New suspension

My 2001 Tacoma goes into the dealer in a few weeks to get the frame replaced and I want to replace the shocks, struts, and coils while they have it apart. My truck is all stock with no lift and original size tires. I don't plan on lifting the truck anytime real soon as it is my daily driver but it may be a consideration down the road. It looks like everyone seems to be happy with the Bilstein 5100's on their trucks so I am thinking of going that route. My question is, besides the OE coils, what is a good option for new coils to go with these struts? Also what height settings are people running on the front struts with no lift on the truck? i.e. 0" or 1"

Thanks

 

Assuming you have a TRD Off Road. I don't have any specific 1st gen experience, but I have 2nd gen experience with both a 2WD PreRunner and 4WD TRD Off Road. The 2WD had constant rate springs, and I set them on 2nd position at 0.85" to level out the truck. Constant rate springs are OK with some preload, and I liked how it handled. The 4WD TRD Off Road has progressive rate springs, which won't handle preload as well (will ride much stiffer), so I went at 0" with the 5100s. I am stock height, love the 5100s.

A quick check shows that most of the aftermarket springs like Eibach will provide a lift, which you said you don't want. RockAuto shows they have some OE type springs, some constant rate, but others for the 4WD offroad may be progressive rate, not sure about 1st gens. But they are reasonably priced and should be a good choice for refreshing your springs.

Lots of folks on here seem to have no problem preloading the progressive rate springs. I personally wouldn't do it, but I am pretty OCD.

 

Thanks for the info. I do have the TRD package with a V6 and 5 speed. From what I can find, the OEM coils are progressive rate on the TRD and Rockauto only offers constant rate.

OEM coils are $100 each so I would like to find some cheaper coils that are OEM spec

 

Look down the list a little further, there are some AC Delco listed for the 4WD Off Road for $69/pair:

ACDELCO Part # 45H0376 {#19241785} Professional
Front; 4WD; w/Off Road Package

You may need to call them, but they have different parts listed for the different models, so something is different. The Moog ones do specify constant-rate.