Leveling with Bilsteins - spring for springs? Input Requested

I'm going to level my 2011 SR5 4x4 with Bilstein's either 5100 or 6112. Debating middle setting on the 5100's or the 1.3 or 1.9 on 6112's. No lift in the rear, will use 5100's.

The truck has under 29,000 miles on it and has never been offroad. I do not need the added performance of the 6112 as this truck will mainly be on pavement (95%+). Is it worth the expense to go 6112 to end up with new springs or are my springs perfectly fine? Bottom line, does it make sense to put on fresh springs at 9 years old and 29,000 miles or is that likely a waste of money?

 

I'd do it. I found a set of assembled 6112's and 5100's for $799 delivered.

 

Your springs should be perfectly fine. The coils can take a beating and many more miles. But the 6112s are pretty sweet and a bit beefier. If you really don’t drive the truck much, I’d get the 6112 shocks and enjoy them for the next 9 years and never have a second thought.

 

At 29k your truck is darn near brand new. If your coils are in good shape and you don't need the performance of the 6112's, the 5100's are the more economical way to go. That said, if I found the deal that @degs found I would pull the trigger on the 6112's. FWIW, I'm on 5100's, middle setting, mine is a pavement queen and I'm perfectly satisfied with the look and the ride.

 

Thanks! It looks like it’s $450 vs $900 for both options with 5100’s in the rear. If I can do better, I’m listening...

 

that’s a deal. Were they assembled?

 

yes. sorry, I wrote built, should say assembled. (edit made)

 

Boss Offroad has 6112 assembled for $699.99 and 5100 rears for $89.99 each so yea $900 is about where you will be. Consider that if you do ever trade your Tundra for one that is pre 4th gen the 6112's assembled can be removed and your stock assembled can be replaced then just switch the 6112's into the newer truck, no dealing with coilover assembly/disassembly.

 

Best deal I could find as well. And a good point!

 

Also the 5100s are $340 on Amazon right now with free shipping. So should be able to find for cheaper than $450

https://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-Sho...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

 

check shox dot com. give them a call actually and see what deal they can give you

 

That's a good deal. Would I need anything else to put them on? Have you ever used that vendor?

Will do.

Boss gave me the best price I've seen until this Amazon. Would like to support them but this is a good bit less...

So it seems that the opinion is that my springs are probably just fine but paying up for 6112's would be cool if I'm willing to pay up.

 

I actually bought this same 5100 set-up from Amazon the last time they had it priced like this late last year. It was fulfilled by the same Vendor then too, Trends Auto. I got my shipment super quick and with no issues.

Only thing needed is to deconstruct your old coilovers and use a spring compressor to put the coil in. Kind of a hassle and scary at times depending on your spring compressor used.

 

Thanks for the info, good to know you've used that vendor.

I found an article where they did the swap without a spring compressor. They used a jack under the LCA and loosened the preload nut, then lowered the jack. Not sure which way feels more comfortable. I've never done a shock change on anything.

 

Do you have any driver side lean issues? Do I need to mess with a diff drop. I've read tons of posts here, so many conflicting opinions on both. How long have you had this setup on the truck?

 

Definitely don’t need the diff drop, especially if you are going with the lift heights mentioned above under 2”. Don’t waste the time and or money.

 

I wouldn't recommend that, lots of pressure on the spring. There's only one right way to do it.

 

Do I need any new bushings? The Amazon reviews have a lot of people saying they ended up buying new bushings for front and rear...?

 

I didn’t need anything when I purchased. And once again your suspension is really barely worn in, while taking original front coilovers apart you could take the top hat bushings if needed, but kit should include all brand new bushings.

 

I don't have the driver's side lean and didn't prior to leveling it. You can measure or put a level across your bumper to see if and how much yours might lean. A Coachbuilder shim will remedy the lean if you have it. Anything under 2.5 to 2.75 inches doesn't require a diff drop. I've had this setup for about 2 1/2 years now.

 

All done! 5100s on all 4 corners. Got it done yesterday. No major hiccups. Followed the info shared here and YouTube. Very helpful! Thanks for all of the input.

 

Sweet, I am glad it worked out!