Leveling kit help

Hey guys, I want to level out my 06 Tacoma TRD but I am getting all kinds of different information how what to use and how to do it. I have been told to buy simple 2" spacers off ebay but I nobody can agree on what material they should be (steel, aluminum, poly urethane), and I have been told to go with the bilstein 5100 series over spacers. Then there is labor disputes between what jobs with require spring compression and what jobs won't. I don't know what is true and what isn't. I do some light off roading (no rock crawling) and some light mudding from time to time.

I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I don't want to go super cheap and have things break on me. What should I do?

 

Install 5100's at .85 or 1.75. Each truck is a little different. Plus it depends on what you have done in the rear too. Spacers aren't the greatest for performance. The billie's will do you good on slow mild crawling and mudding. If you use stock springs you will need to have them compressed off the old struts and put onto the new ones. A shop shouldn't charge more than 3 hrs for this.

 

There are two types of spacers. One type it top mounted and does not preload the springs. They are just a bolt on operation. The other kind of spacer preloads the spring and required a spring compresser to install. The install costs for preloaded spacers will be about the same costs as installing the 5100s. I have the 5100 set at 1.75 with 4 leafs in the back of my truck. I sit level. If you have 3 leafs in the back do the .85 setting and you will be level. The 5100 only cost a couple hundred bucks and your ride will feel close to stock. Spacer kits are known for riding rough. Goodluck. Hope this helps.

Here is a picture of mine level with the 5100s

 

Thanks guys! Does anybody know where do get Bilsteins for a decent price? Ebay has them starting at $330 for a set of 4. or should I just go with a front set?

 

I bought mine at the local 4 wheel parts store. Had to pay alittle more but If I got them there I got a discount on the install. You can do only the front if you want but if you back ones are old you should probably do all 4. $330 for the front and back is a great price.

 

http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-1...stein-5100-ride-height-adjustable-shocks.html


$309

 

Awesome! Thanks for the link! How much stiffer are the bilsteins gonna make the ride?

 

The higher you set them the stiffer they'll be. Since you'll be leveling with them you'll be using them at a lower preloaded setting. They will be a touch stiffer than stock but not a bad ride by any means. Many like the added stiffness because it cuts down on the slight body roll on cornering that you get with the softer stock shocks. I have no doubt that you'll enjoy the ride

 

Part number 24-186711 for the fronts right?

 

Looks right per down south motor sports website.

 

found it on Amazon for $101. Is that gonna be for just one or both fronts?

 

sounds to good to be true. Probably just one.

 

If I have to buy both at that price it almost seems worth it to just get the set of 4 for $309...

 

Yep, especially if you still have the originals in the back of your 2006. Should probably be replaced every 5 years.

 

Will this upgrade require an alignment?

 

And last question...

It looks like i have 3 leafs in the rear of the truck. If I set the fronts to the .85 setting, what should the back shocks be set to? Or do they need adjusting?

 

The back shocks are not adjustable and an alignment will be required with any lift