Next best (cheapest) leveling solution instead of Billy's 5100

Seems like the normal answer is the Billy's 5100 but was wonder what is the next best cheapest way to go for a leveling kit and comfort?

 

Are you looking for the next step up or something cheaper than 5100's?

 

Kind of both, I've read numerous threads and I know that Billy's 5100 are the best intermediate way to lift/level a suspension but the one I am looking at is 650.00 + 400.00 to install so 1000.00 just to get to that point. I wouldn't be off road much other than to trailer my ATV's to a parking spot, more looks.

With that in mind, I would like to lift it a couple of inches while keeping a comfortable drive and not potentially damaging any stock hardware.

I know in next 1-2 years I'll look at upgrading I am sure but for the time being it would be nice to give it a nicer look without spending 1000's.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

How about instead of doing a full lift kit you only do the 5100's up front and set them at .85 or 1.75 depending on your preference. Then your looking at $180 in parts and however much your shop charges to install. Another option is Toytec/Eibach springs. Either way your looking at under $200 in parts and labor will be cheaper also if you only do the front.

 

Excellent idea! Would there be any additional parts you think to add to the front and/or back.

KyleNowad, I agree saving the money and doing it right the first time was the original plan but just started looking at seeing if there were any options, it seems like everyone on here has great ideas. I like this idea, I'm guessing this could probably be done on my own (with some friends that are mechanically inclined)

Is this what you are thinking of?

 

I installed the bilstein 5100/eibach combo with a wheelers AAL today (did the labor myself) and it leveled out nicely for a total of $571. Way to go if you ask me. But I already had the 5100 shocks on the rear.

That included wheelers assembling the coil springs and shocks for me.

 

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/struts-and-coils-tacoma-05-6-lug.html $190 a pair here. There are also some kits offered by headstrong that would be a great option when you are ready for a full lift kit.

 

What exactly would be "doing it right"? Certainly not 5100's.

 

choosing 5100s over a spacer lift certainly qualifies as doing it right.

 

Ive got a set of slightly used 5100s and some stock springs i could through on them

 

I guess we have different views on "doing it right" lol. That's a horrible ride IMO. Nothing like riding down the road on a pair of roller skates with no down travel

 

You said "save your money and do it right the first time".

To me, saving a couple hundred bucks to buy what is ultimately going to be the equivalent to a preloaded spacer lift isn't "doing it right". Just my opinion.

 

I'm not tryin to start a bashing war, but the eibach coils with the 5100s aren't preloading the coils at all - I'm pretty happy with em. Seriously though, if you have a different opinion, that's exactly why the OP started a thread and you haven't told him what you suggest yet.

 

With the right friends (your mechanically inclined ones) and the right tools (hopefully some of which you or they have) you could do the install yourselves. Saved me 300-500$. I personally got a kit from Headstrong Offroad and am very pleased with the ride but more importantly the customer service and help. I got 5100's with OME 887s (set at 0) which provides right at 3" and an AAL. I also got UCA's which put me at ~1100. I know your trying to save some coin but going with 5100's with 885's and no UCA's would run ~600 at Headstrong if I'm not mistaken. I think 885's set at 0 would give you about ~2.5 up front with an AAL would still have a little rake, and if you wanted to go bigger you could always wait until your wallet supports and get top plate spacers and UCA's to go with the 885's to achieve a full 3. As for the "ride" of my setup, its amazing. My truck eats fucking potholes like a bowl lucky charms. Don't even feel 'em. My neighbor has a complete OME setup on a '14, even he said for what each of us paid I got a 10x better deal. just my .2 Good luck

 

Just for leveling, I'd go with 884's and 5100's for the smooth ride and price. Installs are super easy. I've done about 5-6 of these without a spring compressor. Just need basic hand tools and a jack.

 

I have 285x75x17 tires on mine right now, once these tires wear out I plan on going bigger to 33s and hoping to have enough clearance. Which would be a better option 884,885, or 887 coils on the 5100 kit?

 

Spacer lift will give you tons of problems like shaking, out of alignment, swaying at high speeds...

bought a used taco and the previous owner used spacers to lift it.

Makes my car sway and sh*t.

Upgrading Bilstein 5100 shocks and struts monday...

 

You mention you understand doing it once and doing it right. There's no reason you can't is there?

Just get over the 'looks' idea, save your money and wait until you can install exactly what you want?

 

Lol if you had shaking and alignment problems with spacers you will still have them with your 5100's. The control arms will be in the same exact place if the amount of lift is the same. Balance your tires and get UCA's and you won't have those issues.

 

Ive got some billys with 887 on them i would sell for cheap