Bilstein 5100 Settings for dummies

If want want to keep rake like factory or close. Lift front and rear the same. It will be close. 1.5” front 4th setting and 1.5” aal close to factory rake

 

You also need alignment

 

If you want to keep Factory rake you will have to stay on the first notch if you do nothing to the back. Setting it on the second clip will give you .65 Lift on the front. This will cut your factory Rake in half Approx. That what I just did with my Truck. Second clip and I now have about a 1/2" Rake and looks perfect to me. 5100s on on 4 corners. And you for sure need a alignment after its done. My truck rides great with the new 5100s

 

Looks great

 

Good info ( well most of it) thanks all, looking forward to doing this.

 

Confused for a good reason. I think what some are trying to say is - even though the clip adjustment changes the preload (and lifts the truck) they don't notice a change in rate (increasing preload doesn't create a harsher ride as as the spring rate is linear, not progressive). Perfectly linear is unlikely, but maybe not noticeable. If they think it lifts by just changing the length of the shock I don't get it either.

What I don't know yet is if my TRDOR coils are progressive, haven't gotten that far yet. If so, increasing preload will have a stiffening effect on the ride.

 

You need an alignment because you’ve taken the suspension apart. With the no compressor method you’re loosening the LCA cam bolts, and with the normal method the UCA’s are coming out too. And with a double wishbone suspension caster and camber settings vary significantly based on where the suspension is in its range of motion, so even a small lift will change the static alignment.

 

I just posted this in the "What have you done to your 3rd gen today" thread earlier today:

Last week a fellow TW member helped me replace the stock sport struts with new Bilstein 5100's, set on the 2nd notch ("level"). Kept the stock springs. The difference in ride quality on the way home was noticeably better/improved. I'm loving the 5100's. I'm not sure how best to describe the difference other than the truck feels much more planted and solid now. Bumpy roads no longer rattle the truck around like a tin can. The next day I had my local shop replace the stock tires with some Falken Wildpeaks (265/70/17) + Alignment. Very pleased with the outcome. Drawing on saved photos, below is the best before/after I can find.

Top: before with stock struts/tires. Bottom: after with 5100's and Wildpeaks.

Cleaned up:

 

5100 4th clip. 1inch block.diff drop.wheel alignment. Super happy

 

If I do 5100s on all corners with stock springs do I need a spacer for the drivers lean?
I remember hearing that the stock springs accommodate for the drivers side lean but I just wanted to confirm.

 

No lean on me with stock springs

 

I just did the 1/4 spacer and the shop got mine almost perfect, based on every surface is not.always perfect.

 

.
I depends on the trim (GR #)
In my case, both sides have the same part# for struts, same color coding on the spring, same length of the spring and total length of assembled units.
Refer to the toyota part catalog.

 

5100s all the way around with a 1” block in the rear, believe I am on the 4th notch with stock springs. Still have a slight rake which I prefer, but don’t think it is as noticeable as factory rake.

 

Looks good

 

How’s it ride on the 4th notch compared to the sport?

 

@BGXtobe Actually I was mistaken - I am on the 5th notch. And honestly it rides great, better than stock. Feels like it absorbs the road better. I may eventually consider going with some EMU springs if I feel like its necessary.

 

It looks good I like the stance and I prefer the slight rake upfront as well.
Are you on 265/70/17?

 

Yes, 265/70/17 Wildpeaks.