Bilstein 5100 Settings for dummies

I used ReadyLift 1-inch blocks, came with new U bolts. The shop I went to for shock installation, selected that brand, and I just agreed to it and wrote a check. I put the blocks in because I wanted a normal rake truck stance with the rear, slightly higher.

 

I used eibach 1 inch block. A bit pricey but reputable brand.

 

So long as you go shopping on a trusted site and go with a trusted brand like toytech, eibach, ect you should be fine. I would expect to spend about a hundred bucks.

Just dont get the $40 no name off Amazon and you should be fine.

 

I've been looking at both of those brands. Looks like the Toytechs are $95 and the Eibachs are $155. Not sure if there really is much of a difference between the two besides the color and different look the Eibachs have. They both do the same thing and are not seen after installed. Both are aluminum. Are the Eibach blocks worth the $50 difference?

 

I recently picked up a set of bilstein coils, I believe the #650 ones. I have been on 5100s with OME 887 and started to sag with steel skids and rock sliders. I was wondering if the Bilstein would help me get back to 2” in the front.

 

I would use the 5100s on the stock coils, been running mine on the stock coils with no issues.

 

Currently i am installing the 5100's all the way around and reusing stock springs. I have a question, its all being done at the shop i work at, but i already have a 1-2" leveling kit that was on the truck when i got it. I am installing them on the highest clip setting and i have the level kit (spacer/blocks) Am i going to run into ride quality issues or wearing issues with UCA's etc? Thank yall in advance.

 

Which 650 coils? For 6112’s? They will not work with 5100’s. They are flat bottom
Coils.

 

The reason why you get the lift is because of the springs? They are just perched 2 inches higher than stock, preloading means you are compressing the springs, the springs are equally compressed at all notches, that’s why you get the lift, you wouldn’t get a lift if the springs were compressed

 

Okay, so...
Curve ball.

I have a 23 Trail with factory 1.1" larger front coils than every trim except the Pro. I bought 5100's for the front and rear. I bought 1.5" Icon AAL for the rear. My plan is to pull the factory .5" rear block and install the Icons. As for the front I have a WARN 10k with steel cable and a steel bumper. I also have steel rock rails, steel rear bumper, steel roof rack, and a set of 3 steel molle boards in the bed. So, I'm weighted down as next week I add a steel bed rack and Naturnest Polaris RTT. I'll be going to a aluminum smart canopy in 1 or 2 years and moving the RTT onto it.
Eventually I'll do adjustable reservoir shocks and full proper lift. I did buy a carrier bearing drop and sway bar drop kit. Currently I'm on 265/70R16 Duratracs. I'll size up for the next set. I plan on not doing a full on lift for 3-5 years. I also have the blue Sumo Springs in place of my bump stops front and rear.

Now, the money question. What level should I set my front 5100's to?

 

For those of you who used the Icon 1.5" AAL spring pack, what did you do with the emergency brake cable mount that was on the overload spring?

In Icon installation instructions, it looks like they attached it to the spring clamp on the AAL. But I don't see how that works, there's
no way mine will reach that bolt hole. For reference:'20 DCLB Offroad

It doesn't look like it'll cause trouble if I removed it (though DS might rub on one of the factory spring clamps a bit), looking for others experience.

 

I plan on doing an Icon 1.5" AAL in the rear as well and from all the research i've done, curious to see what others say as well!

 

Drill it out and attach it to the keeper. You can use some channel locks or vice grips to tweak it to align. Super easy to do.

 

I found a comment this morning on a Youtube video that mentioned the same thing @tonered did above. I've already done one side, the other in a bit.

 

thinking about doing something very similar to you, know you posted this a while ago, any updates on how you’re liking the setup? Also wondering which specific Deaver product you’re using, was it Deaver AAL or did you go with one of the full leaf packs?

 

So I've been researching this like mad the last few months, and for my '22 DCLB Sport, I'm thinking of either setting it at the 1.1" OR the 1.55" notch. I want to retain some rake for when I throw in the camping/shooting gear but would ultimately like some height. I am also thinking about moving from a 275/70/17s down to 265/75/16s, with my aftermarket 16x7 wheels at a +25 offset. Will be installing the ECGS bushing regardless for preventative maintenance. Debating getting the HiLine bumper from Body Armor but won't be installing a winch or lighting.

Now correct me if I'm wrong:

If I go with the 1.1" notch, which is a very safe setting, I should be okay to run this set up without adding it other mods. However, if I go 1.55", I may need to add a 1" rear block (or AAL), and possibly diff drops, UCAs, etc. I was thinking about going this route in case I do go for the bumper, for it to offset the 80lbs it would add to the front end.

Thoughts?

 

You don't need a different drop and stay away from the block.
Perhaps check this before proceed
https://youtu.be/ihErEq6SRrk?si=LbEnklZSWETDJRw-

 

3rd Gen DCLB owner here - I am running stock coils on my 5100s on the 4th clip up front up front(1.55"), Icon RXT Leaf pack in the back with 5100's as well. I set the leaf pack to option 2 as I have lot of weight back there. I would have just used a AAL if my stock leafs weren't destroyed but then again, I am stoked I upgraded the leaf pack.

I talked to someone who knows a lot about suspensions and they said only reason you need other coils for the 5100's on the Tacoma is if you are planning on putting weight up front or if your original coils are rusted and dilapidated. I also heard the same thing in the "Shock Value" video and those dudes seem to know what they are doing. After reading about lifts for hours and hours, I decided to keep my lift at 1.5" and below as I will only be running 265's and this post helps solidify my decision.

5100's are radical and this video only proves it, they are doing these tests in clip 3! I would never run my truck like this but it shows what these things are capable of at just a 1" lift and not having to get new coils.