1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Bilstein 5100s question

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by dyonchak89, Oct 8, 2012.

  1. Oct 8, 2012 at 11:22 AM
    #21
    GREEKBOY12295

    GREEKBOY12295 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2012
    Member:
    #84181
    Messages:
    5,040
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Phoenix, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner
    Radflo 2.5 Coilovers, Viper Alarm 5902, Bilstein 5100's, Polk Speakers, Blacked out grille and Emblems, All Pro 3" leafs, Pioneer AVH-4300 Double Din, BHLM, 4" Maxtrac Spindle, Aero Turbine 2525xl, Ultra Gauge, Rockford Fosgate 300 mono amp, 10" Kicker CVR
    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.
     
  2. Oct 8, 2012 at 12:17 PM
    #22
    Lurkin

    Lurkin Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2009
    Member:
    #17497
    Messages:
    22,374
    First Name:
    Rod
    Pearland, TX
    Vehicle:
    09 PreRunner SR5 DC
    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.
     
  3. Oct 8, 2012 at 1:01 PM
    #23
    jermoids

    jermoids Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2012
    Member:
    #87838
    Messages:
    461
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeremy
    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Sport
    17x9 Fuel Mavericks +1 offset 265/65/17 duratracs NFAB Epyx step sides AVS hood protector Thule xsporter pro rack Weathertech floor liners Tacoma rubber bed mat
    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.
     
  4. Oct 10, 2012 at 4:03 PM
    #24
    dyonchak89

    dyonchak89 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84766
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    Evans, Georgia
    Vehicle:
    12 Prerunner TRD
    Fog Light Mod
    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?
     
  5. Oct 10, 2012 at 7:19 PM
    #25
    Larry

    Larry CARL

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2010
    Member:
    #40895
    Messages:
    8,221
    CARL


    If you intend to leave the rear alone...I'd leave the stock front coils and set the 5100's at .85.
     
  6. Oct 10, 2012 at 7:34 PM
    #26
    jermoids

    jermoids Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2012
    Member:
    #87838
    Messages:
    461
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeremy
    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2021 TRD Sport
    17x9 Fuel Mavericks +1 offset 265/65/17 duratracs NFAB Epyx step sides AVS hood protector Thule xsporter pro rack Weathertech floor liners Tacoma rubber bed mat
    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.
     
  7. Oct 10, 2012 at 7:42 PM
    #27
    TenBeers

    TenBeers Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2009
    Member:
    #18067
    Messages:
    7,692
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rich
    Bentonville, AR
    Vehicle:
    2018 TRD Pro Cavalry Blue
    Yeah.
    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.
     
  8. Oct 10, 2012 at 8:27 PM
    #28
    Larry

    Larry CARL

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2010
    Member:
    #40895
    Messages:
    8,221
    CARL
    I agree.

    plus a little rake makes sense on a pickup...if you intend to use it as a truck.
     
  9. Oct 11, 2012 at 3:06 AM
    #29
    xmixpixx

    xmixpixx Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2009
    Member:
    #18012
    Messages:
    80
    Gender:
    Male
    Lancaster, PA
    Vehicle:
    05 SR5 TRD Off Road 6 spd
    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..
     
  10. Oct 12, 2012 at 1:23 PM
    #30
    dyonchak89

    dyonchak89 [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2012
    Member:
    #84766
    Messages:
    21
    Gender:
    Male
    Evans, Georgia
    Vehicle:
    12 Prerunner TRD
    Fog Light Mod
    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.
     
  11. Oct 12, 2012 at 1:30 PM
    #31
    Primo 95

    Primo 95 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2012
    Member:
    #81207
    Messages:
    965
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Primo!
    San Antonio, TX
    Vehicle:
    2012 DCSB 4X4
    265/75/16 S/T Maxx 16X8.5 Level 8 Trackers 5100 1.75 HID, LED interior, 3" N-Fab step bars
    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
     
  12. Oct 12, 2012 at 2:18 PM
    #32
    xmixpixx

    xmixpixx Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2009
    Member:
    #18012
    Messages:
    80
    Gender:
    Male
    Lancaster, PA
    Vehicle:
    05 SR5 TRD Off Road 6 spd
    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.
     
  13. Oct 12, 2012 at 6:46 PM
    #33
    Hiker

    Hiker Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2010
    Member:
    #36020
    Messages:
    237
    Gender:
    Male
    HotZona
    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..
     

Products Discussed in

To Top