My Bilstein 5100 W/ Icon AAL Impressions

In July of 2024 I decided to make a change in the suspension of my 2019 DBL Cab 4X4 SR5. So I installed the Bilstein 5100’s on all four corners. I set the fronts to position 4 (1.55” lift), and added an Icon AAL to the rear with the overload spring removed. Overall this combination leveled the truck within a 1/4”. Rear sat 1/4” higher. Here’s my impressions, the leaf springs are noisy… Just the way it is, I’ve read multiple threads of people complaining about the squeaks from them. Really about the noises and weak leaf packs these trucks got from the factory. It’s a stiffer ride for sure in the rear, not horrible though. The front end was another story. I had a hard time getting it leveled at the dealership. Couple trips there and I feel like I still had a little too much toe in. With the clips set in position 4 (1.55” lift) the front suspension felt kinda rough, and made a clunking noise when reversing into my driveway. It also made some creaking noises when the suspension was flexing. Ball joints are all good, tie rods are good, nothing seems to be worn out or broken. Had a few buddies look it over to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. Today I took it all apart again, dropped the clips to position 3 (1.1” Lift) and all my front suspension noise disappeared. It’s quiet reversing into the driveway and I flexed it in a few spots I normally drive and heard nothing. I feel like it’s riding better and less harsh. In position 3 I still have 3/4” of rake. So in short, I think the 5100’s are nice upgrade. I for some reason got a lot noise from the front suspension when it was set in position 4. But it’s a nice improvement over the stock suspension for sure. Tomorrow I’m gonna separate the rear leafs and apply fluid film between them to see if that quiets them. Hope my opinion and experience can help with any other members thinking about the 5100’s and an Icon AAL. -WHITE_SR5-

 

I have 885 coils at zero setting and devear single aal at the back. No creaks, rides smooth.
AAL still provides a decent suppor for the rear when loaded

 

Washing your leaf springs will often help with the creaking, without having to disassemble them. You can also buy new silencer pads off Amazon for several dollars that will replace the OEzM ones without disassembling the pack (you just have to jack up one side, let the one side droop, and get the old silencer out and put the new in).

Clunking in reverse down the driveway is often pad slap, which plagues all Tacomas when you change direction. If the noise comes back it may just be the pads.