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Bilstein 5100 Upgrade

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by benrichardson87, Jun 15, 2017.

  1. Jan 30, 2019 at 11:02 AM
    #61
    LiftMeUp

    LiftMeUp New Member

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    Does anyone hear suggest going with 5100s on front and shims. Either middle with 2 or top with 1? And would that be just like going with a spacer? I'm not looking to spend a great deal of money but I need 3" on the front and clearly can't get there with the 5100s. I'm running 275/65/20s right now and want to go bigger. Nothing crazy. My tires are big when you stand next to them but from a short distance they look small on the truck and that's with it being stock.
     
  2. Jan 30, 2019 at 11:04 AM
    #62
    mattyd170

    mattyd170 New Member

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    Stock for now, but have TRD Rear Sway bar for it.
    See my post above yours
     
  3. Jan 30, 2019 at 11:06 AM
    #63
    LiftMeUp

    LiftMeUp New Member

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    Okay, that answers a few questions. So middle and 2 shims. I wonder, if top and 1 shim would be the same or give a little more height. It's almost like everyone stays away from top setting but then again, whey is there a top setting if it shouldn't be used. 99% of my miles are highway and once in a blue moon towing, so not concerned with off-roading or having the front higher from towing.
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  4. Jan 30, 2019 at 12:03 PM
    #64
    Pat

    Pat Sorta-new Member

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    CAI, 5100's
    So basically spacer lifts are bad because of the excess preload they create on the shocks, and shims are more or less fine to use because the amount of preload they cause is minimal?
     
  5. Jan 30, 2019 at 12:11 PM
    #65
    Boerseun

    Boerseun MGM XP-Series

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    The whole pre-load thing is a rumor; there is no such thing. People jump on the band wagon because they heard someone else say something about preload and then they believe it and spread the rumor. I can explain but it might get long.
    Don't worry about pre-load too much.
    There are other concerns related to spacers though, such as bump stop adjustment, different length of up/down travel etc. that are valid and should be considered.
     
    bdpeelgren, JoshuaA and Rica25 like this.
  6. Jan 30, 2019 at 12:16 PM
    #66
    Pat

    Pat Sorta-new Member

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    Thanks! Sounds like I'm gonna be looking in to bump stops now.
     
  7. Jan 30, 2019 at 12:16 PM
    #67
    mattyd170

    mattyd170 New Member

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    Stock for now, but have TRD Rear Sway bar for it.
    Correct
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  8. Jan 30, 2019 at 2:42 PM
    #68
    mattyd170

    mattyd170 New Member

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    Stock for now, but have TRD Rear Sway bar for it.
    If that is the height you want out of your lift, DO IT. No worries. I didn't want to add anything to the rear and I didn't want to make the ride too firm by going to the top setting on the 5100's. However, there is no reason why not to, plenty of people on here use the top setting. You would net almost 3 inches with the top setting and a CB shim.
     
  9. Jan 30, 2019 at 2:44 PM
    #69
    mattyd170

    mattyd170 New Member

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    Stock for now, but have TRD Rear Sway bar for it.
    5100's come with a bump stop washer that you add to each side. According to Bilstein, that is all you need.
     
    Rica25 and Pat[QUOTED] like this.
  10. Jan 30, 2019 at 4:44 PM
    #70
    Jach2008

    Jach2008 New Member

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    Afe cold intake,bilstein shocks,raptor lined Paint job,led rear light bar,touch screen radio,kicker speakers on the dash and Rockford 6x9in the doors,mbrp exhaust,amp research power steps
    I have the same on my 08 for 7 years now had one fail the replaced it free keep your receipt
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  11. Jan 31, 2019 at 2:02 PM
    #71
    mattyd170

    mattyd170 New Member

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    Rio Rancho, NM
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    Stock for now, but have TRD Rear Sway bar for it.
    5100's front and rear. Fronts on middle setting with 2 CB shims on each front shock, stock springs, stock wheels, and tires. Waiting to get new tires. Just got an alignment too, was necessary.

