Bilstein 5100 install thread

Thought I'd share. While getting my new frame I thought I'd get some billies, 5100's all the way around, OME 880's and Skijacker soft ride AAL. The billies are set at the middle setting. Ride is great. I'll include a before, it was pretty saggy and old tires. I put on some 265/75/R16's BF Allterrains. A big thanks to all the info on Tacoma World for helping me find the right lift etc. Cheers!

Before...


and after....

 

anybody recommend a better spring for me as I am installing a plow( 260lbs.)

 

Nice level stance.

 

Looks great! If it's anything like mine, I bet it rides/handles a lot better too...

 

A lot depends on your budget, but I'm thinking maybe OME 886s or Eibachs. (Note that I'm not a 2nd Gen owner, though.)

You might check the 2nd Gen or Suspension forums or, better yet, consult the experts at , DSM, or for 2nd Gen advice.

 

Thanks, and yeah , it rides great especially considering it was pretty tired, rode like a caddy until you hit the big holes...lol. The real test will be fishin'/4by'n all fall!

trdracing5, what was the reasoning for middle setting with the 880's not working? I asked around and it seemed fine with folks. Especially considering people use the 5100's on different settings with stock coils. How does your truck sit/look with the 880's on the lowest?

 

Just did a set on my 00 prerunner. Down South Motorsports has a smokin' deal on these! Paid $295 free delivery for a set. $309 on their site but Taco World members get extra $15 off. Register as a member on their site and use the discount codes found on the various Down South threads on this site or call Sonny or Neil. They offer 2 different kits for this truck; full set of 5100s if you have AALs or 5100s front and 5125 rears if stock. As these were built by Bilstein to RCD (Race Car Dynamics) specs, the 5100s are a little longer if you don't have AALs or modify your bump stops. 0"-2.5" lift on front with stock springs. I did 1" on front and my fenderwells measure 37" front & 36.5" rear (140K on stock TRD springs and Snugtop glass bed cover on rear-31x10.5 BFG ATKO's). These shocks are vastly better than the Bilstein HD's that came stock as they are more supple on the nasty Arizona roads I drive, yet still dampen heavier off road desert rides and fire access roads. Hope this helps out any potential buyers.

 

I'm clueless on what the benefit of the 5100 mod is? I have a pre-runner with RC spacer lift. I went that route when i bought the truck to clear the bigger tires, got on here and everyone seems to be all about this mod.. If i do this can i keep the spacer or do away with it and what do you gain by doing this?

ok i've been doing some reading and the reason is better ride and a little lift?

 

Since you don't have a front drive, you could probably keep the spacers and be okay, but how much lift do you want? I personally don't like spacer lifts, as they don't add any performance, as better shocks do.

I think everyone is all over these shocks because its the most bang for your buck. This and a $50 pairs of shackles will get you better shocks AND a lift.

I like mine!

 

I put the 5100s all around used stock spring in the front and Pro Comp (1") aal in the rear. i gained 2.5" of lift. My 07 PR took it first hard trail run and all i can say is WOW! I was able to catch air and land soft with no issue. On road she is a little rough riding. Anyone else have this issue? if not what direction should i take? With out giving up the great OFF ROAD handling. LOVE my Billy's!!!

 

okay thank you, i will probably keep my shackles and get ride of the spacers and get some 5100s beacuse my truck rides like a damn lumber wagon!!

With that being said, anyone need some spacers? haha

 

TBones,
just did these on my 00 Prerunner TRD. Like you said, off road good but a little firm on road (but the 1st gens aren't known for being plush anyway). Don't know what level you set the spring at but I did the 1" (middle) setting. Since you are compessing the spring to gain the lift you are essentially preloading it more making it a little stiffer. ! don't think I would do the 2.5" setting as it would probably ride like a buckboard. I would opt for longer springs and run "stock" setting if you want that much lift. Coilovers would be best but then we're talking some bucks. The 5100's are still far better than the HD's that came stock. They will probably "settle in" in a couple months as well.

Also for you guys with 99 00 model years, there's a guy on ebay with APC white guage inserts w/tach for $14.99 delivered. Think this is a steal for this kit and I know they are hard to find w/tach. Older style APC design (looks like stock but white). Try to send some pics when I install mine.



http://www.ebay.com/itm/29072030480...AX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_737wt_1163

 

So from what I gather from reading this and other threads is that you don't have to separate the upper ball joint on 1st gens to swap out the struts, even if you set the 5100s to 2.5", correct?? I've done 5100's on 2nd gens several times, but never on a 1st gen. Seems a lot easier on a 1st gen...?

Also, my buddy's 1st gen has pretty rusty hardware (the truck has almost 300K and he lives salty New England). Will it be a pain to remove the three shock nuts in the pic? Will Liquid Wrench be enough to get thru all the rust and get em to loosen up?

 

Bump... anybody know if that rusty hardware in the above pic will cause issueswith disassembly or reassembly?

 

Thanks,Chris4x4! Just got them installed without any probs. looks and rides great!

 

so i had more aftermarket sport coils and struts(im guessing because they have asian lettering), and i didnt have the "3" bolts on top and "1" on bottom, rather i had a different "1" top and "2" bottom setup. So this article in particular was 0 help!

 

Liquid Wrench isn't worth the container it comes in; here's four that actually work, in no particular order:

Free
Free All
PB Blaster
Aero Croil

For those who have used good penetrants, they are magical and legendary.


WD40 isn't worth a shit as a penetrant either. Anything anybody would use WD40 for could easily use silicone spray at half the price.

 

If I was going to set the spring on the middle setting, I think I'd just go ahead and opt for the 881's. Same spring rate but they're 10mm longer.

At least that is what I did.

 

Ok, this might be a bit of a noob question, but are 4 billies and an aal all I'm going to need to get a bit of a lift. No spacers on the front or anything? What about the back, what do I need to install a 1.5" aal? I'm about to order but I want to make sure that when I get everything I won't be missing anything crucial. Thanks