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5100 2 Inch Bilstein Front, Saggy Rear End...

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Tropical_Blue_97, Sep 13, 2019.

  1. Sep 13, 2019 at 5:48 PM
    #1
    Tropical_Blue_97

    Tropical_Blue_97 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Apr 6, 2019
    Member:
    #289268
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    14
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    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    Vehicle:
    97, Tropical Blue, 4wd, 4 cylinder, 2.7 ltre.
    Hi guys,
    I have a 97 2.7 litre 4 Cylinder 4x4 Tacoma. I recently had to replace my shocks which were entirely shot. I got Bilstein 5100's on my front end. They are set at full height at 2" because while changing out everything I also had a 2" spacer lift removed (was previous owners decision). I liked the way the lift looked and didn't want to get new tires so I went with a 2" lift to keep it the same.

    Guys at the tire shop said that no lift in the back would be fine because the back end is naturally higher and that my rear end was sagging a little because I needed new shocks. Once everything was installed my read end is still sagging quite a bit. I now realize how easy it is to install rear shocks, so my question is...should I buy the Bilstein 1 1/2" lifted rear shocks

    (https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/prod...6583804522414847&EngineId=5645061242319710165)

    and take out the other ones and install them myself OR I have also been reading about adding a leaf to the leaf springs. Which is easiest and most cost effective?

    Thank you for your help!

    P.s. The Bilstein site also mentions a 1" block lift is needed for the rear shocks, is that referring to the lift on the front?
     
  2. Sep 13, 2019 at 6:12 PM
    #2
    tony2018

    tony2018 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2014
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    AAL with the shocks
     
  3. Sep 13, 2019 at 7:34 PM
    #3
    underaroof

    underaroof ember

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2019
    Member:
    #284296
    Messages:
    172
    Eastern Sierra
    Vehicle:
    2004 Xtracab 4x4 V6 TRD
    While this is true, a little explanation would be nice.

    An add-a-leaf will be cheaper, but might harsh your ride. If you buy the rear 5100s you HAVE to: either put a block in-between the leaf spring and axle, buy a lifted AAL, or buy new leaf springs with a small lift. You run the chance of blowing out the seals in the shock if you run it too short.
     

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