep your CV joints in a "closer to factory" angle, so maybe they won't wear out any faster. I've had the lift and diff drop on for about 4 years now and haven't had a problem with my CV boots. It does just consist of spacers to drop the front of your differential and some longer bolts. You have to modify your skid plate a little by drilling out the rear holes by about one hole lenght to bolt it back up. I just used a Dremel Tool and cut them out a little further back. Everything bolted back up just fine after that. Here's a pic w/o the skid plate on so you can see the "spacers".

 

Thanks, that helps. Already ordered the stuff.