Bilstein 5100s question

If you can do it yourself it will save you some good money. Then just take it for alignment. If you know how to do it. With that money I can get myself some Icon shocks instead.

 

One method that hasn't been mentioned is to buy them yourself, remove the old fronts yourself, then take it to a shop to compress the spring and swap out the fronts. I did it this way, cost me $60 but worth it to me, then I re-installed the new fronts myself and swapped out the rears. Total cost was $380, not including the alignment.

 

yes, i have the 4 leaf pack from factory. i'll probably do them @ 1.75", i am just worried about long term wear and tear but 1.75" is really not going to make too big of a difference i don't think.

 

All good comments.

After further thought I think I am going to order the Bilstein 5100s with Eibach coils. I plan to put 5100s in the back too. QUICK QUESTION: I have the 4-leaf pack in the back (3 leafs and a small overload one). With that being said Toytech gives you the option of buying an AAL when you but the package. Should I buy the 1.5in AAL so I won't be nose high when I tow something? Or not worry about it.

Also I will need the 1/4 spacer for drivers side to correct the lean? Correct?

 

If you intend to leave the rear alone...I'd leave the stock front coils and set the 5100's at .85.

 

I should have my 5100's put in by this weekend. I'll take some pics and post them. I'm not sure if I'll do .85 or 1.75, probably 1.75 though.

 

Personally I wouldn't preload the stock springs more than the .85 setting, but I go by the rule that form FOLLOWS function. If you really want it level for looks, change the springs so it still functions properly. A very slight rake is better than a shitty ride and flaky handling in my book. But that is me, you must find your own balance.

 

I agree.

plus a little rake makes sense on a pickup...if you intend to use it as a truck.

 

I have the Toytech 1.5" AAL.. I was having major issues with my rear suspension towing, Even had a shock rod snap at the mount and puncture the bed of my truck.. I ended up having the front at the highest setting, and it's been awesome! I did everything myself (with a friend that has air tools), except for compressing the coils for the front.. I second what Lurkin said. I couldn't get the old shock bolts off the top, and they has a special tool that sent electrical current through the nut to put localized heat to bust the corrosion without ruining bushings.. I think I ended up paying them 35 bucks to swap coils.. I got my 5100's from DSM.. If you're comfortable doing it, it's the way to go..

 

You were having problems towing without the ALL and then you added the 1.5 ALL and all is good?

Update: talked to a guy today who owns a shop here he is gonna put the Bilstein with Eibach coils on for me for a cheap price. Gonna put Bilstein in the back to of course. Just undecided on the 1.5 ALL.

 

In order to level your truck, your 5100s settings should all be based on the measurement from center hub to the fender. It is most likely a 2" difference between front & back. It doesnt matter if it is TSB, 3 leaf, 4 leaf, towing package 2WD, 4x4, big tire, little tires.......the 5100s will change the different between center hub and fender

See these threads & good luck.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/236871-2012-tsb-question-2.html#post5659548

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/239836-i-simply-want-level-my-taco-2.html#post5711604

 

Yup.. I tow a boat (17' center console aluminum) as well as a 6x10 enclosed trailer rigged with waterfowl hunting stuff.. It's definitely allowed me to tow better, I don't ever bottom out towing or anything.. A few weeks ago I had my truck FULL (and I mean full) of fresh oak, packed neatly over the level of the bed rails.. I have no idea on the weight but I only felt the rubber stops hit the frame once or twice on a 15 mile trip.. It really did help a lot.. I considered air bags but for the cost difference I just went with an AAL for the time being.

 

I had a shop install the fronts for $565 including shocks, labor, and alignment. Clipped at 1.75

I installed the rear shocks myself...very easy to do..

Get the 5100 rears also. Would seem wired to have different shocks on the front and back..