Billy 5100s: Dont seem valved right

I dont think you can expect much without replacing the springs and leafs.

Cant speak to the 5100s but way back when, I installed the yellow 4600s in my 94 4x4 Toyota and was equally disappointed. Chalked it up to the springs and leafs being worn and pretty standard quality to begin with. Same result when I installed them in my 4runner years later.

For my tacoma, I put in OME with new springs and leafs and the difference is obvious and so much better in ever way. I dont think there's anything special about OME over the 5100s. Just matching new shocks to old springs may not give the best result.

 

Hi TTC,
I would think that would be normal. The ride would be better if you replaced the front coil springs with the 5100's set at zero and at least add AAL's to the rear.
I speak from my experience only I have a 2015 DCSB 4x4 TRD OR, I replaced my coil springs from stock to OME 885's and set my 5100's at 0. I also added AAL's at the same time. Lift is 2 1/2 inches and my truck rides so so much better than stock. Remembering the lift is in the spring change that will give you most of the "good" ride and performance.
Something like these:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/for-sale-headstrong-2-lift-coils.641956/#post-22264138
these in the back:
https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p96/Deaver_1.5-2_inch_Add-a-leaf_(PAIR)_-_TACOAAL.html

If you invest a few more bucks it will be worth it
Hope this helps

 

Exact same set up as you, 5100's with 885's and rear aal. Also have a shell. Mine rides 10x better than the stock trd off road 4600's and mine only had 26k on them when removed from my truck.
Not sure what to tell ya OP.

 

No idea what your frame of reference is but my Bilsteins and 5100s ride beautifully with OME HD leaf packs in the rear and 884 in the front. WAY better than the stock I took off.

 

Would you say the omes are a better ride? Or should I keep the Billy's and spend that extra money on new leaves and 2885's. I want at most 2.5-2" up front and 1" max if anything in the back

 

I don't really know how to tell if my good ride is coming from the springs or shocks. It must be a combination of both. I carry weight at all times, I have no doubt the springs would ride worse without the weight. If you have 200 lbs of ballast sitting around try throwing it in your bed above the axle and see if things improve.

Also I wouldn't be judging jack until the whole job is complete.

 

TTC, If you want 2.5 in the front and 2 in the back I think you would be happy with OME 885's and your Billy's set at 0 and AAL's in the back.
It will be worth every penny and ride much better than stock.

 

I just skimmed all the posts and didn't see anyone mention that the 5100s are a digressively valved shock. This means slow bumps will be very noticeable - which also provides a more stable on street feel. On harder hits, they have more give. It's a great daily driver shock, for the cost.

The OME has 2 options. The Sport will feel similar to the 5100s, but higher quality and the other will have a smoother ride over slow bumps.

 

Yes they compress the springs to make the height. So its a big sacrifice in ride quality... and I again I have to agree with the others here, for under $300, its a very inexpensive replacement, and you can pretty much tell..... I would go with the advice on the OME, no personal experience, but have seen this feedback many times

 

You sure you have the top mount torque right? I've seen people dork this up with barely any compression on the rubber bushings sandwiching the frame mount. Post a pic of yours if you can.

 

Yes I think I'll go OME-90021 with 2885 and the 5100 rears. I can't return em since I installed em. I can return the fronts tho. Then after than I can look at leaves. The Sal thing. Is that I top of the factory leaves or remove and replace oem with them?

 

It's supposed to be 15lbs. Can't get a torque wrench on it. I tried nice and tight and later ill try snug

 

You need a crowfoot to torque it. The rubber bushings will continually compress with minimal torque. If you could snap & post a pic later of how it currently stands that'd be great.

 

Sure will do later. Should it be really squashed? Crowfoots are on the way

 

Should of tried to save a little more money for the Bilstein 6112/5160 combo. It’s all expectations but I’ve heard/read good things

 

I'm away from the truck but I have a theory. I'm really hoping it's that the bushings aren't tight enough. I can't see that being it but who knows. I've set up numerous suspension on different cars and this isn't something I could feel before. But maybe the length of the truck amplifies the movement. Here's to hoping for a cheap fix. Merry Xmas and thanks for all the input. Great forum

 

Well that sure wasn't it. Not sure where else to troubleshoot. I can either risk it and install the 5100s with the possibility of selling at a loss since they are "used" or return and get some front omes with stock front coils.

 

What area are you in? Maybe someone close by with 5100's can let you ride in their truck and you can compare to see if you really did get a bad set or if your expectations for the 5100's are just different.

 

It’s gotta be the old leaf packs. 5100s are well regarded in Tacoma’s. The only variable is your leaf springs.

 

Ungh expensive experiment. If it was the leaf packs it wouldn't have done that with the old worn shocks. I'm in Ontario Canada.