Bilstein 5100 questions - is the dealer full of crap?

That's a good deal on those springs.

 

Dealerships can fuck up an oil change. Just gonna leave that here.

 

That's exactly what I did, bought a big ass tool box, and tools to do each job. It's the best way to get more tools.

 

Yeah their area few sellers on Amazon selling for around that price. I ended up buying from bilsteinlifts.com though.

 

Even with buying new tools you still probably pay less than a shop would charge!

 

I called a shop just to see what they'd charge for swapping in the already built 6112 coilovers because they were going to do the alignment anyways. It was close to $400 for 2.5 hours of shop time. I did it myself, in my garage with a floor jack, jack stands, cordless impact, some torque wrenches and some ratchet wrenches in a touch less than 3 hours. The backs were super easy, I forget how long it took me the weekend before.

 

Likely.

But I'd go with LTG4087's thoughts. Your 3" is an arbitrary choice for looks that risks inducing other issues that neither you, wife or dealer will like.

Personally I'd look for a low mile OR take off set from folks around here and make the swap myself. No lift, no 'adjustments' to anything needed. You'll like the compliant ride, especially off road.

Actual axle line ground clearance comes from tire diameter, not suspension lift. So go with 255 85's, add a skid plate and differential breather mod for whoopsies and call it a day.

 

A good midrange cordless impact gun was one of the best purchases I ever made! My 20v dewalt has no problems with most bolts, even took off the dreaded honda tensioner bolt for a timing belt job with a thick walled 19mm socket.

 

I've been impressed with it so far.

 

isn't this why Harbor Freight was invented?

 

Gross, I'd rather have tools that will last me a lifetime than a throw away tool for one job.

 

Go to bilsteinlifts.com, grab the $799.99 5100 kit and you can choose the lift options. The 5100s ride great as well and the kit gives you springs and the add-a-leaf to the rear.
Had it on both my Tacoma’s and loved it.
Great value for what you get.

 

Okay, so answering lots of questions in this post.

I have all the tools, but honestly, I have lowered more than 20 of my own cars. This would be easy, but I’d rather drop off the truck and pay someone else to have a stiff neck and bloody knuckles. I’m older and I guess lazier. My time is worth more to me to spend with my wife than to spend in the garage on the floor to save a few bucks.

I called the dealership and told them to EAD. They were charging me $1475 for a lift that the shop that does for $900.

I talked to half a dozen shops. I found a shop I am really comfortable with. They are doing the 6112’s with 5100’s in the rear (my choice to keep the lifetime warranty) and a 1” block in the rear. I never carry anything in the bed, only from Home Despot to the house. It’s just not worth the stiffer back end to spend $ on AAL.
They are doing a diff drop, the front and rears, adding top hats to the 6112’s (my choice) so I can swap it to stock if I want to sell, alignment, etc.

Thanks for all your advice. I really appreciate it.

@HVLA You're one hell of a good dude to apologize in public. It’s appreciated. I also apologize for replying in the same fashion. Good on you brother.

 

Might I suggest taking a look at the 5160's for out back, they pair really well with the 6112's. You'll be much happier with this set up over the spacers.

 

Rough ride from the rear- check into Hammer Hangers

Also, read through the Suspension Forum Stickies.

You seem like the type of guy that would choose to understand all aspects of a thing. Going w a three inch lift is gonna have more ramifications than just installing the lift itself.

 

@PzTank Thanks for the suggestion for Hammer Hangars. They aren’t in the budget right now, but seem to be a fairly simple upgrade in the future. Definitely added to the wish list, pretty much at the top.

Understood about the 3” lift. The most I plan to go is 2”, because of all the crap that has to be done if you do go three or more.

I’ll definitely read through the stickies again.

 

Great advice in this thread. Is there anyone that can speak on if either the 5100’s, or 6112’s eliminate the infamous front end dive when you brake, the TRD Off Road. I, can confirm, it’s a real thing, and I, for one don’t like it.

 

Is the dealer full of crap? Yes, but not if they also change out to a larger spring like a OME 887 or similar

 

In another thread I’ve read. Dude had a letter from Bilstein saying 5100’s will void there warranty if used with aftermarket coils. I’ll search for it.