5100 Bilsteins, etc

I just purchased 5100 Bilsteins front and rear for my 2009 Tacoma Double Cab Prerunner. If I want to set the height to 1.75" do I need to add the Toytec 1" AALs?
What will be the result if I don't?
How will it affect level with 700 lbs of sand bags in the back during the winter, etc.?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to spend much more money. At Toytec I see Rear ToyTec Add-A-Leafs and 1" Rear Blocks (without u-bolts)?

 

If you have the 4 leaf TSB leaf packs you should be able to get away with the 1.75 setting. If not .85 will be about level unloaded.

 

Pardon my ignorance. The 4 leaf TSB leaf packs? Are those stock or are you recommending I purchase?

 

A tsb is a Toyota service bulletin, if you haven't had your truck worked on for a sagging rear end you probably don't have it. Go out and check your rear leafs, if you have 3 you don't have the tsb if you have 4 you do

 

So if I only have 3 what would you recommend to accommodate me going with the 1.75" setting on the Bilsteins?

 

An aal, don't do blocks

Edit: actually I'd recommend wheelers 1.5" progressive AAL, it's better.

 

This one?

 

No this The 1.5" 3 leaf progressive aal

 

5100's at 1.75, stock rear end, level

 

Use a tape measure, measure from hub to fender both front and back and compare the 2. Now add 1.75" to the front number and decide if you want to lift the rear or not.

You do not need 700 lbs of sand bags in the bed for winter... That's overkill and more dangerous than not having any weight in my opinion. You only need 2-300 lbs max. 700 lbs will squat the rear end quite a bit.

 

Thank you. Can you educate me a bit more? What is the difference between that and the Toytec AAL? Also, what is the difference between the 3 leaf progressive and the simple AAL at that site?

 

Thanks to all of you. I'm not very auto savvy.

 

Can't the OP just go to his local toyota dealer and have the rear leaf TSB done? I mean it is free if your "eligeable" to have it done,....is there any kind of mileage/time criteria to have it done by??

 

Most typical AALs are just a simple single steel leaf, the 3-leaf progressive AAL has 3, thinner leafs and makes your leaf pack into a progressive rate leaf pack. I think they ride smoother than the typical single AALs but they cost quite a bit more. Icon makes a version as well and Wheelers offers 2 versions, a standard and an HD version. One thing to realize about the higher cost of the 3-leaf AAL is that it comes with new centering pins and longer u-bolts.

 

3 years 36000 miles unless you have an extended warranty I believe

 

It's typically covered by the 3 year 36k mile warranty. Some have had luck getting the TSB completed outside of that but usually because they bought a certified pre-owned and had it done shortly after purchasing or they have a really, really good relationship with their dealer.

 

Hey everyone...Soooo What's this thing about sand bags in the back for winter ?? ''/

 

Help keep rear wheel traction.

 

Since you bought the 5100 shocks for front already, just go ahead and install the shocks and drive around to see if you like it as is. My last truck was a '03 Tundra where I had the 5100 set at 2.5" front, and nothing in the rear, and I was fine with it for about a year (it has the Southern CA prerunner look to it). Had I kept the truck, I probably would have done an AAL as few others recommended, but it wasn't that bad. It really depends on how the truck is used, and personal preference. The rear AAL if needed only took me less than 2hrs, so it can easily be done at a later time should you decide otherwise.

As to TSB on the leaf, I too have the original 3 (2006 doublecab) and have tried to negotiate with the local dealer, but they were pretty firm on saying no to me. Really, mines not that bad, so I don't even notice it. Besides, the 3 leaf theoretically should ride softer than 4 leafs when unloaded, which is how it is 99% of the time.

 

What is the difference between the ....
1.5" Lift 3 Leaf Progressive Add A Leaf Kit: 149.95
and the
1.5" Add a Leaf Kit: 77.50