Bilstein 5100's with aal or block?

Looking for some input....

I purchased a set of Bilstein 5100's (front and rear) today and now I'm trying to decide on a block or aal and what size?

Currently I have a 2021 mostly stock Tacoma (no added weight) that I would like to lift about 2". Primarily a daily driver but I do hunt and fish some, not an off-roading guy other than that. On flat ground with consistent tire pressures in each tire I'm sitting at 35" DS - 35 1/4" PS in the front and 36 1/8' DS - 36 1/8" PS in the rear. I would like to maintain about 1/2 - 1" rake if possible.

Is block or aal the route and what size?? Don't want a rough ride when I'm finished if that makes sense.... If block should it be tapered or not? Links to recommendations would be helpful. Thank you for your thoughts!

 

Neither…go RXT leaf pack. Why are you skimping on suspension on your $45k rig?

 

If you don't carry weight or tow a lot, the block is just fine. If Toyota sells it in their TRD Lift kit, it cant be bad.

I wouldn't do more than 1" block...

P.S. A 2/1" lift is level, no rake. You could do 1" in front, and NO block in rear for a factory looking rake.

 

Not a big modding guy but I thought I was upgrading it?? I have a SR5

 

I have a 22' TRD OR SB and I maintained 1in rake by doing wheelers single leaf AAL and Toytec's 1/2 block, truck sits at exactly 1 inch higher in the back. Front is 6112 on 3/4 notch and a 3/8in top spacer for slightly more than 2 inch lift, ride is very good IMO.

 

AAl or block are the new which Raptor lights to go with.....

 

Put your Bilsteins on the 4th perch, add a 1/4 shim on the drivers front for the lean, add a one inch rear block and you will have a very slight rake, still allowing you to have a nice riding truck and still put some weight in the bed when needing to haul something. A one inch block is perfect anything more do an aal. Look at mayby using a front diff drop and a rear carrier drop, do the ecgs clam shell bushing. Do lift first and check for vibrations if none present themselves then you good.

 

Look into Road Master Active Suspension. It is totally DIY and you can adjust the rear pre-load if you decide to add a topper or tow a camper for example.

 

BTW I resemble that remark
But I respect those who don’t.

 

Thank you!
This the type of shim you are referring to?
https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p31/HS_1/4"_Top_Plate_Spacer_-_TT05514-TPS.html#

 

I wouldn't really call an AAL skimping. It does come down to OP's usage though. Anything more than an AAL for myself would be wasting money due to my current usage. A block however though is another story.

 

I myself would stay away from the block. AAL will give you left while retaining good ride quality as well as better support for carrying anything heavy in the box.

 

Go with a 3 leaf add a leaf.

 

yes

 

As for shim, one degree per each inch of lift is rule of thumb.

 

I agree with going with the icon rxt leaf kit if money is not a problem. This especially if you plan on having weight in the bed later on.

 

A 3 leaf AAL isn’t the most expensive or very best option out there, but still a lot better than a block (and AALs are pretty easy on the wallet too). At least an AAL will increase your payload capacity and help prevent your leaf springs from flattening out or backbowing. A block only increases the pressure on the leaves and contributes to flattening. So I think an AAL is a great choice for the money. I’d have no reservations about broverlanding my rig for years on an AAL, if that was my thing. If I was going to make my Tacoma into a rock crawler, I’d go with a new leaf pack and some fancy shocks, but IMO there are so many better choices for a true trail rig than a 3rd gen Tacoma… with smaller wheelbases, no safety/nanny shit, and no worry about banging up a $45K new truck.