Wow @ Headstrongoffroad.com

I emailed the same list of questions to three different online off-road accessory stores and headstrongoffroad.com had by far the best response which basically sold me regardless of price, which in the end came out to be the best as well.

FYI: THEY'RE RUNNING A SPECIAL FOR $10 OFF BILSTEIN 5100'S FOR THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS!!
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/de...tein-4-4-14-4-11-14-while-supplies-lasts.html

My list of questions:
Regarding this kit without the 884 coils(if that's an option, as I plan to use my stock TRD Sport linear coil springs.)
Coil/Bilstein 5100 lift Kit (part # HS05BK-1)
Which do you think with be softer while using my stock TRD Sport Linear Coil Springs:
-5100 set at .85" with the top plate spacers
-5100 set at 1.75" without top plate spacers
-is it sketchy or silly to use the 1/2" Toytec top plate spacer in addition to the 1/4" to correct the diver side lean?
My rear non TSB leafs are really dead, will this add a leaf bring back some support?
Will the rear be taller than the front with the way I plan to set up the front?
Will the rear 5100's be long enough for the additional travel this add a leaf will contribute? or should I consider the 5125's?
Will I need:
-Extended Break Lines,
-Longer U-Bolts,
-or a Longer Leaf Spring Center Pin?

The response that won my money:
First off the least amount of preload on the coil the better the ride. The spacers don't really mess with the assembled strut as they go on top of the strut mount; however, they do lower the entire assembly down which in turn takes from the available down travel and on up travel further compresses the coil which can influence the ride (the more the rings move closer to each other the greater the resistance from the coil).

As for which set-up listed below will ride best, this is really hard to say. Personally I would probably go with the 1.75 setting on the 5100s despite my first sentence above and do the 1/4" top plate spacer for the drivers side lean. I'm sure you will hear conflicting answers on this so I would also suggest you having longer studs pressed in so that you could always change things up should you feel the need to. Oh and you can stack the spacers with no problem, I tend to tell people not to do this but I know folks who have regardless an all is good. Some even choose to do the 1/2" on the drivers side and 1/4" on the passengers side, just another option.

The add-a-leaf will help put some curve back in the factory packs as well as help manage the weight better, but if your packs are in really bad shape you might want to consider a new set. With the AAL you should land close to level, but the back will likely be a bit higher. Of course there are various factors that can influence ride height (long bed, short bed, extended cab, double cab, condition of front coils, and mods that add weight, manufacturers tolerances........) so I cannot make any promises.

AALs do not add travel so longer shocks are not necessary. Remember an AAL is used with the existing factory leafs which can only droop out as much as the first leaf is long and the clips will allow. All AAL add height only by supporting the weight better meaning the pack will not sag out as much from the weight of the truck. A lot of comps get so confused with shock length thing and so I think they tend to confuse people.

Longer brake lines will not be needed and the factory ubolts should have enough thread to support the addition of the AAL which is only about 1/4" thick. Though I always recommend new ones because once torqued the treads undergo a tremendous amount of pressure. And last question, our AALs come with longer center pins so you are good to go there.

Hope I answered everything, but if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask

Sorry for the novel

Robert Turner

 

The response may have been "wordy" but that was exactly what I was looking for. I have done a lot of research and wanted a detailed and specific opinion.

 

I bought my spindles from them, excellent company! and great customer service

 

Here is a link to a thread of another happy customer on here that helped me decide to order from them: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/vendor-reviews/275054-shoutout-headstrong-off-road.html

 

Although there listings are limited on their website, it sounds like they can get their hands on most items. I'd say it's totally worth a phone call to them to see if you can get a better price.

 

I bought my OME kit from them a couple of months ago . . . same positive experience from start to finish.

 

thanks for posting this. I have emailed a few companies with questions and researched tacoma world to answer the rest. this has given me some confidence in my build plan to use stock springs, 5100 set at 1.75 and a 1/2 top plate spacer with 1.5 aal.

 

They have been very quick to answer the questions i have and i am only looking to but a pair of fog lights. Very impressed with customer service so far.

 

dealt with them in person great people

 

Bought my OME full kit and LR UCA's from them a few weeks ago. Marie was excellent to deal with. Great customer service and the cheapest price out there. Saved myself over $200.
They reply to emails quickly and follow up on order status.