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Bilstein 5100 top vs mid setting ride quality

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by BlueRibbon4x4, Mar 1, 2020.

  1. Mar 1, 2020 at 10:37 AM
    #1
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Yo folks! This subject has been beat to death. But I need personal experience opinions (I realize it’s subjective). I have my 2015 on 5100’s all around, mid setting and a shim, no height change in the rear. I wanna go to top setting with a shim, and 1-1/2” Boss shackles in the rear. How’s the ride, top setting? I hear it’s super stiff, but is it just a bit and am I just overthinking? I’m on 295/70/18 nittos at about 35 psi. I also have a Victory 4x4 bumper with a winch, so the front end is a little heavier.
    C2FCA3D7-FB0C-45C7-9382-BB9266EB1465.jpg
     
    kbark, SiberianTundra, saybng and 4 others like this.
  2. Mar 1, 2020 at 1:36 PM
    #2
    plumber802

    plumber802 New Member

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    I'm on the top setting with my 5100's. The ride is every bit as good if not better than stock even with E rated tires.
     
  3. Mar 1, 2020 at 2:03 PM
    #3
    buddy89

    buddy89 New Member

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    I’m on the top setting and the ride is just slightly too stiff for my taste. I’ve never tried the mid setting so I really can’t compare the two. A heavy front bumper would probably make the ride feel much better.
     
  4. Mar 1, 2020 at 2:10 PM
    #4
    Ant131313

    Ant131313 New Member

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    I just ordered the Bilstein 5100 kit for our 2019 Crewmax and was wondering what the 3 settings correlate to for inches actually raised up both for front and rear? If we set the front to the top setting then was does it actually raise the front end on our 2019 Crewmax TRD off-road 2wd? and same for the rear 3 settings?
    Ordered LT285/70/18 Nitto Exo Grappler AWT's that are 34" tall coming this week for the setup on stock 18" TRD wheels.
    Thanks for all info as it would greatly help.
     
    BlueRibbon4x4[OP] likes this.
  5. Mar 1, 2020 at 2:15 PM
    #5
    Y0TA PR0

    Y0TA PR0 Dirt biking & fishing

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    That’s a good looking truck!
     
  6. Mar 1, 2020 at 3:12 PM
    #6
    r1-superstar

    r1-superstar Kailua Boy

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    It will be stiffer.
     
  7. Mar 1, 2020 at 3:16 PM
    #7
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    The 5100s don’t raise the rear of the truck. You’ll need shackles, or an add a leaf. For the front, the settings are: .87, 1.57, 2.28. Of course, these measurements vary slightly from truck to truck.
     
    DMCK, fiveduece and Rica25 like this.
  8. Mar 1, 2020 at 3:16 PM
    #8
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Thanks!
     
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  9. Mar 1, 2020 at 3:18 PM
    #9
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    These two messages are why I’m having a hard time deciding. Haha!
     
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  10. Mar 1, 2020 at 3:22 PM
    #10
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    I really think I’m going with another shim on each side on top of the mid setting. I’ll be at slightly above 2.5”, and I can put my Boss shackles at 1”.
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  11. Mar 1, 2020 at 3:45 PM
    #11
    Ant131313

    Ant131313 New Member

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    Which setting of the 3 for the front makes ours level? (3rd top setting?) We have 2019 TRD off-road 2wd Crewmax, thanks!
     
  12. Mar 1, 2020 at 3:57 PM
    #12
    r1-superstar

    r1-superstar Kailua Boy

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    On the 5100s, the middle setting.
     
    BlueRibbon4x4[OP] likes this.
  13. Mar 1, 2020 at 4:21 PM
    #13
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    I have mine on middle setting with one shim on each side. I’m perfectly level.
     
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  14. Mar 1, 2020 at 4:27 PM
    #14
    Ant131313

    Ant131313 New Member

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    Thanks guys.....what shim are you referring to? Do they come in the Bilstein 5100 kit box or something I need get along with the kit? I didn't think I needed anything else but maybe I'm wrong......
     
  15. Mar 1, 2020 at 4:29 PM
    #15
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Depends on what kit. We’re referring to 1/4” shims that sit on top of the shock. Each one adds 1/2” of lift.
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  16. Mar 1, 2020 at 4:44 PM
    #16
    Sparkyman13

    Sparkyman13 Sparkyman13

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    Bilstein 5100's, CB 1" Rear, Diode Dynamics SS3 Fog Lights, Goodyear Duratrac 305/55R20
    Most people are adding a shim on drivers side because it’s a little lower than passenger side. I like most people probably got coachbuilders, which is also a great place to get upgraded rear shackles too. I’m at top setting and it’s a little too stiff for me but I’m also running 305/55r20’s and assuming that doesn’t help any.
     
