leveling the frontend

Here is just one of many threads with 5100 pics. Includes some access cabs:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/116383-pictures-5100-stock-leaf-pack.html

 

A couple things to consider besides just looks. I had the rear leaf TSB done (2WD DCSB), and the truck rode better but handled a little funny -- a little off balance, softer in the front. I put 5100s on with the front set at 0.85. This puts a little preload on the front springs and raises the front some. The truck was nearly perfectly level, maybe 1/4 inch lower in the front. It also drove much better. The shop did mention it was tough to get the camber right when I had it aligned, but they did it.

If you go with 1.75, you may be higher in the front than in the back, but probably not noticeable. But, it preloads the front even more, which could cause some handling differences (more "push" than before). It may also make it too difficult to get the camber right on alignment.

I live by the "form follows function" rules, so I am more concerned about proper function than the looks, although they are somewhat related in this case.

As the other poster mentioned, you could also change out the front springs. If the 0.85 hadn't done the trick for me, I may have done that and UCA's. But it is a moot point now -- traded that truck in for a 2012 4WD TRD Off Road last weekend, woot!

 

was it hard to put the 5100s on yourself. I do everything myself , but never did front shocks...

 

They are coilovers, so you either need a spring compressor or a ride to a shop and some cash to get them to put the coils on for you. I think there may be instructions on this forum somewhere, and most feel that it is worth the $40 Midas charges to move the springs over to the new shocks.

It's not hard if you have done struts or coilovers before. I did mine with the cheap screw-type spring compressor. Mine was a 2WD, so it was probably a little easier than a 4WD, less stuff in the way. Only took a couple of hours going slow.

 

I didn't think 5100's are considered coilovers? But there are many different methods for compressing the coils over the shock. When I was trying to compress Eibach coils on my 5100's set at .85, it was a bitch. I rented a spring compressor from AutoZone which did help but even with air tools it was difficult to get it to compress enough to sit on the perch. Needless to say I took the other one to my local tire shop and had them put it together for $45. They did fuck it up though so I had to take it back for them to fix.

 

The fronts are coilovers, rears are not. But yeah, my springs were not aftermarket or TRD OR, and they were still pretty tough to do. Even my air hammer didn't have enough oomph, and I had to resort to muscle.

 

No I mean like a legit coilover is like a King or Icon coilover...or am I wrong? But yeah the first one scared the hell out of me. I didn't feel comfortable doing the second one lol but in reality I should have. When the shop assembled the first one the left out a bushing and the strut was shooting through the housing while I was going down the road. I think that was scarier than compressing the coil haha