Best Ride Quality: 5100s Set at .00 or .85 for Prerunner 2WD 2.7L 4CLY DCSB

TW 4CYL Owners:

I am just about ready to purchase Bilsteins 5100s front/back for my 2014 Prerunner 2WD 2.7L 4CLY DCSB. My objective is to improve my daily drive and off-road capability compared to stock suspension I am now running.

For best results would it be best to keep the front set at .00 reusing OEM coils or go to the first notch to .85? However, I don't see a need to lift the truck because the stock tire size is 245/75/16. Is there a benefit to level the truck? is there a benefit to up-size tire size?

Originally I thought it would be best to go with the Bilsteins (front set at .00) and OME 883 coils. But I have received conflicting information from online off-road vendors that have discourage me. One says the lift will be 1.5 inches and level; the other says because it is a 4 Cyl the lift will be higher and I would be nose high.

So I am thinking of playing it safe.

If you could help me decide that would be wonderful.

Inexperienced Tacoma Dude willing to learn.

 

I have a 2017 Prerunner 2WD 2.7L 4CLY DCSB that I literally just put 5100’s on yesterday. I had fronts set to 0.65” (3rd gen 5100’s ). Was winding if I would get more lift since I have the 4 cyl, but I got right at 0.65” of lift. Still have about 1” of rake (also didn’t want to level). Ride is a little more stiff, but in a good sense. Feels more planted. However, don’t know if that is from the 5100’s themselves or preloading the OEM shocks.

And for what it’s worth, before this truck I had a 2014 Prerunner 2WD 2.7L 4CLY DCSB as well. Put 5100’s set to 0” on that one (but then but a 1/4” spacer on top that gave me ~1/2” in lift). That ride felt very similar to by current 3rd gen set at 0.65”, so maybe most of the ride change is from the shocks themselves.

 

Jw559,

Thank you for sharing your experience with 5100's on both of your vehicles. Good information -- it has helped me finalize my decision. All the Best! Jim

 

I set mine at the 1.75 and it leveled it out nice. Ride is the same does to better in cornering.

 

Thanks Mike for the feedback. I decided to install new wheels and tires. Next phase will be the 5100 install. I plan on reusing stock coils and set 5100's at .00. From all the input I have received on TW that should provide the best on-road/off-road ride.

All the best. Happy Labor Day! Jim

 

Installed 5100 all around set at 0 on OME 883 on my 2014 4Cyl and ride is perfect with a small lift or should I say a little level. Looking forward on adding an AAL to the rear on my TSB leaf springs to gain small rake or finish leveling it out

 

Damn Latin3 that is a nice looking truck. That's (2WD) RWD w/LSD correct? I see you are running Cooper Discoverer. I went with C-load Toyo Open Country AT.

Thanks for the feedback. You are making me think! Jim

 

Thanks bud. You got it all right. This minor lift combo is the best and rides same or better than stock. Absolutely recommend it.

 

I've got 5100's at 1.75 on stock coils and it levels the truck out great. I commute an hour 1 way for work and it rides great. I've been very happy with my 5100's and I've been pretty rough with them. On and off road they provide a good, solid ride. Bigger tires made the biggest difference for off roading for me. I went to 265/75/16 and it helps a lot, except my 4 banger hates them lol. Air down a bit and wash boards are no problem and the larger tires have added traction. I would suggest getting a good set of tires first, then do the lift. Benefit of the lift is just added travel and ground clearance.