Bilstein 5100 shocks

Yes I've seen the countless threads about these.

I just want three things to happen after installing a set of four:

1) level the front end with the rear end using whichever ride height setting that works best

2) enjoy a better riding truck

3) and most importantly not cause ANY problems whatsoever by raising the front end

So my question is what's the catch with these or is it as simple as it seems....just swap out and voila'?

 

1. Take some measurements center of hub to bottom of fender, front and back to determine how much height you want. Typical stock measurements are ~20" front, and ~22" rear. You should be able to use the .85 setting (should give ~1" of lift in the front), and leave you 1" higher in the back than the front. More leveled than it is now, while still being functional as a truck. This way, you won't need to lift the rear. Some guys have used the 1.75" setting (should give you ~2"), without doing anything to the back (AAL, or new leaf pack), but this will likely leave you slightly nose high. (I had mine this way for a month, and found it slightly nose high).

2. A better riding truck is subjective. What you call better, someone else may call worse. It will definitely firm it up more. The higher you set them, the firmer it will get. With that said, I've had two sets of 5100's on this truck. One set @ .85", and the current set @ 1.75". I think both ride better than stock, the latter is definitely more firm than the former. I'd say the .85" setting was a better (slightly softer) ride than the 1.75" though.

3. When ever you lift/alter these trucks in any way, you are opening yourself up to potential issues. With that said, my personal experience has been @ the .85" setting I had no issues. I later on added a 1/4" spacer to correct the lean, and developed the infamous differential vibration. This is fairly common when lifting 4wd Tacomas above stock height (it has happened on occasion to stock Tacomas as well). The fix is to replace the factory needle bearing with a bushing designed/manufactured by ECGS. Another common issue, is the take off shudder. Typically fixed with a carrier bearing drop spacer. Some guys just use washers (gives you some more flexibility, as you can dial in the exact height you want).

It's really a roll of the dice, depending on what setting you go with. You may have no issues at all. You could just swap out the shocks, get the height you want, and be GTG. It seems the higher you go, the more of a chance you will get the diff vibe issue. This is going on the assumption that you have 4wd.

The one thing you have going for you is a ton of guys who have gone through it already, and can steer you in the right direction. The one thing you have going against you (if you decide not to lift), is staring at all the sweet lifted rides on this site. It will break you down after a while. Common sense will inevitably be forced into the back seat.

 

Thanks for the reply, I took the measurements and the rear is roughly two inches higher than the front. The front drivers side is slightly lower than the front passenger side and the driver side rear is off from the passenger rear as well but not by much either. But looking at the truck head on it's not something I've ever noticed. Would the lean be exaggerated as it is raised? Are the 1/4 spacers common, would an installer typically recommend using these no matter what? I've held off bc I wanted to see how the leaf spring recall affected the stance but now that that's done seems like a good time to replace the shocks. Mine's a pre-runner so no concern with the diff vibration. Did you have a front end realignment done after installing?

 

The lean is something that most people don't notice until you start focusing in on details of the suspension, and taking measurements. The lean won't be exaggerated by lifting. It should still be off be the same amount (~1/2"). If your getting it done by a shop, I would be surprised if they did recommend it. They're common knowledge around here though. I sent you a link via PM.

An alignment is necessary after you lift.

 

I just put 5100s on the front of mine to level it out and reduce the rubbing I had. Didn't take any measurements, but visually it looks the way it should have been from Toyota. That is to say, it looks level.

Stock springs, .85 setting. Slightly firmer than before but almost not noticeable.

 

This may help you a little bit
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bilstein-5100s-on-2012-models-question.458821/

(Post #10)

 

would you send a picture?

 

where's the best place to buy 5100's?

 

Any lift has the potential to bring out gremlins. Welcome to the rabbit hole, Alice!

 

@HeadStrong Off-Road

 

Make sure you take it to a good alignment shop that can set you set your toe @ 0*, camber @ 0* and caster at 2* to 2.5*.

Mine sits 23.25" in the front and 23" in the rear with TSB (recall) springs and the 5100s set @ 1.75".

 

Ive been having this feeling lately, and i hate you all.

 

Only thing I have at the moment...

 

Amazon for me had the best prices. You may need to look around on various off roading sites for any deals.


Also, has anyone heard of the 3rd generation Bilsteins? I bought mine about a month before these came out

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-available-in-stock-and-ready-to-ship.455220/

 

Put Bilstein 5100s on all four corners. The front set at .85" (first notch above stock) and the back I have added Ride Rite air bags to level or raise the truck back end. Works like a charm! @Speed Freek did the labor and a super job!

 

Sub

 

I have this very setup (my fronts are set at 1.75). I love the shit out of it!!

 

Aren't the Ride Rites great! No more bottoming out or sagging rear with heavy loads.

 

They kick ass!! I have motorcycles and racing gear in the bed of my truck all the time and having the bags is perfect! Just ordered a compressor and wireless control system for them.

 

SO most of you guys are putting the 5100's on with stock coils and setting s at .85" or higher? what are the disadvantages to this compared to new coils?

Thanks