Seeking height adjustment for B8 5100s for '97 Tacoma 4X4

I’m replacing my worn out KYB shocks on my 1997 Tacoma 4X4 with Bilstein B8 5100s (parts #

$104 33-247724 Bilstein Qc55T 1" X 1" Male Coupling

33-247724,

$110 33-247717 Bilstein 5100 Series 96-04 Toyota Tacoma Rear Right 46mm Monotube Shock Absorber (33-247717)

33-247717 and

$140 24-249928 Bilstein 24249928 Shock Absorber

24-249928). Here are my present ground to fender measurements before changing the shocks: Front Driver 34 ¼”, Front Passenger 34 3/8”, Rear Driver 36 5/8” & Rear Passenger 37”, giving me about a 2.5” rise in the rear over the front. My truck will probably rise slightly with the new shocks. I’ll take new measurements after I replace the rears and before I install the fronts. A few years ago, I replaced my leaf springs with General Springs heavy duty, which raised the rear by 1 – 1½”. I know raising the front end won’t give me more ground clearance (without changing my tires), and I don’t care about the look, but I want to choose the height based on what would be least likely to stress and deteriorate my suspension. Should I raise the front by .67”, 1.33” or leave it unraised? Since I’m retired, I don’t drive a lot, and I rarely carry heavy loads. What are your recommendations and reasoning behind them?

 

I talked with my neighbor who is a mechanic, and he said raising the strut more than .67" will put too much strain on the upper ball joint, possibly causing it to break. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

It wont cause any damage. It doesnt change the range of motion of the ball joint.

 

By increasing the distance between the fixed bracket at the top of the strut and the lower control arm, it will change the angle of the upper control arm ball joint. What I don't know is how much lengthening of the strut is acceptable before the angle of the upper control arm ball joint becomes detrimental.

 

The maximum distance doesnt change unless the shock itself is longer, its not a spacer lift. You are overthinking it.

 

Since Bilstein 5100s allow for extension of the strut, the maximum distance does change, based on the adjustment of the strut before installation. Should I extend them to reduce the difference between front and rear or allow the 2 1/8" difference on the left and 2 7/8" difference on the right?

 

Again, you over way overthinking this. the snap ring position doesnt change the extended length of the unit. Set the snap ring position wherever you want.

 

According to Bilstein, it does, as raising the spring does elevate the body.