Bilstein 5100 Information

Hello, I just purchased a 2012 pre runner and I want to make look a little bigger as it is sitting on stock suspension, wheels and tires right now. I did some research and concluded that bilstein 5100s in the front only were the best option for me as I'm mainly using this truck as a daily driver combined with some light to medium off roading. I've read in some threads that leveling out the truck with these shocks improves the ride quality, but haven't seen it enough to fully believe that it does. I'd like your input on a few things below:

- Does leveling the truck out with stock springs and 5100s actually improve ride quality and handling?
-I was think of putting either 285/70r17 or 275/70r17 a/t tires on with the level based on my research, just want some reassurance that this will work.
- Along with the shocks, what other components/adjustments will I need for the truck to function properly?



Thanks for your input, if there are any threads related to the information I need, then just paste the links below as I am fairly new to this site.

 

This is a really good option. I have the 5100's set at 1.75" and I love the way it corners compared to stock. The front feels much more planted. If you want to reduce/remove wheel hop (I think its called axle wrap) get an add-a-leaf. Cheap and easy to install and will also raise the rear between 1.5 and 2 inches as well as increase cargo capacity. After doing both my drive drives far better than stock and its doesn't really cost a lot.

 

5100's front only with stock coils?

 

Yes

 

It's an improvement in some ways but if you'r replacing the shocks that means you need to reassemble anyway. replace the stock coils with OME 884 coils for 2" of lift and leave the billy's at 0 so you're getting lift from the springs instead of back-loading the shocks and losing your upward spring travel. Ride quality will be remarkable better for the sake of the price of a couple tanks of gas.

 

What size tires are you running currently?

 

People.

Regardless of lift height, you WILL NEED TO DO TRIMMING with 285/75R16 or 285/70R17 size tires... there is NO WAY AROUND IT. The tire size is simply TOO big for the wheel well. If you plan on going that size plan on removal of mud flaps, cab mount chop and beinding of the pinch weld / inner fender delete / trimming.

That is unless your truck doesnt flex more than up a curb at the mall... and even then dont be turned when your doing it.

 

After making myself crazy researching this topic, I came to this conclusion as well. I've only driven it about 100 miles since I installed them but the front end does seem stiffer without riding like a dump truck. I'm glad I didn't preload my stock springs.

Thanks TW for the tons of good info.

 

This^

And much depends on tire choice. Some 285's are bigger than others. I'm looking at 2 different brands for my next tire. 285/75/16 Goodyear Duratracs are 33.1" diameter. Mastercraft MXT (made by Cooper) are 32.8" Not a HUGE difference, until you try to stuff 'em in a confined wheel well.... Then it's like the old man said as he was peeing in the ocean....."Every little bit helps".....

 

265/75/16

 

So how about a picture ??? Thats what I want on mine , also wondering if after market steel rock slider will make it sit any lower than 2" with 884 ?

 

It'll be sub 2" with sliders on your truck.

 

FYI i am running 5100's with TRD OR coils at the 1.75 in setting and i LOVE the ride over stock, its a much nicer firmer ride but not overly firm ride.

That stated i lived with stock UCA's for a year then said F this and went with SPC UCA's...... i was kicking myself after i did, as it drives SOOOO much better now.

 

I had stock coils set at 1.75 and now have 885 coils with 5100s. The stock coils were stiffer and I liked the ride better on road. The front also sagged less when I put my winch on than with the 885s. For general off road and rough road driving, the 885s are far superior.

 

This

 

- Does leveling the truck out with stock springs and 5100s actually improve ride quality and handling?
NO, makes it worse. Stiffer and bottom out really easy. You will spend $200 for the parts and if you can not install yourself another $150-$200 for install. Better off just buying new springs and shocks. I did spacers with blocks, then 5100's with blocks, then broke down and bought new iron man springs and shocks and Deaver AAL. Now rides better than a Mercedes Could have saved a whole lot of money doing it right the first time Side note, I do run 5100's in the back, they are pretty good!


-I was think of putting either 285/70r17 or 275/70r17 a/t tires on with the level based on my research, just want some reassurance that this will work.
I run 285/70/17 with 3" lift. They will be fine with 3" lift with SOME OEM wheels. Please specify which you have.

- Along with the shocks, what other components/adjustments will I need for the truck to function properly?
None. Just a good alignment.


Hope that helps

 

New upper control arms with a 3" lift.

 

Yes, would be nice Travel is limited a bit by UCA's but as long as it aligns for minimal use he should be ok i think.

side note:

the UCA issue is a good point, when you do alignment, BUY THE LIFETIME ALIGNMENT! If you keep playing with the front (which I am sure you will, it is addictive) it helps to be able to bring it back anytime and have them check alignment Firestone lost about a ba-jillion dollars on me and alignments over the last 10 years

 

A few guys in here claiming no alignment issue on OE uca running 885 or 887 on 5100. Start reading at post 14 I think

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3-lift-w-bilstein-5100-pictures.396427/