Bilstein 5100 / Eibach Gallery

Thanks for the info. I have looked around for a UCA install on a 1gen but only found 2gen. Is there any differences?

 

Found what I needed. Now if I could only get the ball joints out of the knuckle.

 

I haven't researched much about upper ball joints but I think they have to be pressed in. If they are pressed in then I think they can be pressed out. I've used the autozone kit to press ball joints in and out on my dad's ford ranger. It's a simple process once you figure out how to work the pieces on the ball joint press.

 

the process is pretty much identical but the parts are not interchangeable.

 

Just purchased 5100 Bilsteins to install on my 97 4WD Tacoma. Was looking into the 3" Eibach lift springs for them. Was told by a couple of vendors on here that they do not recommend running the Eibach lift springs with the 5100s and neither does Bilstein. For the reason that the struts are valved for the OEM COs and that the heavier Eibach springs will wear out the struts faster. I was also told that aftermarket UCAs are needed, because the stock BJs can't handle the angle of the lift.

Do you guys recommend aftermarket UCA's and what are your experiences with the setup and any issues of the Eibach springs and 5100s?

 

These are all valid concerns but people are doing it anyway. I would add that you will likely end up with more than 3" of lift which will result in fairly steep axle angles. that is why many who have done this combo have also had cv boot issues.

Not trying to be a debbie downer here just stating what I have observed.

 

You'll want to add a bumper winch and or skids to run them safely. I've had no real issues since I have.

 

You talking about ball joints? What does it do to them

 

Not sure what cr500taco was told but in general, as you add lift on an IFS suspension, a couple of things happen. One is, you loose caster adjustability. But that is true regardless of the type of lift. The more lift, the less caster.

I suspect that whoever the vendors were that said it, were referring to the limited range of movement of the stock upper balljoint. A uniball UCA is the ideal solution but IMO not required.

An aftermarket uniball UCA will get the caster back into the normal range tho and increase that range of movement of the balljoint.

 

Appreciate it man. Wandering if I need to check anything for wear after I have had eibach/5100s on for a month or so now

 

Us 95-97 tho tend to take the 3+" much better. I still had alignments in spec with stock UCAs.

 

I'm gonna check my ball joints though tomorrow. Kind of worried about them anyway

 

LBJs are always good to keep any eye on. Uppers tho usually fine unless the boots are ripped.

 

Ok man thanks

 

All I was told was that the stock BJ can't handle the anything over 2.5" lift very well.

 

Thanks for the input. Did they have the CV boot issues with the diff drop?

 

Definitely want a different bumper and skids later on, but not sure if I am going to be getting a winch or not.

 

Hope this isn't a Dumb Question, but is there any really Danger in this setup? I don't want to put strain on something that will break easily, And cost more money. Would i be alright with this setup?

My plan is to do this setup with a AAL and Toyotec Axle Shim in the rear of my 97 4cycle, with a Diff Drop kit and Carrier Bearing Spacer. But i do have ARB bumper on the front and Trail Gear bumper on the back so i assume that would help??

Maybe BlackDawg or someone else who knows there stuff could chime in? Thanks!

 

Yea you always run the risk of blowing a cv boot especially you being a 4 banger. The bumper will help.

Diff drop won't help cv angles that much mostly just driveline vibes. Still worth getting tho.

 

Thanks man! Any other risks or common issues associated with this setup? it looks to be one of the most popular lifts on here though!