    20190131_085951.jpg
    20190131_085940.jpg
     
    Jsnake89 likes this.
  12. Mar 2, 2019 at 9:33 PM
    #72
    lsumatt1514

    lsumatt1514 New Member

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    How does your truck ride with this setup? Would you describe it as harsh, or slightly stiffer/more responsive? Thanks!
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  13. Mar 3, 2019 at 9:01 AM
    #73
    2019-1794

    2019-1794 New Member

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    Middle setting with 275/65/R20 KO2

    IMG-4514.jpg
     
    silverstreak16 and DocHolliday like this.
  14. Mar 3, 2019 at 9:15 AM
    #74
    r1-superstar

    r1-superstar Kailua Boy

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    I have 5100s set at the top setting with two shims on the driver's side and one on the passenger's side. I'm also running 5100s in the rear with @BOSS4x4s shackles set at the highest setting. Mind you my Tundra is a Sport model. So it kinda felt like it was on rails stock. Now it has a little more body roll lifted and the front feels a tad bit more firm hitting holes in the road. I'm installing my new rims and tires on Tuesday. I'll report back how it feels then with the 18" rims and tires vs. the 20" rims and tires.
     
  15. Mar 3, 2019 at 9:26 AM
    #75
    lsumatt1514

    lsumatt1514 New Member

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    What’s the height comparison front vs rear? Thanks.
     
  16. Mar 3, 2019 at 9:31 AM
    #76
    2019-1794

    2019-1794 New Member

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    It’s about 1” lower in front. Doesn’t look like it on that angle. I’ll try and get a better pic and post it later this afternoon.
     
  17. Mar 3, 2019 at 3:03 PM
    #77
    2019-1794

    2019-1794 New Member

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    Here it is on level ground.

    IMG-4539.jpg
     
  18. Mar 3, 2019 at 4:25 PM
    #78
    mattyd170

    mattyd170 New Member

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    2020 Tundra Limited Crewmax with Leer shell. Calvary Blue
    Stock for now, but have TRD Rear Sway bar for it.
    My truck rides much better. The stock shocks were garbage and no good. 73,000 miles on the truck when I bought it and now it is right at 75,000. It rides firmer and stiffer, but the shocks actually work and absorb impacts correctly. The suspension response is the same I guess, except when running down rough dirt roads or the ditches around here and it is much better. It is night and day better than it was stock. I think....if I were to do it all over again, I might go with 6112's off the bat or maybe a coilover, but really for what I need and what I do with the truck, this is an excellent and welcomed upgrade. Better, newer shocks, lift/leveling kit and better looks with no rake on the truck. WINNING!!!!!!!!!!!

    I am quite pleased with the 5100's. Now, still need tires. UGH.

    UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I GOT TIRES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 275/60R20 Falken Wildpeak AT3's

    20190318_153410.jpg
    20190318_153212.jpg
    20190318_153224.jpg
    20190318_153426.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2019
  19. Mar 3, 2019 at 5:12 PM
    #79
    jwl019

    jwl019 New Member

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    Tacotunes SQ1 package Bilstein 5100's @ 1.5" plus 2 shims Toyotec Shackles at 1" Firestone Ride Rite Airbags SCS SR8's 285/70r18 Nitto Ridge Grappler's Bed Cover Tow Mirrors Windows Tinted Window Visors Weathertech Floor Mats
    After 1 week on my 5100 upgrade, I would say it's a really nice upgrade from stock. I went middle setting with 2 shims and have the Toyotech shackle on the rear too, so I am sure that helps out some, especially with bed bounce.

    I agree on the firmer description, except it's a good firmer. It's hard to describe it. Not firmer like chatter your teeth, but more like hugs to road and rolls with the bumps and holes and rebounds better.

    For what little driving I do, I didn't want to jump up to the 6112's since I have never upgraded suspension before on any of my trucks. I have always heard it made it rough. I am a true believer now it is worthwhile and not a bad thing if you go with a good set (Bilstein, Fox, Icon, etc.). Next time, I may try the 6112's just to see, but the way I see it, I have 50-75k miles before worrying about it.
     
  20. Mar 14, 2019 at 3:58 PM
    #80
    Rico76

    Rico76 New Member

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    I just got my 5100 but I need to know if I have to upgrade my UCA to correct the caster angle \ / ?
     
  21. Mar 14, 2019 at 8:34 PM
    #81
    mattyd170

    mattyd170 New Member

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    Stock for now, but have TRD Rear Sway bar for it.
    No, you don't have to. But if you are thinking about it just do it at the same time so you only have to get one alignment.
     
