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Level Kit vs Bilstein Front Shocks?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by jay131866, Feb 1, 2017.

  1. Feb 1, 2017 at 9:50 PM
    #1
    jay131866

    jay131866 [OP] New Member

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    Which do you think is the better option to level the front of my stock truck? I dont want to lift the back, and dont want the front to be higher than the back. Just looking for a small 1-2" level. Someone suggested installing bilsteins on the middle setting rather than a level kit. I dont really offroad so i dont want to sacrifice ride comfort if the stocks make it way stiffer.

    Not sure which is better w regards to cost, ride comfort, gas mileage, wear and tear on truck components, etc. thanks for the help!
     
    jp_over likes this.
  2. Feb 1, 2017 at 10:05 PM
    #2
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Level..more options and better ride, IMO. I have the 3/1 BOSS kit
     
    Medic, Law323, Patriot and 1 other person like this.
  3. Feb 1, 2017 at 10:32 PM
    #3
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    If you are worried about ride, stay away from spacer level kits.
     
  4. Feb 2, 2017 at 12:34 AM
    #4
    CMB

    CMB New Member

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    Not nearly enough room here!
    I'm pleased with my Bilstein 6112 on second setting and 5100's on the rear.Still have enough rake left to stay level when towing or loaded.Got the "package" from E-Bay for $759 shipped.
     
  5. Feb 2, 2017 at 4:49 AM
    #5
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

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    X2
     
    SouthBoundSteve likes this.
  6. Feb 2, 2017 at 5:26 AM
    #6
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    Bilstein 5100s on top setting had my truck sitting level. They're better than spacers IMO, very affordable and the ride didn't suffer.
     
  7. Feb 2, 2017 at 5:26 AM
    #7
    Patriot

    Patriot Member

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    +++1
     
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  8. Feb 2, 2017 at 6:01 AM
    #8
    jay131866

    jay131866 [OP] New Member

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    So you left the rear of truck stock and just added the front shocks which made it level?
     
  9. Feb 2, 2017 at 6:02 AM
    #9
    14tundra

    14tundra On Wisconsin!

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    5100s top setting
     
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  10. Feb 2, 2017 at 6:04 AM
    #10
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    Yep. Originally I had 5100 (top setting) and stock rear and it was level. Measured the same as a stock Pro.
     
    Dgjman and (deleted member) like this.
  11. Feb 2, 2017 at 8:34 AM
    #11
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    it depends on the lift. 5100 vs spacer lift, and the 5100s win hands down (or is that up?) 5100 vs suspension lift, and it becomes an issue of money vs. capability. If you really don't off-road, I should think the 5100s on the top setting would give you your best bang for your buck.
     
    jay131866[OP] likes this.
  12. Feb 2, 2017 at 9:44 AM
    #12
    jay131866

    jay131866 [OP] New Member

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    So the fronts would be same as stock pro but the rear would be a few inches lower than stock pro version? I assume the Pros come with a rake stock but not positive. Thanks for the info!
     
  13. Feb 2, 2017 at 10:01 AM
    #13
    Tundra Pirate

    Tundra Pirate Bamf

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    Bilsteins 5100 Leveled Method NV Machine KO2
    Bilstein 5100 adjustable front plus non adjustable rear set. Just purchased off Amazon prime for ~$350.
     
    Tophergt99 likes this.
  14. Feb 2, 2017 at 10:31 AM
    #14
    lightningtundra

    lightningtundra New Member

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    I stay confused on this issue as well. I went to a local shop this weekend asking about the 5100's and he said why would you want to replace brand new shocks on 2017 since I don't off road and told me a pro comp strut spacer kit would do just fine. I haven't pulled the trigger yet because I get too many varying answers. This shop is well known and also sells on line as well so idk
     
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  15. Feb 2, 2017 at 10:36 AM
    #15
    Tundra Pirate

    Tundra Pirate Bamf

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    Bilsteins 5100 Leveled Method NV Machine KO2
    Going with Bilstein 5100 level simply because my Limited is not TRD so has factory shocks.
    Two birds with one stone.
     
    Dgjman likes this.
  16. Feb 2, 2017 at 10:37 AM
    #16
    YotaDan

    YotaDan New Member

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    OP do you plan to drive the truck on back roads or off road much?
     
  17. Feb 2, 2017 at 11:26 AM
    #17
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    Pros are level. So with 5100, top setting, mine measured the same as the pro front and rear.
     
