Bilstein 5100 @ 1.25

Thank you!

I suspect most folks would be happy with EITHER Bilstein OR OME shocks. My decision was based on experience with Bilstein products and a LOT of research (~4yrs ago). At that time, the majority of the reviews I found were for Bilsteins, so it seemed like I was sticking with something more "tried/tested". I remain happy with my decision but, in hindsight, I don't think there's any compelling reason to choose one over the other.

My choice of Wheeler's 5-leafs was driven by the additional lift Dakar springs provide. Going with Dakars meant lifting the front-end more than I wanted to to achieve a level stance. Wheeler's 5-leafs and OME 881s were provided the right combination for my truck (and many others).

 

Whats the story with the different shades of paint on the door/front fender?

 

I considered this setup, I liked it, still do, the beauty of what I did buying 5100's, was I could buy the additional components to upgrade to this set up. I have done my on installation, so labor costs would not hurt me if I up grade, still may upgrade to this!

 

Not sure. I bought it used in 2008, with ~40K miles on it. CarFax/AutoCheck were clean. No accidents while I've owned it. All the body panels are straight, everything lines-up, and it tracks perfectly straight (on the alignment rack and street). Interestingly, the shade variance is more and less apparent, depending on viewing angle and light conditions. It looks like something was repainted along the way, but I don't know what or why.

 

Sweet Rig Norton!

Same back spacing on those 4runner rims? I've got a line on some and think they look the best on lunar 1rst gens.

I've ran 5100's since my frame was replaced in late 2011, just over the last month both my front's have given out, leaking and done. Both my rears went last year, leaking and done. I switched them out to Nitro's in the back and haven't had an issue. Now I've got to take apart my front springs and shocks to replace the billies, and buy new ones. Costly now that I have to pay for the labour (didn't have to with the frame replacement..)

So just a heads up about my experience with Billies, I wonder if anyone else has had similar issues?

I don't know if it's because I'm in Canada with the amount of salt we use or what, but the billies just didn't last.

 

I installed the 5100 shocks (front only) over five years ago to get her more level. They have been working great although we don't get snow where I live so no salt on the roads. I used the 1" setting and it feels just a bit more firm on the front than stock (not harsh firm, but more in control). I think the 2.5" setting would be a bit much.
Here is a 5100 set for 1" on the stock spring.

 

Is everything stock on the rear end?

 

Thanks! Yes, I'm pretty sure the backspacing is the same.

FWIW, my Bilsteins are about 4yrs old and I have yet to experience any problem with them. (The truck is my daily driver, in ALL weather conditions.)

 

Darn close..... stock leaf springs, stock shocks, but I do have traction bars in the rear. The plate they attach to is roughly a 1/4" thick so the rear sits about 1/4" higher than it would without it.

 

Matt-this is great feedback. I'm probably going to install 5100s all the way around, which the fronts on the middle clip (& OEM spring). Was worried about the preload. Glad to hear the setup is not too harsh. Should help balance out the airbags in the back.

 

Just about to do a suspension overhaul on my 98 prerunner. If I had to guess I'd say its got 240k on the original leafs and I know shocks haven't been touched in the last 60k.

I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on the General Spring HD 4 leaves @ 1 7/8" to support my camper shell paired with 5100s front and rear and 880s In front. I want within an inch of stock height and level.

I've seen a lot of recommendations for the 881's, should I grab those instead of 880s?

 

Interesting thread. Sub'd.

 

That depends on your truck and your goal...

Average lift from 880 coils on an extra cab v6 Tacoma is 1.25-1.5″.
Average lift from 881 coils on an extra cab v6 Tacoma is 1.75-2″.

I suspect lifting the back 1 7/8" and the front only 1.25-1.5″ will increase rake. Based on your description, 881s may be the better option, if you want to end up level.

 

I am trying to get about a 1.5-2" lift and wondering which option is better in terms of ride quality. I want a soft, street-friendly ride. Nothing too harsh:

1) OME 881 coils on STOCK Bilstein shocks.
OR
2) Stock Tacoma coils on Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks set to 1.5"

Anybody have experience with that?

 

5100s on OME 883s set at 0"

 

This was my 1st gen with 5100's@1.25". I also had brand new coils and leaf packs so the front was a hair high. I eventually made a bastard pack for the rear to give me some rake back.

 

Here it is with 1.25" front and 1" in the rear.

 

Hey Taco TX, did you use the 5100s with your stock TRD coils? I am buying 5100s but have heard that they are not designed to work with the progressive TRD coils. Should I buy stock non-TRD coils?

 

No, I bought Moog non TRD 460lb coils from Rockauto. My TRD springs were toast and needed to be replaced.

 

Thanks. Just checked those shocks out. Moog #81102 are for the non TRD Tacoma. They are supposedly 373 mm long and 465 lbs. Did you ever rock them on the 0 setting on the 5100s? I'm confused because the OME 881 which everybody seems to like are 375 mm and 500 lbs. Very similar. But people ride them at the 0 setting for 2" lift with the 5100. Do you think the

$166 Moog 81102 Coil Spring Set

Moog 81102 would be similar? Maybe a little softer but still longer than stock? Or did you have to preload them to 1.5" to get a lift?