Bilstein 5100s Question

Looking at lifting my Tacoma for appearance and functionality. It's a 2019 OR DCSB that's completely stock except for rock sliders and a Diamondback bed cover. It's my daily driver with some light off-roading and occasional light loads. Here is what I am currently looking at:

Bilstein 5100 Fronts (Adjustable 0-2")

$141 24-263108 Bilstein 24263108 Shock Absorber

24-263108
Bilstein 5100 Rears

$110 24-186728 5100 Series Shock Absorber

24-186728
Deaver 1.5-2in Add-a-Leaf

My research has pointed me to Bilstein 5100s all around so that I can adjust the front to either 1.55" or 2" lift. I intend to use my OEM springs to maintain Bilstein's warranty on the 5100s. I want to maintain at least level, but some rake is probably good in the rear for added loads, so I am looking at a Deaver single AAL (advertised as 1.5"-2" rear lift). Given the factory 1" rake, I believe this package should maintain the current geometry and give me an overall 1.55-2" higher setup.

Has anyone run this setup? My concerns are that the Bilstein rears advertise accomodating 0-1" rear lift, while the AAL advertises 1.5-2". Everything I have read indicates to stay away from blocks in the rear (durability, ride comfort). But I also don't think I need a multi-leaf pack or anything crazy (I don't have a camper shell, tent, or excessive everyday loads).

I would like to do this as a diy project at my local diy mechanic shop, but so far have only done basic preventative maintenance. With a good set of instructions, time, and all the tools (lifts, spring compressors, etc), is this a doable project with minimal experience?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

Running boards tell me you are not doing any serious off-roading so those rear shocks will be fine. You will just be giving up a little droop.

If your truck is not too rusty, you can definitely do it yourself. Watch a few instructional youtube videos. Your first time will take a long time. (With the possible exception of the U-bolts in rear), retighten all the bolts to factory recommended torque spec. I assume the DIY garage also has tools you can use? You will want an accurate torque wrench.

You will probably want new center pins and new u-bolts.

Tip: if you can’t get your axle to line back up after dropping it away from the leaf springs, you can use a ratchet strap to pull it back into place.

Oh: and put a little anti-seize on the unthreaded portion of the shafts on the lower shock bolts. You will thank me later.

All the rest is extremely straightforward.

 

What Tom said is correct. Team oil drop has very good howto videos on both front and rear

 

Note the that 5100 rears are the same collapsed and extended dimensions as 3rd Gen stock. You want 5125 for any lift.

 

Awesome, thanks for the help. Meant rock sliders lol, clearly my off-roading knowledge is indicative that this won't be doing anything crazy off-road. The garage has all the tools, so I'll be set there. Will look for some anti-seize too.

 

Thanks. Not looking to lift the rear anything more than 1.5-2", that way I can maintain between level and factory rake. From what I read, the 5125s would provide 2"+ but I've seen varying experiences