Bilstein 5100 add a leaf?

Hey so for the blistein 5100’s do you need to add a leaf or can you just use the shocks as they come?

 

This is the lift kit

 

Depending on the front setting you put them at will determine that.

 

^^^ What he said. The front shocks provide lift, the rears do not. So if you want to lift the rear, then yes you will need an AAL, or equivalent.

 

The 5100 rear shocks will work with stock height and up to a 1" lift... some say up to 2" just like the OEM shocks. The problem with 2" or greater the 5100 and OEM rear shocks could top out and blow the shock. This is if you're off road and flexing the suspension. Bilstein also makes the 5100 extended rear shocks or travel that are made for 4"+ lifts. Going this route, it's recommended to get taller bump stops to prevent the shock from bottoming out.

If you are buying the regular 5100 rear shocks you do not need an AAL.

 

I want to put them at 2.5 so where should I get the AAL from?

 

where should I get the bumpstocks from because I do want them at 2.5

 

Also how many leafs should I add to keep the 2.5 inch lift level

 

Sorry, still trying to figure out where you're going with this. Are you talking about setting ("them") the front struts/coilovers at 2.5"? Then raise the rear by adding an AAL?

 

I’m putting the front shocks at 2.5 inches, what AAL do you suggest and how many to make the truck level with the front shocks at 2.5

 

I have my fronts at the lowest setting and it's a 1.5" inch lift. The icon 1.5" add a leaf pack I have still needed 1" blocks to have a slight rake.

 

So for the 2.5 would you suggest getting two leaf packs and what do you mean by a slight rake

 

If you want level I would just get the add a leaf. If you want stock rake 1" blocks with it.

 

Do you know if icon make an add a leaf for a 2.5 inch lift

 

Don't know. Mine.was 1.5"

1500s at lowest with 1.5" add a leaf (level)


With 1" blocks
1.5" rake

 

Gotcha- that's what I figured, just wanted to make sure. ToyTec has a decent AAL and Torch has a AAL that looks the same at a better price. What ever you get make sure they have squeak pads on the ends. I went with ToyTec and had to buy longer u bolts. I got a full 2" with a fresh set of recall leaf packs. The condition of leaf packs on your truck will determine how much lift the AAL will add. Not sure about taller bump stops. I have had Sumo Springs on my truck for a while, which in essence a taller bump stop.

If you do not already have the extended 5100's, Torch has a rear shock for 2-4" lift for Tacoma trucks.

 

Oh sweet man, do you know how the ride quality of the torch shocks are compared to the bilsteins?

 

which AAL would go with the front shocks the best for a 2014 tacoma (I can’t tell the different between the two

 

Ride quality is a matter of personal opinion - kind of like motor oil or tires. Everyone has their own preference.
With that said.. IMO- the AAL is going to have a greater influence on ride quality than the shocks. Along with what you carry, cap or topper, loaded tool box or an empty bed. Some with empty beds carry sand bags to keep the rear end from jumping around to ease the ride. As for me, I have a cap with a bed full of riding and camping gear that stays in my truck all the time. Then I'm either pulling a trailer with two or more dirt bikes or a hitch carrier with one dirt bike,

Now the question of ride quality between Bilstein and the Torch could be more question of quality. Again IMO, and with my circumstances the Torch shocks have worked and held up well for me.

 

Part of the difference is the rear axle blocks for a higher lift. With all this you also need to think about a pinion shim you might need depending on how much lift you get from the rear for drive shaft shutter. As with all lifts you have to think about the consequences of the lift, LCA-ACA and pinion angles

Do some heavy research on TW and google searches. With all this is $$$