Are 5100's right for me?

Hey guys I have an 06 Acces Cab Off-Road with a 6 speed. I go to college in extreme Northern Maine (Fort Kent) and the roads around here consist of some good pavement and some terrible pavement. Not much in-between. There's a lot of railroad crossings that are not well maintained and very bumpy. I don't do a ton of like rock crawling or mudding, just mostly ridding logging dirt roads that can be washboardy and full of potholes. This happens mostly during hunting season. Last year when I was up at school, the stock Bilstein's broke in half after hitting a pothole, the common issue of the eyelet breaking off the strut happened. They were the original struts with 160K on the truck. I needed my truck back asap and the only thing available was Monroe Quick Struts. That's what's on the truck right now. I've started to notice they are just very bouncy on rolling bumps and kind of clunky. I had to have a shop change them over.

Questions- If I get 5100's, can I use to the Monroe springs, I would probably just put the 5100's on the first lift notch, (I think it's like 0.8") I don't want a crazy lift just a smidge closer to level out the truck. I still tow and use the bed for heavy stuff and I don't want to drive a tooted truck. If not, I don't plan on ever putting any bumpers on it, what OME springs should I use?

Needs - I would like the truck to ride better in general, I feel like it should be able to absorb railroad crossings and these dirt roads better. There are a few other 2nd gens on campus and I talked to one kid, and he says he has 6112's on the first notch. I looked into these but are just a little more then I would like to spend right now just for fronts. I don't want a harsh ride, but something that is less bouncy on rolling bumps but will still handle the harsh things like railroad tracks if that is possible.

I'm starting to really like this truck and think I'm going to hang on to it for a little while and just make it what I want. This and the clutch masters TOB are on the list because mine does squeak about 50% of the time. Down the road would be some Cali Lights. I know there are a ton of 5100 threads but I can't seem to find anyone with similar circumstances. There are tons of dirt roads around here and guys with company trucks go like crazy fast on them. You could easily cover 400+ miles in a day on all dirt. These Monroe junks aren't cutting it. Thanks so much for anyones input.

 

You’d be better of finding a set of used Stock springs to put on the 5100.
Or save some and get OME springs.
Or save more and get 6112.


Or better yet, find some take offs (Whole assembly) from a 3rd Gen. You will gain about 1” and it bolts right up.


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/review-3rd-gen-suspension-on-2nd-gen.542843/

 

I use my truck in a similar manner. 2 years ago at about 100K miles I replaced all 4 OEM shocks (yellow Bilsteins) with 5100's. I set the front at .85" just to level out my truck.

A few months later, my truck failed inspection due to one of the rear shocks leaking. I replaced both with OME Sport Nitrochargers. Those are much better than the 5100's. Bilstein said the leaking was "normal" and wouldn't replace or refund my $$.

The front 5100's have been fine and I'll keep them due to the more complex removal/install process.

You could always go with Bilstein 4600's, which are close to the stock shocks on the TRD O/R model. No option to adjust on the fronts though, but I'm sure they would suit your needs.

 

Thanks, I have some parts store ones on the back right now, they came on the truck when I bought it. I think 5100's really will be good for me. I just am wondering if the springs from the Monroe's will be stiff enough.

 

Buy once, cry once, get the 6112 and 5160 rear shocks you worn be sorry; )

 

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/bilstein-5100-vs-bilstein-heavy-duty.cfm#:~:text=The main difference between the,is built for lifted trucks.

A lot of people miss that the 4600s are valved the same as the 5100s, but the 5100s allow for a lift, if desired.

I was going to buy 5100s but went with 4600s because I don't care to lift this truck at all. I also drive rough city roads and long backcountry dirt roads and the performance is much better than the Toyota-Bilsteins I replaced.

I second getting a pair of stock springs on the front, this truck rides beautifully.

That is if you don't want to spend on the more high performance stuff, which is nice but can be quite spendy.

 

i set mine to 1.75" for level. 0.85" still has slight rake. never had leaking on my rear 5100s and i dont think its normal.

 

I still have slight rake for when I load up my bed with gear.

 

Yes, I think it's either 5100's or stock 3rd gen stuff for me. I rode in the kid's truck with the 6112's and for the price, I think I'll just go the stock 3rd gen or 5100's route. Thanks for the input guys!