The $172.99 question: Billys set at 1.75" or 2.5"

So my Billy 5100s should be arriving next week, and I have read several threads about what height should the Billy be set at if running no AAL/block/etc. on the back to correct the factory rake. Some insist that the 1.75" is the safest bet with stock suspension in the back. However, I have read several people who say to go with 2.5" because after "a couple of months" the Billys "settle" down closer to 2.0".

The other variable that I have to factor is the weight of my brush guard on the front. While it is roughly ~50lbs, I am torn between going with 1.75" or 2.5" IF the Billys will settle AND taking into account the added weight of the brushguard.

Thus, my question is those who have Billys, what are your experiences with the Billys settling, how much if any did they settle (most common measurement is 1/2 an inch), and if any who have a brushguard, did that impact the height?

Everyones insight is most welcomed.

 

on a 2nd gen 0.85" will maintain the "factory rake" with the back being a bout 1 inch higher, 1.75" will make it about level, 2.5" is a bad idea if you ask me, it will ride stiff, CV angles will be bad, you will need a front diff drop...

i would stay away from 2.5"

 

First gens have 3 settings: zero, 1.25 (or 1, seems to be some wiggle room here according to different vendors) or 2.5. Those are your choices.

The stock rake on my truck was about an inch, but that was with worn coils (101k miles). V6 Xtra cab, nothing on the front.

Have you actually measured your current height front and back? My gut is you should start with the middle setting. This will also give you better ride quality, from what I hear. The higher you go, the firmer the ride, if you care.

 

I don't know where you guys are getting 5100's for 1st gen tacomas with 4 settings. I wish I could get these since I'd set the .85" setting to level it out. As it stands, I just ordered them from Sonny and am going to set the fronts at 1" and correct my rake - I'm 7/8" higher in the rear so I will be within 1/8" of level.

 

I think they are getting them in fantasy land

Interestingly, 4WD (user on this forum) actually has Tundra 5100s on his 1st gen, and they have 5 settings (I htnk his is on #3), and he says they work great--for him. Go figure!

 

go 2.5"....i have no rear lift on mine and it settled to just about level

 

1"

 

i just ordered my lift and i got 3" leafs in the back and i got the adjustable billys up front. so am i gonna have like the old muscle car lookin stance

i have been having nightmares lately of my truck just not being level

 

yeah whats the big deal with having more or less settings on the 5100's? if you have 2 or 15 settings you are still only gonna use one setting... just like everyone else

 

im not sure how much it will settle but I too want to know if 1.75 is the right setting. and how much settling will occur. I honestly didnt think it would settle at all. what exactly is settling?

Im in Canada, is the 4 leaf that 2010s came with the same as the tsb in the states? or are they different. how much will this increase the height in the back end?

 

with an added leaf in each pack, I set the fronts to 1.25 "03 xtra cab...runs level

 

1.25? U mean 1.75? Anyhow , do the billys settle over time and if so how much and how long does it take? Thanks

 

To be clear about this settling thing, it is not the shocks that are settling. Shocks, in and of themselves do not provide lift, springs do that. On 5100s the spring perch can be raised to a middle setting or a high setting or left at the lowest setting with is supposed to equate to the same as "stock".

The settling that folks are experiencing is a result of the springs sagging. How much and how soon will depend on many factors, including their age and use and to an extent, in the case of the 5100s, which shock perch setting is used.

All springs settle with time and use. The stock Toyota coils and rear leafs are notorious for this and will likely settle more than new coils would under the same circumstances.

 

The middle setting. No settling after 6 weeks

Tapatalk on DX

 

I've got a 2" Toytec AAL in the rear with 5100's all the way around. They are set at 2.5" up front.

Before


After


My opinion: Set em at 2.5" up front, especially if you have the brush guard.