Installing Bilstein 5100's

I'm fixing to install 5100's on my 2007 Taco in the next couple of weeks. I will be adjusting the snap ring to 2.5", but have been reading that setting the snap ring at 2.5" may damage the strut or something like that. Is this true? I will be using existing coilovers. Also, I was told by one of our 4x4 places in town that I will not need to add a 1" block to the rear if I'm simply picking it up 2.5" cause it will look level. Wondering if that is true? Cause I would like my truck to look level the whole way across. I will be doing the install myself and would like some input or help. Thanks for yalls time.

Side Note: Can I use needle nose to take off snap ring?

 

Before you do anything, park your truck on level ground. Measure from the center of the wheel up to the bottom of the fender flare. Measure front and back. Subtract the difference and that's how high you can go in the front. The 2.5" setting will put you nose-high (bro-lean), especially if the back leafs are the non-tsb leafs. Also, keep in mind that many guys on here have had alignment issues after setting their Billys to the 2.5" setting that usually requires buying aftermarket upper control arms to correct ($$$). Some people do, and some don't, oddly. If you just want to level your truck, consider the .85" or 1.75" setting, depending on your measurements. You'll get a better ride with the lower pre-load settings, especially if your truck is the offroad model due to the progressive springs.

 

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Yes what he said. I have my set at 1.75 up front.
You should look at other post before going with your setup dont want the Bro lean.

 

As the others have said, 2.5" will be high. 1.75" may even be nose high. I have the factory 4 leaf and originally just had mine set at 1.75" and that was bordering nose high. Ended up lifting the rear 1" to get rear back up. You probably have a 3 leaf which would leave you with using the .85" setting, unless you lift the rear.

Setting at 2.5" isn't going to break anything. It will ride rough on factory springs at that setting.

 

okay. Can i go back and readjust the the snap ring later? After I invest in some upper control arms and new coil overs? With that being said, if I go to 1.75" will I have enough clearance for 275/70/18? That's what I plan on putting on my taco.

 

The snap ring you can adjust as many times as you want. I've found the easiest way to move the snap ring is take the end of the ring, and pop it over the indented edge, then work the rest over and slide it to the next notch.

I can't speak for that tire size. I have no experience with it.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/wheels-tires/319673-275-70-18-a.html

Looks like the consensus on those tires is that you will experience rubbing on the body mount. The tire calc puts those at a little over a 33" tire.

 

Okay. It's a little to late on the tires. Ha, they've already been bought and the only reason I bought them is because I got a steal on them. Hopefully I won't get so much of a rub. But once I get it done I will submit pictures and let y'all know how it comes out. Thanks for all the help and if I have anymore question I'll let y'all know.