    Rica25 and BlueRibbon4x4[OP] like this.
  17. Mar 1, 2020 at 4:51 PM
    #17
    Rica25

    Rica25 Got Bam? IG ......@TNDRA08

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    TRD sway bar...addictive audio sub woofer.....Volant intake.....Black Rhino Glamis wheels....Billstein adjustable shocks
    The main issue is the compression of the stock coils .......look and see how much some eibach same as bilstein coils would run you that's where the problem is.
     
    BlueRibbon4x4[OP] likes this.
  18. Mar 1, 2020 at 5:22 PM
    #18
    SILVER FOX

    SILVER FOX New Member

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    BULL BAR ** FENDER FLAIRS ** TINTED WINDOWS ** VISOR VENTS.....so far. :)
    I agree with plumber802...very hesitant but finally got tired of procrastinating and went with 5100's on the top setting, stock springs, and left the back end alone. Rides as good or better than before; my wife says it's better. Just do the front; you can always do the rear after you drive it a few miles. Keep us posted.
     
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  19. Mar 1, 2020 at 5:27 PM
    #19
    SILVER FOX

    SILVER FOX New Member

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    BULL BAR ** FENDER FLAIRS ** TINTED WINDOWS ** VISOR VENTS.....so far. :)
    By the way....care to share the info on the led's?? Nice touch. :hattip:
     
    BlueRibbon4x4[OP] and Rica25 like this.
  20. Mar 1, 2020 at 7:06 PM
    #20
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Thanks! Which ones? The grille has them built-in and my headlights are retrofits.
     
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  21. Mar 1, 2020 at 7:53 PM
    #21
    SILVER FOX

    SILVER FOX New Member

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    BULL BAR ** FENDER FLAIRS ** TINTED WINDOWS ** VISOR VENTS.....so far. :)
    Is the Blue Ribbon a model? Factory grill LED's? Being very new to Tundras (2 months) I'm finding out just how special they are.
    I'll figure out how to get grill mounted led's in my 2015 SR5. :)
     
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  22. Mar 1, 2020 at 7:56 PM
    #22
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Blue Ribbon was just a color. This is an EAG aftermarket grille with the leds.
     
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  23. Mar 1, 2020 at 7:57 PM
    #23
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    If you look up the mods/diy thread, there’s a few threads on installing some grille mounted leds.
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  24. Mar 1, 2020 at 8:04 PM
    #24
    Rica25

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    I did my own
     
  25. Mar 1, 2020 at 8:11 PM
    #25
    SILVER FOX

    SILVER FOX New Member

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    BULL BAR ** FENDER FLAIRS ** TINTED WINDOWS ** VISOR VENTS.....so far. :)
    I just need to find a convenient location for 12V, I've got all the other things figured out...well almost.
     
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  26. Mar 1, 2020 at 8:23 PM
    #26
    BlueRibbon4x4

    BlueRibbon4x4 [OP] Let’s color match it

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    Under the hood, in the fuse box, there’s a 10A ignition fuse. An add-a-fuse can be put there for power, that’s where I wired mine.
     
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  27. Mar 1, 2020 at 8:38 PM
    #27
    SILVER FOX

    SILVER FOX New Member

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    I appreciate the help. One mod at a time, having extra input makes things a whole lot easier. :hattip:
     
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  28. Mar 2, 2020 at 5:24 AM
    #28
    Ant131313

    Ant131313 New Member

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    Can you post pics of your setup please? About to get the bilstein 5100 kit Installed on our 2019 crewmax and want to see top setting look and if near level.... thanks!
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  29. Mar 2, 2020 at 6:12 AM
    #29
    r1-superstar

    r1-superstar Kailua Boy

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    It's not. Truck will be nose high.
     
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  30. Mar 2, 2020 at 6:22 AM
    #30
    Ant131313

    Ant131313 New Member

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    Thanks. The 1st pic on your build showing middle setting 5100 the front end wasn't level with the rear and still sitting lower. Why do you say the top setting won't be about level if this is the case? Just curious unless I'm seeing that picture wrong with middle setting.
     
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