5100 Bilenstein block or add a leaf?

Hello. I currently have an 07 Tacoma long bed. I found a good deal on some 5100s and was wondering if I can pull them off without an add a leaf? Maybe just a 1” block. I prefer the truck to be as level as possible.I know it’ll be stiff but is it a significant difference than stock? What setting do you guys recommend to fit 285/70r17 in the future as they are currently on 265/65/17. Am I just better off getting a leveling kit?

 

If you are looking for level, just leave the rears alone and raise the front.
Other wise, Block<AAL<Full Leaf Pack

 

My aal was just $90. Blocks suck - never get a block

 

Do you happen to know if I can just set the setting on the 5100’s at like 1.5 and call it a day without any problems?

 

Not if you are running 285/70’s
You’ll rub

 

What about the tires I have now? No alignment needed or doing anything else? I’m guessing it’s better than to just have a leveling kit at least?

 

You should spend the weekend on here researching what you need and what will work with what you have and within your budget, and what your options will look like.

"Leveling Kit" What do you think that is? A leveling kit is any combination of parts that will end up leveling your truck. With a set of 5100s you already have a "Leveling Kit". You can adjust your front 5100 to level it out with the back. In order to determine how unlevel your current suspension is, you will measure from the center hub to fender on the front and back. THe difference should be about 1.5" to 1.75" You can only set your 5100s to 0" .85" 1.75" and 2.5". So depending on the measured difference, 1.75" should level it, but if your suspension has experienced some sag .85" may be all you can go to level because you don't want it nose high.

If you want to raise it to 2.5" you will need to raise your rear suspension using a Add A Leaf, dont use blocks as others have said.

Anytime you lift your truck, you should get it an alignment at an offroad shop. Google why for the geometry explanation . Not all alignment shops will do a lifted truck. Many only do stock vehicles to stock specifications.

As for tires you will probably want to stick with 265. If you go with 285 it requires the full 2.5" lift and it will also require some modifications. Look up CMC (Cab Mount Chop).

Again you asked what you should do. You can cut corners, use blocks, not get it aligned, not do the CMC, etc etc and it will still roll. But this is not advised and will cause you headaches and problems in the long run.


Good Luck


this is 1.75" front only and 265/75/16

 

Thank you so much for your knowledge! I really appreciate your time as I am fairly new to this. Nice truck! Honestly I just want to level my truck out. I’m guessing I should just be fine with replacing my oem with the bilstein rear and front struts then? Without touching the back that is? Just the struts. Have you had any problems or main differences on how it rides?

 

Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/p6Z7NP8JKtb

This is the listing I’m considering buying. They are used. Do they seem to have some life in them still?

 

You dont need the coil springs unless yours are in bad shape. But those shocks looks pretty bad, I wouldnt waste my money on them. I would only offer him $100 for the shocks only if you are on a budget. If they are leaking oil, they are shot. Ask how many miles on them? 60K is considered the typical lifespan on shocks. (He could have sprayed these down with Simple Green and they would have looked brand new for the photo).

THe install on the rears is very easy anyone can do themselves. Fronts are slightly tricky/potentially dangerous even if you know your way around a garage. The install is actually fairly simple, but on older trucks it gets incredibly hard to remove nuts and they get stripped, etc...becomes pain. I would have an offroad shop install your fronts and do the alignment. Should be about $500-$700 (maybe more in CA)

Brand new for $490
https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s...)_-_BIL24-239370_for_05-15_Toyota_Tacoma.html

It will ride noticeably better with the 5100s. You will be very happy, that is why they are so poplar. Like I said, spend your weekend or longer researching and asking questions on TW.