Bilstein 5100's vs Spacer Lifts

I'm sure this debate has been posted multiple times, but I'm going to go ahead and share my experiences. I initially began my suspension setup with wanting to level out my truck. Considering I have a 2007 TRD Off-road Package Tacoma with over 100k miles, I believed a leveling kit (spacer lift) would serve my needs. I don't off-road, not like I could do much in a prerunner anyway, nor do I travel on dirt roads/gravel drives besides the occasional fishing location. I later called my local off-road shop and ordered a 2.5 inch Daystar leveling kit and had it installed at the end of the week. I thought all was good until I arrived to pick up the truck to find that I was sitting nose high around an inch. I know it is not a drastic problem, but I am not to fond of the Cali style looks. I researched some online information and believed a one inch block should solve my issue. At this point in time, I had the spacer lift on for around a week. The ride quality was okay to say the least, but wasn't too comfortable on 100k mile worn out shocks. I didn't really think much of it till I decided to take some accurate measurements. That's when I noticed my truck wouldn't sit perfectly level even with a one inch block. The measurements were taken from the center of the center cap of the wheel to the top of the fender well. I then looked into some Bilstein 5100's and decided I would remove the spacers and set the shocks at 1.75. Luckily I looked into the setting a little more and found out that the truck would be nose high considering I don't have the rear TSB leaf packs. I then decided to upgrade my old coils to newer sport coils and set the shock at .85. The truck barely looked level once the installation was finished, so I decided to place that one inch block in the rear. The ride quality was excellent and I maintained most of the factory rake. I hoped this answered some people's concerns about spacers and 5100 shocks. I can post my measurements if anyone is interested and I'll answer any questions as soon as I can. The first picture is with the spacer lift and the others are with the Bilstein's at .85 with the rear blocks.

 

What mount are you using for the flag?

 

I'm guessing the better ride quality has more to do with 100k coils/shocks vs new coils/shocks than the spacer vs compressed coil lift.

 

I'm using one of those homemade bed tie down rings that can slide back and forth like the one pictured below. I then zip tied the pole to the ring and used some ratchet straps to secure the pole. The ratchet straps were connected to the factory d-rings located by the tailgate.

 

Oops forgot the picture

 

Most likely the case, but overall the handling feels better. The rear end doesn't rattle like it used to when going over bumps in the road. I'm very impressed with the results.

 

Nice i want to do something like that but i have to make sure it is really good. Last thing you want to do is drive on a base with the ensign secured improperly.

 

Oh I totally agree. That was a last minute setup for the Fourth of July.