Best option for minimal lift (1-2 inches)

Hey y'all,

My suspension is shot on my 2004 4x4 Xtra Cab, and I'd like to replace it and do a small lift while I'm at it. I'd like to avoid getting new UCAs, doing a differential drop, extending brake lines, etc to keep it affordable. From what I've read it seems like a lift under 2" allows one to avoid these extra steps.

I'm mainly looking at the Bilstein 5100 adjustable set, since it seems like you can go wrong with them and they can be set to between 1 and 2 inches. For the rear, however, I'm having a difficult time finding a leaf spring set that complements the Bilstein shocks. My stock leaf springs are completely flat, so AAL is not a good solution from what I have read.

Anyone know of a decent leaf pack set that lifts <2"? Or perhaps I will just replace the leaf springs with another stock replacement set (no lift) and then do AAL. Anyone have experience with this? I'm open to other shock options, but I have a budget of around $1000. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

You could get takeoffs for your flat rear leaf springs. The issue is you have a 1st gen and It will be a stroke of luck to find 1st gen takeoff leaf springs in good condition. You can try the local junk yards. 2nd and 3rd gen OEM leaf paks won’t do it. I think you need to bite the bullet (Possibly blow the budget) and get new leaf springs.

If you do the installation your self you possibly stay within budget. Not including front end alignment.

PS: budget new bushings

 

If I got new leaf springs, do the OME Dakar mediums pair nicely with the Bilstein 5100 at full height (2.5")? Would I need extended brake lines/diff drop/new UCAs at this height? Sorry for my ignorance, doing my best to educate myself.

 

Honestly, check with Marie from @HeadStrong Off-Road and she can walk you through all options with prices to get you what you need.

 

Try to find Dakar springs in the US right now - not gonna happen.

IF you had $1200 AND you had the months to wait for delivery, you would be better off going with the full Old Man Emu setup (which would give you EVERYTHING for a 2.5 lift including springs, shocks, shackles, bushings, fully assembled and delivered). The problem is that we haven't seen a delivery of this stuff to the US in months, and the "due date" slips another month every few weeks.

The Dakar springs are a decent price on their own and would probably be a good fit with the 5100 rears.

Be careful about the front 5100s - there are two or three length variations (made by two different factories) if I remember correctly.

 

is that why some 5100s have 4 snap ring grooves and some have 5?

 

I thought it was 3 or 4, but you may have seen something different?

Race Car Dynamics makes a licensed version and Bilstein has resumed production of one of the 5100 variants.

the difference is the lengths and adjustment (I believe). Many places sell one or the other, as I have rarely seen both options at the same place. When the add says 0-1.5 inch lift, it is one version. Some ads say “must be used with at least a 2.5 inch lift” - that’s the other. Then there is the third option but I think that is just a copy of one of the previous mentioned (but with the extra adjustment).

 

Is there an OEM replacement that can handle more load without a lift? Like stronger leafs? I don't really want to lift the truck at all but I think I fubar'd my stock leaf packs by overloading my bed one time with wet dirt. I have since done 5100's all around and would like to get some fresh (but upgraded) leafs without lifting the rear end. I understand even a new pair of stock leafs would lift the rear from what it's at now most likely but would like to add some strength as well.

 

I recently purchased a Rancho quicklift kit with loaded front struts and gas rear shocks. The new struts in the front were alot stiffer than stock so they raised the front about 2 inches. As for the rear I used the gas shocks and a 2 inch spacer block to level it. They are a good option if you are on a budget and the shocks have small adjustments you can make for ride quality.

 

Well doing a little research brought me to HeadStrongOffroad where I found these Deaver leaf springs:

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p456/Deaver_Leaf_Pack_Kit_-_J66.html

Says they provide only 1.5" of lift from stock. I have my 5100's set to the first notch (.85") up front so I should theoretically go back to a slight rake with a leaf pack like this which is fine.

I think my other option is just a set of stock 3rd gen leaf springs. Is there anything I need to look out for with those (long bed vs short bed) or anything like that?