3rd Gen Bilstein 5100's Now Available - In stock and Ready to Ship

Good morning TW:

After many months of nail-biting anticipation Bilstein has released their 2016 5100 adjustable front struts. We recently received our first shipment of them and have had time to play with them and compare them with the 2nd generation 5100 struts.

Bilstein provides some literature with the shocks but it does not seem as if this information is available for download from their site yet.

The part # for the 2016+ Toyota Tacoma 5100 adjustable front strut is 24-263108
The part# for the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 5100 adjustable front strut is 24-239370

In a side-by-side comparison to the 2nd gen specific 5100's the shocks do size up similar in ways and different in others.

From the testing that we have done here the two shocks seem to have very similar valving. We have been told that they are different but there are rarely specifics about valving given to the "public" to really look at the complete numbers difference. Ride quality from both seem to be very similar and hard to really notice the difference in the seat-of-your-pants.

The 3rd gen Bilsteins feature a longer collapsed length and shorter extended length then that of the 2nd gens, which equals less overall travel. (definite downside, IMO)

3rd gen 5100:
Collapsed = 17.58
Extended = 22.22

2nd gen 5100:
Collapsed = 17.03
Extended = 22.56

The notch settings are also different.

3rd gen 5100's:
1st setting = 0 (stock)
2nd setting = 0.65"
3rd setting = 1.1"
4th setting = 1.55"
5th setting = 2"

*NOTE: Per Bilsteins install instructions the 5th setting is not recommended for use on the following vehicles:
4x4 V6 Access Cab
4x4 4cyl Access Cab
or 4x2 V6 Double cab 6' Bed


2nd gen 5100's:
1st setting = 0 (stock)
2nd setting = 0.85"
3rd setting = 1.75"
4th setting = 2.5"

*Note: Lift heights gained at each notch setting can vary depending on trim of Tacoma.

Bilstein advises (in the installation instruction sheet provided with the shocks) that on the TRD Off-Road packages running the 3rd gen 5100's on the highest clip setting to "remove original chassis jounce bumpers (one per side) according to vehicle manufacturer's procedures. Install the supplied spacer washers....and reinstall the jounce bumpers in their original position."

This means that if this situation pertains to you, you will have to drop your factory bump stops down with the spacer provided. This has a lot to do with the longer collapsed length that this shock features. As a side note to this (regardless of trim package), anyone wanting to run these Bilsteins and top plate spacers are recommended to cycle the front suspension to make sure you are bumping properly.

One other thing to note is that the "stock" or 0 setting on the two shocks is different as well. So if you plan on running an aftermarket coil with them you may see variations in lift heights gained from one shock to the other.

Our 2016+ Bilstein kits have been updated to include these new shocks. Due to some of the differences with these shocks, if you want to make a substitution to the shocks provided and change them out for the 2nd gen 5100 struts please contact us directly before placing your order.

2016+ Bilstein 5100 Front Struts: http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p242/Bilstein_5100_Adjustable_Front_Struts_(Pair)_-_24-263108_for_2016__Toyota_Tacoma.html


Thank you so much TW

 

would we be able to pair it with the extended rear 5100?

 

Great info as always!

 

You sure can. If you decide to go this route just let me know and I can PM you the pricing.

 

How much lift height do you think you netted?

 

That is quite a bit of settling. usually if they settle it has been around the 2.75" mark. It is always hard with springs, any type of spring, because so many factors can come into play.

 

I'm looking for a total 1.5" lift over stock. Which OME springs should I order to get said desired lift with the NEW 5100s set at zero? Or should I just use stock springs and set the. At 1.55" lift setting? I want my truck to ride smooth and not be too stiff.

 

Hey guys idk if this helps or not but heres my setup. I got everything from headstrong offroad and Marie was great to work with. I highly recommend giving her a call. She really knows her stuff and is more than happy to answer all the questions you could imagine. Here is my current setup. I have the 2nd gen 5100s set at 0 with OME 888 coils, driver side spacer for taco lean, the headstrong 3 leaf AAL, lights racing UCAs, toytec 1 inch differential drop (which i got from toytec), trd pro wheels, BFG KO2 275/70-17. I got right around 2 inches in the rear with the factory overload spring in and i got about 3 inches up front. Truck sits perfectly level now with 24 inches from the center of the wheel to the fender in all 4 corners

 

I sent over a PM about some of the lift heights with the different Bilsteins.

Please let me know if there is anything else that I can assist you with.


Thank you so much.

 

Looks REALLY GOOD Jonathon! Thank you so much for sharing the pictures!!

 

I have a 3rd gen dclb and was looking at your website. I'm trying to get about 2.5"-3" lift in the front and leave a slight rake in the back. I was wondering what setup you would recommend for this (ome coils, lr uca, aal, 5100s,etc).

 

PM Sent!

 

Which lift setting would you reccomend on the 3rd gen 5100 to clear 285/70/17 tires?

 

Unfortunately, we do not make guarantees as far as wheel and tire fitment go because the combinations are endless and each combination varies. I typically advise my customers to check on the forums to see what others are running in way of wheels/tires and see what lift height and what trimming, if any, may be needed in order to clear.

 

Ok thank you! Also, would I need to install diff drops if I do the 5100s?

 

It really comes down to your after lifted angles.

 

Sub'd.

 

I did. I went with 888 coils on the 2nd gen 5100s set at 0. Got around 3 inches up front. Just felt better about the angles afterwards.

 

@HeadStrong Off-Road or anyone else who has experience, I had a previous chevy truck that I put 5100s on at the 2.5" setting but realistically only got barely 2" after settling etc. With that being said if I'm after a level stance with my 3rd gen should I expect to put it on the 1.55 setting and realistically get the 1" required to level these trucks?

 

Also wondering about leveling...
Still .85 setting on the old 5100s when used on the 3rd gens?