Which option should give a better ride?

Again, were these Bilsteins new? They look used.

I ask because it would imperative to know what you got exactly. I know this is the 2nd Gen section but 5100s for 1st Gens come in 2 flavors, and they have varying lift heights.

From a visual standpoint, they look the same. But the collar has 3 slots to lock into whereas the other has 4.

 

I bought everything new. The 885 coils were purchased new back in 2010. It was originally installed with 5100's at 0 setting.
The current 5100's on my truck must be my 3rd set, also bought new. They've been on my truck for 2 years now though, that's why they look used .

I think I am going to just buy a whole new set of 5100s or start off with a new set of those black spring perches.

 

I found this. Different shock of course, but it shows the difference in the spring perches. It does seem like the black perch will sit lower on the shock.

 

Yes, but I was wondering what is limiting the droop. Is the shock topping out before the ball joint is binding or is UCA contacting the coil and limiting droop?

Can't really offer much in terms of a solution if you don't know what the limiting factor is.

If the OP likes the current ride height, a spindle lift will get him back to factory suspension geometry and improve the ride.

 

The coil is limiting his down travel if lifted too high. The coilover probably has around 6" travel. If he is pushing 4" lift then he has maybe 2" down travel at most. This is why 2" lift is the perfect spot and why Toyota runs this amount of lift in the Pros.

 

The coil does not limit droop. Do you mean the shock?

 

I mean the coilover assembly overall. And I'm not saying anything about the limit. Just that when you lift the truck the preload pushes down on the LCA which lifts the truck up and down travel is lost.

 

Got it. My point is, if the stock UCA/ball joint is the limiting factor (which is fairly common) that can be resolved with an aftermarket UCA. Since this is a prerunner though, I go back to a spindle lift being the best option for the OP to maintain a factory ride (if that's what he's after) and not limit droop like a coilover or spacer lift will do.

If he doesn't want to go that route he needs to identify the limiting factor in down travel before he can come up with a solution.

 

Because of his coils and Bilstein setting that the limiting factor. He needs or be on the lowest setting. The control arms are not the issue

 

Per the pics from the OP, the billies are on the lowest setting. And again, coils will not limit droop...they are not attached to the top hat or spring perch.

 

I have the 5100 coil overs, Toytec kit and the ride is absolute shit over and crack in the road.
Set at .85 from toytec. Set at 0 is for stock height I thought. 285/70/17
I was under impression the harsh ride is because the spring rate is to high without any added weight, and it being an access cab. No droop because coil over springs are to compressed to get that 3” of lift.

Im in the process of installing jba’s and a bull bar on front so we’ll see who much it improves the ride.

 

Update for anybody reading this post and for those who commented; I ordered and had a new set of 5100 installed. The new pair came with the black spring perch, the takeoff set had the bare aluminum perch. There is definitely a difference in ride height between the perches. I equate the bare aluminum perch as if I had my 5100 set at .85" (roughly), so I had very little down travel.
Now that I have my new 5100 with the black perch and set at 0, I'm back down to 23 and 1/8".

About 1" in ride height difference by using the bare aluminum spring perch vs the Black spring perch. My ride is great now, no thumps when going over speed bumps .

Now to gain that 1" back... Lol. Going to use either 1/4 or 1/2 top hat spacer and see how that rides.