Bilstein 5100 settings for a "novice"

Gentlemen, I own a 2005 Tacoma (V6, access cab, 94K mi.), frame is being replaced next week, so I ordered four Bilstein 5100's to replace the originals while they have the whole business apart. I'm not that mechanical, but I've seen many posts recommending to set the front shocks to 1.75? I use the truck on pavement mostly, and trailer a small, 16' boat a couple times a year, and that's about it. Not sure if the Toyota dealership would recommend as far as the correct settings so here I am - many thanks for your help, very appreciated! Mike

 

Have an '05 & '14......5100's all 4 corners on both

fronts are set on 3rd ring on both.....expect approx 2" level lift

both ride smooth !

 

Depends on if you want to lift or not. If not leave on first (lowest) setting.

 

Thank you, appreciated. If I did want to lift up a bit, does the back end need any modification/extra parts? Thanks again

 

Depends on the look you want to achieve. Only the front 5100’s are capable of “lifting.” The back are just shocks. If you want to lift the back you will need blocks or new springs or AAL.

If you want to level it “bring front up a little” I would do the .85 setting, no more.

With the 1.75 mine looked nose high and I had to put a 1” block in the back so it didnt look like it was squatting.

 

my '14.....

3rd notch

 

again

 

Thanks Hyper, sounds like the .85 is the way I'll go. I'm not mechanically versed enough (yet) to research what springs or blocks I might need.

 

Just set them at the lowest setting to get the best ride quality. Later you can upgrade the springs and get a leaf pack in the back.

 

Lift with springs not the shock, my 5100’s are set at lowest for best ride quality and OME885 (they do the lift), back are 5100’s set at lowest and add a leaf (leaf spring - it does the lift)

Got a ~2” lift.

Had to do the ECGS bushing to get rid of rumble strip feeling a certain speeds. That you should get them to do after you order it.

 

Thanks again, keeping it simple and sticking with the lowest setting

 

Remember to get them to do the ECGS bushing if you are going to add the lift of any kind, pay them the 1-2 hours labor as it’ll be apart and easy.

 

will do, thank you.

 

This.

 

I actually prefer the ride quality of my 5100's with stock TRD OR springs at the 1.75in setting over the stock height, the little extra stiffness makes it less boat like driving down the road.

 

So the 5100's, set at 1.75, with stock coils is a stiffer ride than stock?

I'm thinking of going with the 5100s on the front but I do not want a softer ride. I want the original Sport ride or slightly stiffer.

 

correct, you are preloading the coils more which will make for a stiffer ride. The progressive wound coils on the TRD OR set at 1.75 setting made for a perfect stiffness n plush ride in my book.

 

I have my 5100s set at 1.75" with 1/4" lean spacer driver side and sumo springs in the rear for hauling motorcycles. It's stiffer than stock (in a good way) and handles less boat like as stated above.

 

Well, just received my Tacoma back from frame-replacement surgery, seems all went well. Had them install the new Bilstein's at .85 and it rides nice. I was a bit sour about being charged labor for swapping the shocks and a new receiver hitch out (?) (both purchased separately), but I won't rock the boat knowing what the frame cost I guess. Thanks for your helpful posts above, very appreciated.

 

OP, how's ride the been since the new frame and 5100s over the last few years? I'm doing the same thing in a month.