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Front Suspension Swap (Bilstein 5100s)

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by MotoXFreeStyle61, May 16, 2008.

  1. May 16, 2008 at 7:14 AM
    #1
    MotoXFreeStyle61

    MotoXFreeStyle61 [OP] Displaced Texan

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    Black Head Light Mod, Tacoma All Weather Mats, ScanGauge II, Tonnaeu Bed Cover, 40% Tint, Added Fog Lights, 600W x 1 Alpine MRP-M650 Amp, Alpine 10" Type-R SWR-1022D Sub, Secondary Air Filter Removed, Day Time Running Lights, K&N Drop In Air Filter (oiled), Westin Bullbar (Black Powder), Alpine IVA-W505 w/Nav, JL Audio 6.5" Front Speakers, Toyota SR5 Seat Covers, 2.5" Toytec Spacer
    Ok, so I've decided that I cant stand the way my Tacoma looks after I got the TSB done. When my fiance says that my truck looks kinda funny because the back end is stickin up in the air, I know its time to get this baby leveled. I've decided to go with the Bilstein 5100 adjustables (2.5") in the front to level everything out. I've read up on the spacers and even though they are cheaper they stiffen up the ride a lot more than I would probably like. With that said, since I am a college student I do not have all the necessary tools nor the space to do this operation on my own. If I wanted to have my front suspension swapped out where are good places to go to have this done and what price can I expect to pay? I would prefer to stay away from the dealerships just because I know they will charge quite a bit. Thanks for everyone's input. :)
     
  2. May 16, 2008 at 8:49 AM
    #2
    MotoXFreeStyle61

    MotoXFreeStyle61 [OP] Displaced Texan

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    Black Head Light Mod, Tacoma All Weather Mats, ScanGauge II, Tonnaeu Bed Cover, 40% Tint, Added Fog Lights, 600W x 1 Alpine MRP-M650 Amp, Alpine 10" Type-R SWR-1022D Sub, Secondary Air Filter Removed, Day Time Running Lights, K&N Drop In Air Filter (oiled), Westin Bullbar (Black Powder), Alpine IVA-W505 w/Nav, JL Audio 6.5" Front Speakers, Toyota SR5 Seat Covers, 2.5" Toytec Spacer
    I figured i might bump this thread. I emailed a bunch of auto shops around here. They haven't replied, I'll give them a call when I get off work. Any suggestions on a ball park estimate on how much the process should cost just so that I know the quotes they give me are reasonable.
     
  3. May 16, 2008 at 3:43 PM
    #3
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    send a pm to nd....he had 5100's installed, but i dont remember what he paid.
     
  4. May 17, 2008 at 8:51 AM
    #4
    RCNG FAN

    RCNG FAN Active Member

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    I took mine to my local tire shop. They charged me $120 in labor to install the fronts. Not sure if that is a good, or a bad price, but I have peace of mind that it was done correctly.
     
  5. May 19, 2008 at 6:57 AM
    #5
    Action Jack

    Action Jack New Member

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    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    07 4x4 TRD Sport
    Bilstein 5100's K&N Intake Gibson Exhaust
    I'm getting mine put in tomorrow by 4 Wheel Parts, they charged me $95 for each front shock and $100 for the install, so I'm out the door with tax and everything for just over $300.​
     
  6. May 19, 2008 at 7:03 AM
    #6
    MotoXFreeStyle61

    MotoXFreeStyle61 [OP] Displaced Texan

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    Good Lord, thats quite a difference between quotes for 2 people that live relatively close to one another.
     
  7. May 19, 2008 at 7:27 AM
    #7
    RCNG FAN

    RCNG FAN Active Member

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    Keep in mind that mine was just for the install. I had already bought my 5100's from Downsouth Motorsports.
     
  8. May 19, 2008 at 7:49 AM
    #8
    MotoXFreeStyle61

    MotoXFreeStyle61 [OP] Displaced Texan

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    Black Head Light Mod, Tacoma All Weather Mats, ScanGauge II, Tonnaeu Bed Cover, 40% Tint, Added Fog Lights, 600W x 1 Alpine MRP-M650 Amp, Alpine 10" Type-R SWR-1022D Sub, Secondary Air Filter Removed, Day Time Running Lights, K&N Drop In Air Filter (oiled), Westin Bullbar (Black Powder), Alpine IVA-W505 w/Nav, JL Audio 6.5" Front Speakers, Toyota SR5 Seat Covers, 2.5" Toytec Spacer
    Roger that, I didn't see that. I guess 300 for the entire job is not a bad deal at all. Thats about as much as I expected to pay. Did they do an alignment as well?
     
  9. May 19, 2008 at 8:03 AM
    #9
    MotoXFreeStyle61

    MotoXFreeStyle61 [OP] Displaced Texan

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    Do you have a part number for the 5100s you got? I have been up and down their website and I havent found any Bilsteins for the price you got. Just to make sure we're on the same page you got the adjustable height ones correct?
     
  10. May 19, 2008 at 12:50 PM
    #10
    RCNG FAN

    RCNG FAN Active Member

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    It did need an alignment, but that was $50 extra. :(
     
  11. May 22, 2008 at 6:58 PM
    #11
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    FlimFlubberJAM
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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    The Bilstien 5100's achieve lift EXACTLY the same way spacers do. They preload the spring. You are, however getting a better shock. :)
     
  12. May 23, 2008 at 7:15 AM
    #12
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    De badged, 5100's, Black Toyota Baja wheels
    just so you know, the ride is very stiff with the 5100's set at 2.5
     
  13. Jun 19, 2008 at 7:05 AM
    #13
    dubya05

    dubya05 0O0O0O0O

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    fog light mod, mag-light mod, secondary air filter delete.
    Did you get this done? I am looking to just to the front on my DC and want to see just the front done.? If anyone can point me to pics id appreciate it.

    Z.
     
  14. Jun 19, 2008 at 7:18 AM
    #14
    Ridingontrd

    Ridingontrd Well-Known Member

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    Got mine done tues,Front only,diff. drop,alignment.Total was 350.They're set at 1.75.Not stiff at all.Ride is now better then stock. Done at a local shop.After pic.[​IMG]
     
  15. Jun 19, 2008 at 7:54 AM
    #15
    wormhole7

    wormhole7 Well-Known Member

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    You can get spacers that bolt on the top of the shocks which would eliminate the preloading aspect.
     
  16. Jun 19, 2008 at 3:00 PM
    #16
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    that really looks good man!!
     
  17. Jun 19, 2008 at 4:26 PM
    #17
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    Correct. That, however, leads to another problem: Over extending ball joints, as the shock and coil are now longer. Its a double edged sword. :)
     
  18. Jun 20, 2008 at 9:20 PM
    #18
    it's in coma

    it's in coma Well-Known Member

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    in the desert
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    intake and exhaust
    so... what is better for the truck the 5100 or the spacers?
     
  19. Jun 20, 2008 at 9:23 PM
    #19
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    4.10 gears, sliders, and lots of buttons.
    I think the 5100's are better as they are valved better. :)
     
  20. Jun 20, 2008 at 9:25 PM
    #20
    itsmyturn

    itsmyturn Well-Known Member

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    afe Pro-Dry S dropin, Readylift leveling kit, TRD skid plate, Alpine CDA-9887, 6K D2S HID
    being in automotive business, i don't see too much of a problem with spacers. if you're extreme rock crawling, then spacers will be a problem. but for everyday use i would go with spacers especially if your taco is still under warranty, easier to remove if needed. btw i just added readylift spacers and boy does my truck look nice and maintains factory ride(i paid for a good ride im not about to ruin it).
     

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