  18. Feb 2, 2017 at 11:29 AM
    #18
    dandailey

    dandailey King Tundra

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    Bakflip Revolver X2 ,Nestahedition Firestalk antenna, TRD dual exhaust, WeatherTech liners, in channel deflectors, 20% tint front, Tundra bed mat.AFE pro dry s filter,SA XDM 3.8 compact 9mm., Wheel to wheel N-Fab 3 steps.Lamin-X yellow on fogs, Bilstein 6112's top setting, BFG KO2's 275/70-18.Pioneer HU, JL RD amp, Focal speakers everywhere.
    6112's on 3rd setting. Sitting level, love the ride.
    These big boys.
    IMG_6181.jpg IMG_3653.jpg
     
    Stormtrooper81, ARES and Medic like this.
  19. Feb 2, 2017 at 12:15 PM
    #19
    jay131866

    jay131866 [OP] New Member

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    No I pretty much never off road which is why I have such a dilemma. I don't want to sacrifice ride quality if possible. A few people recommend NOT using a spacer level, but a buddy who works on my cars said a spacer will be fine if I'm not off-roading. I'm not a super gear head so I don't know if a spacer or the bilsteins will provide a stiffer ride, or which is better/worse for the internal geometry of the parts. My truck is basically brand new (2016 w 2K miles).
     
    SC_HANK and YotaDan[QUOTED] like this.
  20. Feb 2, 2017 at 12:18 PM
    #20
    jay131866

    jay131866 [OP] New Member

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    Good to know. But isn't the rear of the pros higher due to the shocks compared to the standard SR5?
     
  21. Feb 2, 2017 at 12:20 PM
    #21
    Zharris

    Zharris Merica!

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    I've been looking at some old man emu suspension stuff. Seems pretty inexpensive compared to some of the others and has a lot of good reviews.
     
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  22. Feb 2, 2017 at 12:24 PM
    #22
    ej63090

    ej63090 New Member

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    They must sell a lot of spacer kits. Blocks are going to make it ride worse. I would avoid a shop advising this.

    http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/user_upload/user_upload_us/pdfs/Bil_LevShks_WebArticle.pdf
     
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  23. Feb 2, 2017 at 12:27 PM
    #23
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    As far as I recall it was the same height, certainly too close for me to remember a difference. Also, with a spacer you're losing travel and compressing your spring. So, it's bound to be a little harsher. I've been looking but can't find the info about whether the 5100 is longer than the stock 4600 but I'm inclined to think it is. I also don't know if, at top setting, that's the same amount of compression on a 5100 as putting a spacer on top of a 4600.
     
    joonbug likes this.
  24. Feb 2, 2017 at 1:07 PM
    #24
    YotaDan

    YotaDan New Member

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    How many miles are on the truck? Is it due for shocks anyway?
     
  25. Feb 2, 2017 at 1:40 PM
    #25
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

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    They are pretty much bullet proof. If you like maintenance-free heavy-duty set-up, OME is an awesome option.
     
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  26. Feb 2, 2017 at 1:45 PM
    #26
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    Nope, same height in the rear
     
    jay131866[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  27. Feb 2, 2017 at 2:00 PM
    #27
    jay131866

    jay131866 [OP] New Member

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    Its almost brand new, 2K miles. So no haha.
     
  28. Feb 2, 2017 at 2:47 PM
    #28
    ej63090

    ej63090 New Member

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    This shouldn't sway your decision away from shocks. Its a ~40k truck that rides nice already. The difference is small with significantly more detriment on one option. Does the shop have a truck with a spacer lift on it you can drive? That will make the decision likely easier on you.

    Those who are telling you to put a spacer lift on it to save a couple hundred bucks likely give no crap to comfort.
     
    Stormtrooper81 likes this.
  29. Feb 2, 2017 at 3:03 PM
    #29
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

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    Pump the brakes just a little ej63090. I have had spacers on mine for 2 + yrs and ride quality is the same as when I drove it off the lot. If your not going off-road hardly at all, spacers are not that big of a deal. Obviously the Bilsteins (5100,6112) are your better choice. Just don't want some members getting the wrong impression that spacers are not an option. Budget could be factor, as it was for me. Short term fix for long term plans. Driving habits factor in quite a bit here.
     
    Dgjman and (deleted member) like this.
  30. Feb 2, 2017 at 6:39 PM
    #30
    Medic

    Medic New Member

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    I had a spacer set 3/2 on my last truck. Looked great but the ride was a little stiffer. I am going to go with height adjustable Bilstein's this round. Sorry to hijack the thread but does anyone know the weight rating of the spring in a 6112 kit? I am on the fence between 5100 and 6112 in the front. I know the boss lift has 650 or 700 lb springs but it is twice the cost. Thanks
     

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