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Suspension needs replaced, but confused

Discussion in 'HeadStrong Off-Road' started by KaPantsKey, Nov 7, 2020.

  1. Nov 7, 2020 at 6:52 AM
    #1
    KaPantsKey

    KaPantsKey [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2013
    Member:
    #103943
    Messages:
    170
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kyle
    SC
    Vehicle:
    13 MGM DCSB TRD-OR
    Stock 2013 Tacoma 4x4 DCOR V6 with 105,000 miles.

    It is time to replace my struts/shocks and I figured now would be a good time to level my truck. From my research I have settled on B8 6112's front coilover/strut combo and B8 5100 rear shock.

    Questions:
    • Is this a good combination? If not, are there any recommendations? I don't want to spend much more than these will set me back. If there is a more economical solution that still offers quality then I am open to that too.
    • Which groove position should I set the front strut to achieve a leveled look?
    • Does leveling require UCA's? I want close-to-stock alignment specs with perhaps +2-3 degrees caster for better highway tracking.
    • Any driveline issues with just leveling the truck?
    • Any reason to replace the rear leaf springs? They all seems in good shape. They were replaced under the TSB around 30k.
    I don't tow with any regularity for it to be a concern.

    I am open to any and all suggestions, so please let me know if I should go about this differently. I am complete newb on this and continue to confuse myself the more I read the stickies and misc. other posts.
     
  2. Feb 21, 2022 at 2:29 PM
    #2
    BamBeds

    BamBeds Founder/Designer Vendor

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2022
    Member:
    #390168
    Messages:
    206
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ben
    Central Coast, CA
    Vehicle:
    '09 Access Cab TRD OR
    Bilstien 8100, 8112, Snugtop w/ windoors

    I've got Bilstien on my truck as well and I've leveled it more or less by going 2" lift in the front and 1.5" lift in the rear.
    Leveling shouldn't require any mods to UCAs to get alignment in spec.
    I have the TSB leaf pack with the icon AAL, works pretty well and no squeaks
    Shouldn't be any driveline issues with leveling but consider the ECGS bushing upgrade.

    If you can afford 8100s in the rear and 8112 front it makes a massive difference compared to the 5100 if you like driving fast (occasionally jumping) offroad and not bottoming out. If you mostly drive medium - slower then 6112/5100 is a great option. If you're only going for one location of 8000 series, do the rear with 6112 front.

    I've tried the full lineup of Bilstien shocks and was an engineer there so I know a thing or two about them. Let me know if you have any questions! And please checkout my sleeping platform design, linked in my BIO and let me know what you think!
     

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