  22. Mar 15, 2019 at 10:56 AM
    #82
    Rico76

    Rico76 New Member

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    Ok im not planing to upgrade UCA. I ask cause i got a 2.5 lift block on the truck now and my tires look like this \ / and once I mount the 5100 those blocks will be out.
     
  23. Mar 15, 2019 at 11:09 AM
    #83
    mattyd170

    mattyd170 New Member

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    Stock for now, but have TRD Rear Sway bar for it.
    Did you get an alignment? You have to get an alignment no matter what. I thought I had mine close, but it was way off and the outside of the tires started wearing badly.
     
  24. Mar 15, 2019 at 12:08 PM
    #84
    Rico76

    Rico76 New Member

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    Yes they aling the truck but the tire still getting wear in the outside. Thats why im trying to find out in this forum, if i need the UCA or not. I seen a few of you guys with this 5100 set up but i havent see anyone complaining about the outside wear on the tires. But to answer your question yes i been in multiple offroad shops to get this alignment but the num looks all good and the tires still getting wear in the outside.
     
  25. Mar 16, 2019 at 7:05 AM
    #85
    r1-superstar

    r1-superstar Kailua Boy

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    I have 5100s set at the top setting with two shims on the driver's side and one on the passenger's side. I'm also running 5100s in the rear with @BOSS4x4s shackles set at the highest setting. Mind you my Tundra is a Sport model. So it felt like it was on rails stock. Now it has a little more body roll lifted and the front feels a tad bit more firm hitting holes in the road. I'm installing my new rims and tires on Tuesday. I'll report back how it feels then with the 18" rims and tires vs. the 20" rims and tires.

    *UPDATE*
    The ride between the 20s and the 18s are negligible since the front spring was compressed by raising the 5100 to the top setting. I still think it's a tad bit smoother on the 18s, but the fact that the new tires are LT "E" rated makes them firm. As for body roll, my truck is still pretty planted in turns. I do notice a bit more jarring when I hit potholes or perpendicular road seams at a high rate of speed. For now, this set up will suffice and I'm happy with it.

    I ordered SPC UCAs on the 7th of March. UPS had some issues with weather and they are not expected to arrive until Monday or Tuesday next week. The UCAs should cure my alignment issues. I know each truck is different and some don't need them, but I do and it sound's like you might as well.
     
  26. Mar 16, 2019 at 11:16 PM
    #86
    Rico76

    Rico76 New Member

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    Yeah i have to get those UCA’s cause they just aligned today and the tires still looking like this\ /. At least they i are goin to honored this aligment.
     
  27. Apr 19, 2019 at 6:15 AM
    #87
    lsumatt1514

    lsumatt1514 New Member

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    Had my 5100s installed last night, along with two 0.25" shims on each of the front corners. Also had a set of Toyo AT II 275/65/20 tires put on. All I can say is WOW! The truck rides SO much better and looks awesome! Thanks for the input and help guys!

    BTW...I have a set of gently used Michelin Defender LTX M/S tires for sale if anyone is interested in the Birmingham area. Thanks!
     
    ktemple likes this.
  28. Jun 5, 2019 at 5:22 PM
    #88
    4Yotasince99

    4Yotasince99 New Member

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    Bilstein 5100 (middle setting) - front only, Driver's side grab handle installed, JL Audio upgrade from Tech 12
    Hey everyone, new to the site, 2018 TRD sport... want to pick up the front and leave the back with stock... has anyone else simply added the 5100’s, middle setting, on the front and left everything else alone? I want to keep a little rake, would rather not perfectly level.

    Local 4WD shop quoting about $750 out the door which includes alignment, toe and camber. Thanks
     
  29. Jun 7, 2019 at 12:24 PM
    #89
    Zum

    Zum New Member

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    Pretty sure the first guy that posted was done like that, couple others in this posting as well.
    First guy even has pictures, he did add 5100s in the rear but they don't add or subtract any lift .
     
    TOMMYBOY1 likes this.
  30. Jun 9, 2019 at 10:03 AM
    #90
    Pat

    Pat Sorta-new Member

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    CAI, 5100's
    5100's mid setting with one .25 shim on each side.

    20190608_120059.jpg
     
    silverstreak16 likes this.

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