Bilstein 5100's stupid question?

This may be a dumb question, but I can't seem to find a solid answer...

If you run the adjustable Bilstein 5100's set at 2.5" with stock springs, does that give you 2.5" of lift, or do you only get 2.5" with longer springs?

 

5100s have an adjustable spring perch. When set it 2.5 it essentially moves the spring up. You should get about 2.5" with stock springs but it depends how old and saggy your stock springs are.
You are better off getting new shocks and lift springs.

 

So in the front;
adding 5100's w/ stock springs set at 2.5" should =2.5" lift
adding 5100's w/ lift springs set at 0" should =2.5" lift
adding 5100's w/ lift springs set at 2.5" should =5" lift

But in the rear;
adding 5100's w/ stock leafs should =0" lift
adding 5100's w/ 2.5 AAL's should =2.5" lift

*ideally, with "lift" being the total body hight increase

 

Its not that straightforward

Front lift would depend on the spring. There are springs made for different lift heights, different stiffness (for carrying weight) and other variables. You shouldn't use lifting springs AND up the 5100s. When using lift springs leave the 5100s @ 0

AAL with shot stock leafs probably wont yield much lift after they settle. Rear shocks do not give any lift so its all about the spring choice.

Your best bet is to get a spring/shock combo (Bilstein, OME, etc) but it will cost more. Somewhere like Downsouth Motorsports or Wheelers Offroad should be able to help you make the right choice for your application and budget. Look them up in the "Vendors" section.

 

+1 to all of this. Snowman is spot-on.

If you haven't already done so, OP, recommend you spend some time in the Suspension forum, with special emphasis on the Tacoma Lift FAQ/Guide and Suspension Lift Info threads.

When you're ready to buy, and DSM are two of the best places you can patronize.

 

Yea, I've been reading through hundreds of posts, and see quite a bit of contradicting info.

I was looking to get shocks for ~2.5" of lift, and heard great things about the 5100's...at first....
Then I see they "limit stock travel to 1"" with stock coils, and at the same time "NO One recommends it to be used in conjunction with after market coils"

How does that make sense Tons of people seem to be using them with Eibach coils? If you want to yield 2.5" of lift without loosing suspension travel, it seems like the only recommended way is to drop $$$$ on super expensive coilovers

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/de...-2-0-performance-series-coilovers-shocks.html Not that supper expensive... But Better If you Preload 5100 at 2.50 Kinda stiff Ride

 

I put 5100s all around with a rear add a leaf and it clears my 33 no problem or rubbing at all but theyre 33x10.5 R 15 stock rims , I like it allot but really I dont like the add aleafs think I may still buy a full leaf pack somewhere dont know where or what yet but theres that...also the front with max lift yes seemed to be about 2.75 of lift..

 

I wouldn't recommend setting them @ 2.5. Now I did have some 5100's
at one point set at 1.75 with stock springs and the ride was great. Sounds to me like you might want to check out the MAXTRAC thread. You will get 4" of lift instantly with all stock geometry on front suspension (dont need uca's, etc), then you can add the 5100's or bigger springs etc for more lift. The Maxtracs are a great foundation though imo. Good luck